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Social Psychology - PSY 211 (T) Spring 2011, 6:45-9:15 Wednesday, Bush 160 Professor: John Houston, Ph.D. Office: Room J177, Johnson Center Phone: 646-2099, Fax 646-2685 E-Mail: [email protected] Office Hours: By appointment Course Description and Goals This course is designed to provide you with a greater understanding of the nature and causes of individual behavior in social situations. Drawing on current research and theory, we will focus on issues such as social cognition, attitudes, helping behavior, persuasion, group influence, and psychology and the law. Since social psychology is part of our daily life, special emphasis will be placed on using theories and principles to understand ourselves and others better. Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to: (1) Discuss the major psychological factors that bias your decisions about yourself and others; (2) Identify personality and situational factors that influence social behavior; (3) Describe the persuasion techniques used in advertising to change attitudes and behavior; and (4) Apply psychological theories to analyze behavior in social settings. As a communication across the curriculum (T) course, this class will focus on the skill necessary for effective oral communication. Through class presentations, small group discussions, and group exercises, you will have several opportunities to develop your ability to prepare and deliver an effective oral presentation, critically analyze and evaluate other presentations, manage speech anxiety, and practice active listening. Required Text and Materials Social Psychology (10th edition) by David G. Myers, McGraw-Hill, 2010, 978-0073370668, $176.75. 12 Angry Men (1957) Henry Fonda (Producer), Reginald Rose (Writer), & Sidney Lumet (Director). Motion picture available on DVD or VHS. Requirements 1. Tests and Final Exam: Three tests consisting of multiple choice questions, short answers and essays will represent 45% of your final course grade. In addition, a comprehensive final exam will determine 35% of your final grade. Make-up tests will not be given except in cases involving a medical emergency (verified by a note from your doctor). 2. Attendance. Class attendance is mandatory. Absences that are required for job, medical or related reasons will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Course grades will be lowered for failure to comply with this attendance policy. Please call (407-646-2099) or e-mail me at [email protected] if you are not able to attend class. 3. Written Assignments. To provide you with some practice in applying certain theories and principles, you will select from the short paper assignments listed in the back the syllabus and write three brief 1-2 page paper. These short assignments will represent 15% of the final course grade (see last page of syllabus for due dates). In addition, a 6-8 page paper which presents a social-psychological analysis of the film The Twelve Angry Men will also be due at the end of the course (April 27) and will be graded as part of the final exam. 4. Oral Presentation. Each member of the class will make a brief oral presentation explaining how a theory or principle from social psychology can help explain the effectiveness of an advertisement or account for “interesting” social behavior reported in the newspaper. Your presentation will be evaluated based on the 8 communication competencies developed by the National Communication Association. The 8 communication competencies are defined on the Oral Presentation Feedback Sheet on the last page of the syllabus and include: 1. Topic 5. Use of Language 2. Purpose 6. Vocal Variety 3. Supporting Material 7. Articulation 4. Organization 8. Non-Verbal Behavior 5. Group and Class Discussion. Throughout the semester, class members will be assessed on their participation in group and class discussions using the following the following criteria: (1) Preparedness/Knowledge, (2) Constructive/Active Listening, (3) Cooperation, (4) Attendance, and (5) Attitude/Motivation. Your oral presentation and participation in group and class discussion will together represent 5% of your course grade. Study hint: Check the McGraw Hill Online Learning Center for practice chapter tests and study guides at http://www.mhhe.com/myers10e. Important Dates • January 26 Paper #1 Due • February 2 Test 1 (Chapters 1-4) • February 16 Paper #2 Due • March 2 Test 2 (Chapters 5-8) • March 16 Paper #3 Due • March 30 Paper #4 Due • April 6 Test 3 (Chapters 9-12) • April 20 Paper #5 Due • April 27 12 Angry Men Paper Due • April 27 Comprehensive Final Exam Week 1: January 12 Topic: Introduction and Overview Reading: Chapter 1 Week 2: January 19 Topic: Self-Justification Reading: Chapter 2 Week 3: January 26 Topic: Explaining Others' Behaviors & Social Beliefs Reading: Chapters 3 & 4 Week 4: February 2 ********** Test #1 (Chapters 1-4)********* Week 5: February 9 Topic: Cultural Influences Reading: Chapter 5 Week 6: February 16 Topic: