PSYC 3611: Social Psychology I
Students are introduced to the field of social psychology, focusing on how we think about and interact with others. Topics include personal perception, social cognition, attitudes, prejudice and interpersonal relations.
Learning outcomes
- Outline the procedures social psychologists use to test hypotheses about the behaviour of individuals and of groups.
- Discuss the processes through which people perceive and attempt to understand others.
- Explain how attitudes are formed and changed, and how they are related to behaviour.
- Discuss the origins and effects of prejudice and discrimination.
- Discuss the factors that influence our liking for other individuals and that lead to the formation of close relationships.
Course topics
Unit 1: Social Psychology as a Science and Social Cognition
Unit 2: Social Perception and Attitudes
Unit 3: Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Unit 4: Close Relationships
Required text and materials
The following materials are required for this course:
- Aronson, J., & Aronson, E. (Eds.). (2020). Readings about the social animal. (12th
ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Type: Textbook: ISBN 13: 978-1-4641-7872-6
Students require the following e-textbook, which can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at: https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp
- Baron, R. A., & Branscombe, N. R. (2017). Revel for Social psychology + Access
Card. (14th ed.). New York: Pearson.
Type: e-Text. ISBN: 9780134625386
Assessments
Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.
To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.
| Assignment 1― Social Psychology as a Science and Social Cognition | 12.5% |
| Assignment 2― Social Perception and Attitudes | 12.5% |
| Assignment 3― Stereotyping, Prejudice, and Discrimination | 12.5% |
| Assignment 4― Liking, Love and Other Close Relationships | 12.5% |
| Final Exam (mandatory) | 50% |
Open Learning Faculty Member Information
An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.
