PSY 311 – SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Section 001
Stephen F. Austin State University
Fall 2011
Professor: Jeremy D. Heider, Ph.D.
Class Location: ED 269
Meeting Times: TR 2:00-3:15
Credit Hours: 3
Department: Psychology (ED 215)
Office Location: ED 215H
Office Hours: M 9:00-11:00; TR 8:15-9:15 and 11:00-12:00; or by appointment
Phone Number: (936) 468-1584
E-mail: [email protected]
Text & Materials:
Baron, R. A., Branscombe, N. R., & Byrne, D. (2008). Social psychology (12th ed.).
Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Course Description:
Study of how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals relate to and are influenced
by the presence of others. Topics include conformity, aggression, interpersonal attraction,
close relationships, social cognition, attitudes, stereotypes, prejudice, and group and
intergroup behaviors. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.
Dr. J’s Description (the real scoop!):
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, feel about, and relate
to one another. Put simply, it is often described as “the psychology of everyday life.”
Thus, this course is about the various ways human beings interact with each other, for
better or for worse. Sometimes these interactions are very positive, as you will see when
we study topics like altruism and close relationships. At other times these interactions are
very negative, as you will see when we study topics like prejudice and aggression. But,
whether good or bad, at all times these topics are very interesting, meaningful, and
socially relevant.
Course Objectives:
• To provide a broad overview of the field of social psychology as a scientific
discipline, from classic theories to contemporary research.
• To familiarize students with how social psychologists think, how they do research,
and what the results of the research mean.
• To help students develop numerous skills, including critical analysis, integration,
writing, and oral communication.
• To enable students to critically analyze real-world situations in terms of social
psychological ideas and principles.
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Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs):
PLO
The student will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts,
theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in
psychology.
The student will understand and apply basic research methods in
psychology, including research design, data analysis, and
interpretation.
The student will respect and use critical and creative thinking,
skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to
solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
The student will understand and apply psychological principles to
personal, social, and organizational issues.
The student will value empirical evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act
ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of
psychology as a science.
Proficiency Level
Advanced
Advanced
Advanced
Advanced
Advanced
General Education Core Curriculum Objectives:
No core curriculum objectives are assessed in this course.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):
Students with a passing grade in this course should be able to:
• Compare theories and approaches within the field of social psychology.
• Describe and discuss important constructs in social psychology (e.g., implicit attitudes,
central vs. peripheral persuasion, mere exposure, reward theory of attraction, etc.).
• Apply numerous social psychological principles to their everyday lives.
Means of Assessment:
In this course, students will demonstrate the course outcomes in the following ways:
• Performance on multiple-choice and essay questions on exams.
• Performance on short (between 400 and 500 words) thought papers.
• Completion of a group presentation analyzing a film or television program in terms of
social psychological principles.
• Participation in class discussions and demonstrations.
Course Requirements:
Exams:
There will be four exams, each consisting of a combination of multiple-choice and essay
questions that cover material from a given unit of the course (in other words, none of the
exams will be cumulative). Any information found in the textbook, supplemental
readings, lectures, or class discussions will be fair game for the exams.
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Thought Papers:
One very effective way to promote long-term learning is to relate material to the self. To
promote this method of learning, you will be asked to write short papers based on a
particular topic from the text (Chapters 2-11). The objective of each paper will be to
relate a social psychological concept, theory, or research finding to something that has
happened in your life. The main focus of the paper will be you, so don’t spend a lot of
time defining or explaining the principle – just provide a simple description of it at some
point in the paper so I know what you’re trying to talk about.
Importantly, I want you to try to dig deep and relate stuff from your life to NEW and
SPECIFIC ideas you have learned in social psychology. In other words, I want you to
avoid a generic discussion of only the most vague concepts that you probably were
already familiar with (e.g., “conformity” or “prejudice”).
Thought papers must be typed, single-spaced, and between 400 and 500 words in
length (seriously!). And please remember – grammar and spelling count! Papers with
mistakes in these areas will DEFINITELY lose points.