Persuasion, Conformity, and Obedience Reading: Chapters 6 & 7 Week 7: February 23 Topic: Group Influences Reading: Chapter 8 Week 8: March 2 **********Test #2 (Chapters 5-8)************ Week 9: March 9 ****SPRING BREAK**** Week 10: March 16 Topic: Prejudice & Discrimination Reading: Chapters 9 Week 10: March 23 Topic: Human Aggression & Attraction Reading: Chapter 10 & 11 Week 11: March 30 Topic: Altruism Reading: Chapter 12 Week 12: April 6 ************Test #3 (Chapters 9 - 12)************* Week 13: April 13 Topic: Conflict Reading: Chapter 13 Week 14: April 20 Topic: Social Psychology and the Law Reading: Chapter 15 Week 15: April 27 ******Final Examination********* Academic Honor Code Membership in the student body of Rollins College carries with it an obligation and requires a commitment to act with honor in all things. Because academic integrity is fundamental to the pursuit of knowledge and truth and is the heart of the academic life of Rollins College, it is the responsibility of all members of the College community to practice it and to report apparent violations. The following pledge is a binding commitment by students of Rollins College: The development of the virtues of Honor and Integrity are integral to a Rollins College education and to membership in the Rollins College community. Therefore, I, a student of Rollins College, pledge to show my commitment to these virtues by abstaining from any lying, cheating, or plagiarism in my academic endeavors and by behaving responsibly, respectfully and honorably in my social life and in my relationships with others. This pledge is reinforced every time a student submits work for academic credit as his/her own. Students shall add to all papers, quizzes, tests, lab reports, etc., the following handwritten abbreviated pledge followed by their signature: “On my honor, I have not given, nor received, nor witnessed any unauthorized assistance on this work.” Material submitted electronically should contain the pledge; submission implies signing the pledge. Our Commitment to Students with Disabilities Rollins College is committed to equal access and does not discriminate unlawfully against persons with disabilities in its policies, procedures, programs or employment processes. The College recognizes its obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 to provide an environment that does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. If you are a person with a disability and anticipate needing any type of academic accommodation in order to participate in this class, please make appropriate arrangements by contacting Gail Ridgeway, the Disability Services Coordinator, located in the Thomas P. Johnson Student Resource Center, (407) 646- 2354. Short Paper Assignments Paper #1: Social Cognition and Cognitive Error After reading Chapters 2 & 3 in the Myer's book, think of an example of a cognitive error that you experienced or that a friend has experienced. In a 1-2 page typed paper, describe what happened and provide an analysis of why the experience represents a cognitive bias. Make sure to specify which bias best explains what happened (e.g., the availability heuristic). Your analysis should reflect the perspective of social psychology and must demonstrate that you have read the relevant chapters and understand the technical terms you use. (Due January 26) Paper #2: Analyzing the Abilene Paradox After reading The Abilene Paradox discuss how the odd behavior of the group members can be understood using social psychological principles. Please answer the following questions in your discussion: (1) What is the nature of social influence appears to be operating in this situation?; (2) What factors contribute to the strength of the social influence?; (3) What could the author have done to prevent the group from going on the long and unpleasant journey?; and (4) What made it so difficult for any of the group members to intervene? (Due February 16) Paper #3: The Consequences of Stereotyping We often experience stereotyping in the form of labels. Think back on a time in which you have been "labeled." What kind of affective responses did you have to being labeled? Did the label affect how other people perceived you? Did the label influence you behavior? Please write a brief essay in response to these questions. Make sure to relate your personal experience back to the theories and principles discussed in Chapter 9 of the Myers book. (Due March 16) Paper #4: Helping Behavior Think of a time when you felt the need to help someone or render assistance but ultimately did not. Provide a brief description of the circumstances surrounding this event and use the principles and theories from the text to analyze the factors that made it difficult for you to help. Now that you have studied the dynamics of helping behavior, do you think you would act differently if confronted with a similar situation? (Due March 30) Short Paper #5: The Prisoner's Dilemma Paradigm and War Look in the paper and find an armed conflict that is currently going on.