Course credit
3 credit hours
Course description
Overview of social psychology, including social perception and cognition, attraction and liking, social influence, group dynamics, and attitude formation and change.
Delivery
This course is available in a web-based format, utilizing web pages and WebCT, a computer conferencing program. WebCT requires Internet access and a web browser — no additional software is required. Students may need access to someone who can assist with computer set-up.
Prerequisites
UNI students: 400:001 or equivalent
Instructor
Kim MacLin, Associate Professor
Evaluation
14 assignments, 1 book report, 3 exams
Overview
This course is an introduction to research and theory in social psychology which is meant to improve your understanding of yourself, others, and the social world around you. Topics include: social influence, attitude change, and persuasion; stereotyping and prejudice; social cognition; social interaction and group processes; interpersonal attraction; prosocial behavior; and everyday human judgment. We will also cover applications of social psychology to law and health. Remember, in general psychology is the scientific study of mind, brain and behavior. Some of what you will learn may seem like "common sense," or at the very least familiar to you because you will be learning about topics that you can relate to. However, one of the most important things you will learn is that some of what we believe to be "common sense" is not true at all, and that even "common sense" principles should be evaluated scientifically.
This syllabus is our contract. Therefore, it is lengthy and detailed. It clearly states your obligations to me, and mine to you. Imagine any complaints you might have about a course (particularly after the fact, and if you didn't get the grade you wanted): and look for those possible complaints in this syllabus. If there is something you don’t like, you might want to consider taking a different course.
Have questions about the course? Check your syllabus first! Very likely the information you want is here! I do my very best to anticipate your questions and spend a great deal of time including lots of information here. When you have a question, please CHECK YOUR SYLLABUS.
Assignments
There are 15 assignments, each worth 10 points. These are not meant to be overly difficult; rather they are intended to keep you engaged in the material and keep you thinking about social psychology. The first part of every assignment is a "Go To" assignment where you have to go to a website and do a task, read some information, etc. Then you have a question to answer about the experience. Your answer should be about one half of a page long (1 inch margins, 12 point font). This is worth 5 pts. The second part of the assignment is an Essay Question. This should be about 1 page long (1 inch margins, 12 point font). This is worth 5pts.
Exams
There are two multiple choice exams. They are worth 50 points each.
The Final Exam is cumulative, multiple choice, and worth 100 points.
Extra credit
There are five points of extra credit offered on each exam and the final.
There is also a View & Review extra credit option that requires you to view a movie and review it for its presentation of social psychological principles. These reviews should be about 1 page long (1 inch margins, 12 point font). They are worth 2 points each.
Grading
NOTICE there are no plusses and minuses given
I round up for .5 or above (example, 89.5% would be a 90% and thus an A; 89.4% would be rounded down for 89% which is a B).
Textbook(s)
Aronson, E., Wilson, T. D. & Akert, R. M. (2005). Social Psychology (5th ed.). Prentice Hall: NJ. ISBN: 0-13-178686-5
Texts are available from the vendor of your choice or
University Book and Supply
1009 West 23rd Street, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 319-266-7581 or 800-728-7581
Fax: 319-277-1266
E-mail: bookstore@panthersupply.com
To enroll
ONLINE
GIS enrollment information
IN PERSON
UNI Continuing Education
2637 Hudson Road (corner of 27th St. and Hudson Rd.)
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0223
Campus map (Look for Building 31)
For more information
Cindy Klodt, Guided Independent Study
UNI Continuing Education
319-273-2123 or 800-772-1746
ContinuingEd@uni.edu