Although there are a total of 9 topics to choose from (in some cases, two chapters are
considered a single topic), you will only be required to turn in 6 papers, each worth
10 points. Papers are due via e-mail ([email protected]) by no later than the
BEGINNING of the class period listed in the schedule (see below), and must be sent as
an attachment in a format compatible with Microsoft Word (either .doc, .docx, or .rtf). I
will NOT accept late papers, so if you miss a deadline you must simply wait for the next
paper to roll around. Also, please note you will NOT receive full credit for e-mailed
assignments unless you are also present in class on the due date. Exceptions can be
made in the event of a documented excuse, but for the most part this rule will be enforced
strictly. In other words, no skipping class just because you can e-mail me your paper
instead of physically handing it in!
Film Presentation:
In small groups, you will deliver a film presentation (approx. 10-12 mins) that applies
principles from social psychology to events depicted in a film (or, if you prefer, a
television program). The objective will be to select a few scenes from the film and
discuss how those scenes illustrate principles from the field.
The presentation should open with a brief synopsis of the film (basic storyline, main
characters, etc.). The remainder of the presentation should consist of a series of
alternating descriptions – one describing a scene, the next applying social psychological
principles to that scene (then another scene description, then the application of principles
to that scene, and so on…).
The film you select for your presentation is up to you – as social psychology is the
“psychology of everyday life,” its principles can be found in a seemingly endless number
of films. However, if you’d like a little help getting started, here are a few suggestions
that have worked well in the past:
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12 Angry Men – conformity, attitude change, group decision-making, minority influence
American History X – stereotyping and prejudice, social identity, persuasion
Apollo 13 – group performance and other group-based processes
Bowling for Columbine – aggression, media influences in social cognition
Crash – stereotyping and prejudice, aggression
Family Guy (TV) – any number of possibilities depending on the episode
Fight Club – aggression, social identity, persuasion
Hotel Rwanda – stereotyping and prejudice, altruism
Lord of the Flies – group influence, conformity, leadership, social identity
The Matrix – the self, social identity, social cognition, aggression
Mean Girls – conformity, social roles, persuasion, leadership
Remember the Titans – stereotyping and prejudice (esp. prejudice reduction)
The Simpsons (TV) – any number of possibilities depending on the episode
South Park (TV) – any number of possibilities depending on the episode
Taxi Driver – human aggression, interpersonal attraction, close relationships
When Harry Met Sally – interpersonal attraction, close relationships
To recap, your presentation should consist of: (a) a brief synopsis of the film; (b) brief
descriptions of the scenes you have selected for analysis; (c) the social psychological
principles you believe are applicable to the scenes (and why you believe they are
applicable); and, if possible, (d) a short (3-4 mins max) clip from the film that illustrates
one or more of the principles.
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Grading Policy:
Material
Possible Points
% of Total Points
_____________________________________________________________________
Exams:
Exam 1
Exam 2
Exam 3
Exam 4
45
45
45
45
15%
15%
15%
15%
Thought Papers (6):
60 (10 per paper)
20%
Film Presentation:
45
15%
Class Attendance & Participation:
15
5%
_____________________________________________________________________
300
100%
Grading Scale:
A
B
C
D
F
=
=
=
=
=
270-300 pts
240-269.5
210-239.5
180-209.5
179.5 or less
Note. These grade cutoffs are FIRM. In other words, I do not round grades. So if you end
up with 269 points (or 268, or 267…), don’t even bother asking me if I will round your
grade up to an A. I won’t.
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Attendance Policy:
Class attendance is expected, and will be incorporated into your class participation score
at the end of the semester. Lectures, class discussions, demonstrations – and most
importantly, your participation – are all valuable contributors to your learning. If you
know you are going to be late to (or leave early from) class, please come anyway. I
would rather have you present for part of class than to miss it completely. For more
information on SFA’s policy on attendance and excused absences, visit
http://www.sfasu.edu/upp/pap/academic_affairs/CLASS_ATTENDANCE_AND_EXCU
S.html
Academic Integrity:
Academic integrity is a responsibility of all university faculty and students. Faculty
members promote academic integrity in multiple ways including instruction on the
components of academic honesty, as well as abiding by university policy on penalties for
cheating and plagiarism.
