BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE, PILANI K.K.

BIRLA GOA
CAMPUS
SECOND SEMESTER 2019-2020
Date: 18th January 2021

Course No: HSS F372

Course Title: Introduction to Social Psychology
Instructor-in-charge: Bidisha Banerjee

1. Course Description:
Social psychology deals with understanding the interaction between human and social situation. It explains how
human behaviour is influenced and shaped by the social environment and people and vice versa. The primary
aim of this course is to introduce the fundamental theories, concepts, research methods, past and present
research related to social psychology, and application of social psychological concepts to understand real life
situation. The topics to be covered include: foundation, social perception, social cognition, attitude, self and
identity, interpersonal relationships, social influence, prosocial behaviours, group dynamics, aggression,
application of social psychology in law, health, and organizational sector, and impact of social networking on
life. The course is focused on cultivating and enhancing skills to understand and analyse social situations and
events that students encounter in their everyday life.
2. Textbook:
• Branscombe, Nyla R. and Baron, Robert A. (2017). Social Psychology (Fourteenth Edition) Pearson, New
Delhi.
3. Reference books and Materials:
A. Rast III, D. E., Axtell, C., & McGlynn, S. (2016). (Re) Applying social psychology to organizational work,
well-being, and leadership. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 46(1), 3-6.
B. Flood, F. (2017). Social Psychology of Organizations. Global encyclopedia of public administration, public
policy, and governance. Springer International Publishing, Meteor, 1-9.
C. Baron, J. N., & Pfeffer, J. (1994). The social psychology of organizations and inequality. Social Psychology
Quarterly, 190-209.
D. Pantic I. (2014). Online social networking and mental health. Cyberpsychology, behavior and social
networking, 17(10), 652–657. doi:10.1089/cyber.2014.0070
E. Richards, D., Caldwell, P. H., & Go, H. (2015). Impact of social media on the health of children and
young people. Journal of paediatrics and child health, 51(12), 1152-1157.

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 4. Detailed Course Plan
Lecture Learning objectives Broad Topics Specific Topics References
numbers
Module 1 To introduce the Introducing 1.Focus, Scope, Boundaries, Text Book Chapter 1
fundamental concepts and Social 2. Historical development
theories related of social Psychology 3. Research Methods
psychology 4.Role of theory in Social
Psychology
Module 2 To enable students to Social 1.The self in a social world (Self and Text Book Chapter 4
understand ‘self’ in a Thinking Identity)
social world.
To learn how people 2.Social beliefs and judgements Text Book Chapter 2
(Social cognition & perception) &3
think about the social
world.
Also, to analyse how 3.Behaviour and attitudes Text Book Chapter 5
people evaluate and & Chapter 3
respond to the social
world

Module 3 To know about ‘changing Social 1.Conformity and obedience Text Book Chapter 8
other’s behaviour’ Influence
2. Persuasion Text Book Chapter 5

3. Group Influence Text Book Chapter

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Module 4 To learn the underlying Social 1.Prejudice: Disliking others Text Book Chapter 6
mechanisms of ‘liking’, Relations
‘love’, and ‘aggression’.
2.Aggression: Hurting others Text Book Chapter
10
To know about the
psychology of helping 3.Attraction and Intimacy: Liking Text Book Chapter 7
others and loving others
4. Helping Text Book Chapter 9

Module 5 To know the application Application of Application of Social Psychology in Reference Materials:
of social psychology in social law, health, and organization A, B, C
different sectors: Law, psychology (Self-study)
Health, and Organizations
Module 6 To understand the impact Impact of Impact of Social Networking on Reference Materials:
of Social Networking on Social health and mental health and on D and E
health and mental health Networking on personal and social life
and on personal and life (Self-study)
social life

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 5. Evaluation Scheme and Important Dates:

EC Evaluation Weightage
Duration Date, Time Remarks
No. Component (%)
13th February 2021 at 8-8:15pm
1 Quiz 15 mins 10
(tentative)
th
2 Term paper -Proposal * 5 19 February 2021 by 11:59 PM
90
3 Mid-Semester Exam 30 6th March 2021 (4-5:30) Open Book
Minutes
3 Term Paper* 20 10th April 2021 by 11:59PM

Comprehensive 180
4 35 15th May 2021 (AN) Open Book
Examination Minutes
* Details will be provided in a separate document

6. Consultation hour: Every Tuesdays 5-6pm (except holidays) with prior appointment. Appointment
should be made through email (at least a day before).

7. Make-up policy: Make-up's are not given as a routine. It is solely dependent upon the
GENEUINENESS of the circumstances under which a student fails to appear in a scheduled test.

8. Cell phone/any other gadget usage policy during class hour: All students should make sure that
mobile phones/ other gadgets are in silent mode during class hour.

9. Google Classroom and Quanta: The communication related to course will be in both Quanta and
Google classroom. The quiz will be conducted in Quanta and the Term paper is expected to be submitted
in Google Classroom. Therefore, registered students are advised to be familiar with both the platforms.

10. Google Meet: Regular classes will be conducted in G-Meet. Invitations are sent to the registered
students. Please join G-Meet with your bits id.

11. Attendance: Every student is expected to be regular in attendance in all classes, and in fulfilling all
tasks assigned to him/her. Attendance will be recorded.

12. Notice: Notices concerning a course will be displayed on the corresponding course pages in the Quanta
as well as Google classroom.

Bidisha Banerjee

Instructor-In-charge