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DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
COURSE INFORMATION CONTACT INFORMATION
SESSION: 05/18/15 - 06/26/15 INSTRUCTOR: Andrea L. Ruiz
DAYS: MTWRF EMAIL: alr349@psu.edu
TIME: 11:10 AM – 12:25 PM OFFICE: 317 Oswald
ROOM: 371 Willard HOURS: TR 9:30 – 11:00AM
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Social Psychology is an interdisciplinary area of study that combines sociology and psychology to scientifically
study human social minds and behavior. This research discipline allows us to study how we perceive the
world around us, how we interact with others, how we influence the way others think and behave (and vice
versa) and how groups interact.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
A key theme of this course is to understand how social science helps us understand “real world” human
behavior and experience, including students’ own. The primary objectives for this class are:
1. Accurately identify, explain, and correctly use major social psychological concepts introduced in the
text readings and in the lectures.
2. Identify and define the assumptions of major theoretical perspectives.
3. Interpret results and graphical displays of quantitative data
REQUIRED TEXT
Franzoi, Stephen (2012) Social Psychology, 6/e. BVT Publishing (ISBN: 978-1-61882-163-8).
Additional readings may be required and will be made available via ANGEL.
EVALUATION
Assignments
There will be a total of four written assignments due. They will be evaluated based on their sociological
content, relevance to course material and writing proficiency. Assignments are due in person at the
beginning of class when they are due. NO late assignments.
Exams
There will be a total of four exams at the end of each week which will recap information from the previous
four days of lecture. Lastly, there is one cumulative final exam, although most of it will focus on material from
the last chapters covered. All exams will be multiple choice, matching, and/or short answer questions based
on course readings, lectures and class discussions.
Class Participation
Class participation is a strong expectation of this course for two reasons. First, exam questions will be based
not only on readings but also on lectures and class discussions. Second, by sharing questions and comments
with the class, students demonstrate their own personal investment in learning the material and contribute to a
more interesting learning environment for everyone. Students are expected to come to class having done the
reading and ready to discuss it.
WEEK 1
MONDAY Introducing Social Psychology Chapter 1
TUESDAY MAY 19 Conducting Research Chapter 2
WEDNESDAY MAY 20 The Self Chapter 3
THURSDAY MAY 21 Social Cognition and Person Perception Chapter 4
FRIDAY MAY 22 EXAM 1 Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4
WEEK 2
MONDAY MAY 25 Memorial Day – No Class
TUESDAY MAY 26 Attitudes and Persuasion Chapter 5
WEDNESDAY MAY 27 Stereotyping, Prejudice & Discrimination Chapters 6
THURSDAY MAY 28 Social Influence and Group Behavior Chapter 7 and 8
FRIDAY MAY 29 EXAM 2 Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8
WEEK 3
MONDAY JUNE 1 Introduction to Mental Health Supplemental Material
TUESDAY JUNE 2 Types of Mental Disorders Supplemental Material
WEDNESDAY JUNE 3 The Social Context of Mental Health Supplemental Material
THURSDAY JUNE 4 Race, Class, Gender and Mental Health Supplemental Material
FRIDAY JUNE 5 Religion and Mental Health Supplemental Material
WEEK 4
MONDAY JUNE 8 The Body – Media Influence Supplemental Material
TUESDAY JUNE 9 The Body – Cultural Influence Supplemental Material
WEDNESDAY JUNE 10 The Body – Taboos Supplemental Material
THURSDAY JUNE 11 The Body – Body Image Perceptions Supplemental Material
FRIDAY JUNE 12 EXAM 3 Week 3 and 4 Content
WEEK 5
MONDAY JUNE 15 Interpersonal Attraction Chapter 9
TUESDAY JUNE 16 Sex and Sexuality Supplemental Material
WEDNESDAY JUNE 17 Intimate Relationships Chapter 10
THURSDAY JUNE 18 Dating in the Modern World Supplemental Material
FRIDAY JUNE 19 EXAM 4 Chapters 9, 10 and SM
WEEK 6
MONDAY JUNE 22 Aggression Chapter 11
TUESDAY JUNE 23 Anti-Social Behaviors Supplemental Material
WEDNESDAY JUNE 24 Prosocial Behaviors Chapter 12
THURSDAY JUNE 25 Altruism Supplemental Material
FRIDAY JUNE 26 STUDY DAY – No Class
MONDAY JUNE 29 FINAL EXAMINATION
COURSE SCHEDULE AND POLICIES
Exam Policies and Extra Credit Opportunities
You must arrive at all exams on time. Students who are 15 minutes late or more may not be allowed to take
the exam. Hats must be removed, all electronic devices must remain in bags during exam periods, and cell
phones/messaging devices must be stored in bags during exams. All exams count towards your final grade,
and make-up exams are not offered.
Special Needs
I will be happy to discuss appropriate accommodations you may require as a student with a disability or
medical condition. For more information about these services please see http://www.psu.edu/bulletins
/bluebook/intro/gi-113.htm, call 814-863-1807, or visit the ODS at 116 Boucke Building.
Special Needs
I will be happy to discuss appropriate accommodations you may require as a student with a disability or
medical condition. For more information about these services please see
http://www.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/intro/gi-113.htm, call 814-863-1807, or visit the ODS at 116 Boucke
Building.