Cheating in any form (e.g., copying your neighbor’s test answers; committing plagiarism
on your papers) is unacceptable. Cheating is grounds for failure in the course, and you
may also be subject to suspension or dismissal from the university. In other words,
DON’T CHEAT.
Definition of Academic Dishonesty:
Academic dishonesty includes both cheating and plagiarism. Cheating includes but is not
limited to (1) using or attempting to use unauthorized materials to aid in achieving a
better grade on a component of a class; (2) the falsification or invention of any
information, including citations, on an assigned exercise; and/or (3) helping or attempting
to help another in an act of cheating or plagiarism. Plagiarism is presenting the words or
ideas of another person as if they were your own. Examples of plagiarism are (1)
submitting an assignment as if it were one’s own work when, in fact, it is at least partly
the work of another; (2) submitting a work that has been purchased or otherwise obtained
from an Internet source or another source; and (3) incorporating the words or ideas of an
author into one’s paper without giving the author due credit.
Please read the complete policy at http://www.sfasu.edu/policies/academic_integrity.asp.
Withheld Grades (Semester Grades Policy A-54):
Ordinarily, at the discretion of the instructor of record and with the approval of the
academic chair/director, a grade of WH will be assigned only if the student cannot
complete the course work because of unavoidable circumstances. Students must complete
the work within one calendar year from the end of the semester in which they receive a
WH, or the grade automatically becomes an F. If students register for the same course in
future terms the WH will automatically become an F and will be counted as a repeated
course for the purpose of computing the grade point average.
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Statement on Americans with Disabilities:
If you have a documented disability or suspect that you have a learning problem and need
accommodations, please contact Disability Services in the Human Services Building, Rm
325 (Phone: 936-468-3004). You may also visit their website for more information: To
obtain disability related accommodations, alternate formats and/or auxiliary aids, students
with disabilities must contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS), Human Services
Building, Room 325, 468-3004 / 468-1004 (TDD) as early as possible in the semester.
Once verified, ODS will notify the course instructor and outline the accommodation
and/or auxiliary aids to be provided. Failure to request services in a timely manner may
delay your accommodations. For additional information, go to
http://www.sfasu.edu/disabilityservices/
Acceptable Student Behavior:
Classroom behavior should not interfere with the instructor’s ability to conduct the class
or the ability of other students to learn from the instructional program (see the Student
Conduct Code, policy D-34.1). Unacceptable or disruptive behavior will not be
tolerated. Students who disrupt the learning environment may be asked to leave class and
may be subject to judicial, academic or other penalties. This prohibition applies to all
instructional forums, including electronic, classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips,
etc. The instructor shall have full discretion over what behavior is appropriate or
inappropriate in the classroom. Students who do not attend class regularly or who
perform poorly on class projects/exams may be referred to the Early Alert Program. This
program provides students with recommendations for resources or other assistance that is
available to help SFA students succeed.
I expect every student in my courses to be good community members by remembering to
CONSIDER THE NEEDS OF OTHERS. This means a lot of things: (1) If others need
help (e.g., asking to see your notes), then help them. (2) Don’t be disruptive in class (e.g.,
via excessive talking); other people might actually want to pay attention. (3) TURN OFF
YOUR CELL PHONES OR OTHER THINGS THAT MAKE NOISE. They are
annoying. No one cares that you have a phone call, nor do they need to hear what witty
song you have as a ringtone. (4) Please SHOW RESPECT FOR OTHERS’ IDEAS
AND OPINIONS. In this class we may occasionally discuss personal and/or sensitive
issues that provoke strong feelings. Please be sensitive to the feelings of others in
discussing these issues. Also remember that good people can have differing opinions, and
that part of the purpose of the class is to increase your familiarity with how others might
think and feel about various issues related to psychology and life.
