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Winter 2003
This information effective for Winter 2003. Check with instructor the first day of class for any changes.
Psychology
[PSYC-040]
40. Introduction to Social Psychology
Note: This syllabus from a previous quarter
Instructor:
Colin Wayne Leach
351 Social Sciences 2, 459-5679
E-mail: cwleach@ucsc.edu
Course Description:
Requirements
Weekly Reading
Each week you are assigned one chapter from a comprehensive textbook: Taylor, S.E., Peplau, L.A, & Sears, D.O. (2000), Social Psychology (10th Edition). Prentice Hall. It is available at both the Bay Tree Bookstore and Slug Books.
Weekly Section
Discussion sections are a required part of this course and are led by Graduate Teaching Assistants. Each week in section, time will be allotted to review and discuss the previous week's material. Most of the time in section will be spent in experiential exercises and directed discussions designed to complement the lecture and text.
Teaching Assistants
| TBA | ||
| TBA | ||
| TBA | ||
| TBA |
Examinations
Two in class multiple choice examinations (a mid-term and a final) will be given. The questions will address material covered in lecture, the text, and exercises and discussions in section.
Mid-term: (in class) Tuesday, February 13
Final: (in Thimann 3) Friday, March 16, 7:30-10:30 PM (per class schedule).
Written
Paper
One written paper of 6-8 pages is required. In many ways, it is equivalent to a lengthy essay question on a final exam. You are asked to apply one major social psychological concept to the film "12 Angry Men" (which will be shown in class). Your application of a concept is expected to demonstrate a thorough understanding of it and its ability to explain a particular aspect of social life dramatized in the film.
Approximately 1/3 of the paper should describe the social psychological concept chosen and relevant research covered in course materials. For some topics, one or two additional sources may be necessary. Approximately 2/3 of the paper should demonstrate how the concept applies to or provides an explanation for what happens in the film. Specific scenes and quotes from the film should be used.
Papers must be written in a scholarly fashion: proper citation of sources, nonsexist language, and supporting your argument with logic, research, and illustrations, for example, are extremely important. For direction, consult the 4th edition of the American Psychological Association's Publication Manual, or another standard writing guide.
Due: Thursday, March 8
Class
Policy
Attendance
of lecture and discussion section is required and will be periodically
assessed.
Late work
will only be accepted under the most extenuating circumstances (e.g.,
serious personal or family illness, death, dismemberment) and only with
appropriate documentation. Otherwise, due dates are non-negotiable.
Academic misconduct (e.g., cheating, plagiarism) will not be tolerated. If you are unsure of what constitutes appropriate behavior, please ask. For campus guidelines regarding plagiarism and other academic conduct, please consult the student handbook or go to http://www.ucsc.edu/academics/academic_integrity
Evaluation
Scheme
| Excellent | (A- to A+) |
| Very Good | (B- to B+) |
| Satisfactory | (C- to C+) |
| Marginal Pass | (D to D+) |
| No Pass | (F) |
Weekly Schedule
Introduction
Week 1. What
is Social Psychology?
TEXT: Chapter 1: "Theories and Methods in Social Psychology"
Social
Context
Week 2. Behavior
in Groups
TEXT: Chapter 10: "Behavior in Groups"
Week 3. Social
Influence
TEXT: Chapter 7: "Social Influence"
Motivation
and Behavior
Week 4. Prosocial
/ Helping
TEXT: Chapter 12: "Helping Behavior"
Week 5. Antisocial
/ Hurting
TEXT: Chapter 13: "Aggression"
Bushman, B. J., & Anderson, C. A. (2001). Media violence and the American public: Scientific facts versus media misinformation. American Psychologist, 56, 477-489.
(Micro-Social)
Processes
Week 6. Person
Perception and Attribution
TEXT: Chapter 3: "Person Perception: Forming Impressions of Others"
Week 7. Attitudes
and Attitude Change
TEXT: Chapter 5: "Attitudes and Attitude Change"
Applications
Week 8. Prejudice
and Intergroup Relations
TEXT: Chapter 6: "Prejudice"
Week 9. Politics
TEXT: Chapter 15: "Social Psychology and Politics"