PSYC 3621: Social Psychology II
This course aims to expand students' knowledge of human behaviour and thought in social context. Topics include self-concept, self-esteem, and gender identity - the elements of social identity; conformity, compliance, and obedience - processes that influence social behaviour; altruism; causes and control of aggression; and group performance, including group decision-making and leadership. Before completion of the course, students examine applications of social psychology principles in six areas: population control, health promotion, the environment, law, politics, and the workplace.
Learning outcomes
- Discuss the multiple aspects of self and gender as components of personal identity and how they may influence behaviour.
- Explain the processes of social influence, including conformity, compliance, and obedience.
- Describe the conditions under which people will, or will not, provide help to others.
- Discuss the causes and control of aggression.
- Discuss the processes of group performance, including group decision-making and leadership.
- Describe applications of social psychology to several real-life problems.
Course topics
Unit 1: Social Identity
Unit 2: Social Influence
Unit 3: Prosocial Behaviour
Unit 4: Aggression
Unit 5: Groups and Individuals
Unit 6: Dealing with Adversity and Achieving a Happy Life
Required text and materials
The following textbooks would have been purchased in PSYC 3611. Students who did not take PSYC 3611 and/or don't already own the required textbooks, will need to purchase it. To do so, please contact Enrolment Services at student@tru.ca or 1.800.663.9711 (toll-free in Canada), 250.852.7000 (Kamloops, BC), and 1.250.852.7000 (International).
- Aronson, J., & Aronson, E. (Eds.). (2020). Readings about the social animal (12th
ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-1-4641-7872-6
The following e-textbook 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 Identity | 12.5% |
| Assignment 2 – Prosocial Behaviour or Aggression | 12.5% |
| Assignment 3 – Groups and Individuals | 12.5% |
| Assignment 4 – Dealing with Adversity and Achieving a Happy Life | 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.
