Tags
PSY
Admissions requirements
None.
Description
Social psychology addresses how the way we feel, think and behave is influenced by the real or imagined presence of others. Social psychology is related to sociology in this regard, but instead of focusing on group factors such as race and socioeconomic class, it focuses on the individual. Also, it relies on empirical scientific research to generate theories of social behavior. This course covers social psychological theories and research regarding social cognition, social perception, attitude change, conformity and obedience, group dynamics, interpersonal attraction, prosocial and antisocial behavior, prejudice and stereotyping and everyday social judgment. It covers also applications of social psychology to work, law, politics, community development and health.
Course objectives
The student:
knows the key concepts, approaches, theories and methods that comprise contemporary social psychology.
is able to communicate these in valid ways to others, both in speaking and writing.
is able to analyze phenomena in terms of social-psychological concepts.
is able to explain how his/her knowledge of key concepts, theories and findings of contemporary social psychology has led to greater understanding of the self, others and social situations and events.
Timetable
Once available, timetables will be published here.
Mode of instruction
The course consists of 14 meetings (including an introductory meeting of 110 minutes during week 1), which each cover a different theme central to social psychology. Every first meeting of each theme, the teacher will introduce all relevant concepts and theory during a plenary lecture. Every second meeting of each theme involves interactive presentations by the students and classroom discussion of the relevant theory in relation to real-life situations. This can be centered on a news-item, commercial, work of art, or any other observation, as long as it is well explained how the theory and the phenomenon relate, how the theory helps to understand the phenomenon, or how the phenomenon contradicts, or extends the theory discussed. Students, who are not themselves presenting, hand in a short analysis on the same topic. These analyses will be addressed during the discussion of each presentation, so that there will be a platform for interaction between the presenter and the audience. In addition, the presenting students come-up with (an) interactive assignment(s) to engage the rest of the class.
Assessment
Analyses (3), 3x10%
Presentation, 30%
Midterm and final exam, 40%
Blackboard
There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.
Reading list
Compulsory Literature
- Baron, R. A., Branscombe, N. R. (2014). Social Psychology (13th edition). Pearson.
Recommended Literature & Other Sources (e.g. websites, Academic Journals, documentaries etc.)
- Throughout the course, relevant links and material will be shared via BlackBoard (i.e. expert talks, real-life illustrations of the theory, and additional readings). In addition, material will be provided that aids with the fulfilment of the weekly assignments (i.e. tips and suggestions on making a presentation, writing an analysis, examples of good and bad practice, etc.).
Registration
This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Education Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.
Contact
Email: r.pliskin@fsw.leidenuniv.nl
Phone: 071-5276762
Office Hours: Before class (appointment required)