General Course Notes:
A guiding principle in this (and any) course is to READ EARLY and READ OFTEN.
You will maximize the benefits of lectures by completing the assigned readings before
we cover them in class, and you will be better prepared for exams if you have read the
material more than once. I also encourage you to ask questions, both to foster in-class
discussion and to ensure that you have an understanding of what is covered in the
textbook and lectures.
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If necessary, you may drop this course as long as it is no later than Wednesday, October
26th. For more information on SFA’s add/drop policy, visit
http://www.sfasu.edu/upp/pap/academic_affairs/add_drop.html
This course will utilize the myCourses online system (a.k.a. Blackboard) to facilitate
learning and communication. The myCourses page for this class will be used to post
course documents such as the course syllabus and lecture notes, and you will also be able
to check your grades using this system.
Note: I highly recommend printing out the lecture notes and bringing them to class – your
printouts will make a handy place to take additional notes. However, don’t make the
mistake of thinking that having access to my PowerPoint notes will serve as a substitute
for class attendance. It won’t!!! We will discuss a great deal of information above and
beyond what is presented in the slides, so if you make a habit of missing class I can
guarantee you will be at a serious disadvantage when it comes time for the exams and
other assignments.
To log into myCourses, go to http://mycourses.sfasu.edu/. This will take you to the login
page (your user name and password are the same ones you use to log into mySFA).
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Course Calendar:
Note. This proposed schedule is tentative; changes may be made as necessary. If changes
are made, they will only be announced in class – so make sure you attend regularly!
Section 1: Introduction & Groups Research – Chapters 1, 8, & 11
8/30: Course introduction; review syllabus
Introducing Social Psychology (Baron et al., Ch 1)
9/1:
Introducing Social Psychology cont’d
9/6:
Conformity, Compliance, & Obedience (Baron et al., Ch 8)
9/8:
Conformity cont’d
Chapter 8 Thought Paper Due Tuesday, 9/13
9/13: Group Influence (Baron et al., Ch 11)
9/15: Group Influence cont’d
Chapter 11 Thought Paper Due Tuesday, 9/20
EXAM 1: TUESDAY, 9/20
Section 2: “Hot” Topics – Chapters 10, 7, & 9
9/22: Aggression (Baron et al., Ch 10)
9/27: Aggression cont’d
Chapter 10 Thought Paper Due Thursday, 9/29
9/29: Interpersonal Attraction (Baron et al., Ch 7)
10/4: Interpersonal Attraction cont’d
Chapter 7 Thought Paper Due Thursday, 10/6
10/6: Altruism (Baron et al., Ch 9)
10/11: Altruism cont’d
Chapter 9 Thought Paper Due Thursday, 10/13
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EXAM 2: THURSDAY, 10/13
Section 3: Attitudes – Chapters 5 & 6
10/18: Attitudes & Persuasion (Baron et al., Ch 5)
10/20: Attitudes & Persuasion cont’d
10/25: Attitudes & Persuasion cont’d
Chapter 5 Thought Paper Due Thursday, 10/27
10/27: Prejudice (Baron et al., Ch 6)
11/1: Prejudice cont’d
11/3: Prejudice cont’d
Chapter 6 Thought Paper Due Tuesday, 11/8
EXAM 3: TUESDAY, 11/8
Section 4: Social Cognition – Chapters 4, 2, & 3
11/10: The Self (Baron et al., Ch 4)
11/15: The Self cont’d
11/17: The Self cont’d
Chapter 4 Thought Paper Due Tuesday, 11/22
11/22: Social Cognition (Baron et al., Chs 2 & 3)
THURSDAY, 11/24: NO CLASS (THANKSGIVING)
11/29: Social Cognition cont’d
12/1: Social Cognition cont’d
Chapter 2/3 Thought Paper Due Tuesday, 12/6
EXAM 4: TUESDAY, 12/6
FILM PRESENTATIONS: THURSDAY, 12/8 (regular class time)
THURSDAY, 12/15 (1:00-3:00 PM)
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