PSYC 379 is designed to introduce students to the field of social psychology, the scientific study of how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence, and are influenced by other people in social situations. The course covers basic theories, concepts, and research about individual processes (for example, attitude change), interpersonal processes (for example, aggression), and group processes (for example, intergroup relations).
Outline
Unit 1: Introduction
Unit 2: Doing Psychological Research
Unit 3: The Social Self
Unit 4: Perceiving Persons
Unit 5: Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
Unit 6: Attitudes
Unit 7: Social Influence
Unit 8: Group Processes
Unit 9: Attraction and Close Relationships
Unit 10: Helping Others
Unit 11: Aggression
Learning outcomes
When you have completed Psychology 379, you should be able to
define social psychology and describe the place of social psychology within the discipline of psychology.
describe methodological approaches to research in social psychology.
identify, explain, and discuss fundamental concepts, principles, theories, and research findings in the following areas:
Social perception and cognition
The social self
Value and attitude, attitude change, and behaviour change
Interpersonal communication and interpersonal relationships
Pro-social behaviour and aggression
Cooperation and conflict
Prejudice and discrimination
Social categorization, group processes, and leadership
apply social-psychological theories, concepts, principles, and research findings to everyday life.
analyze information critically and write a research report or paper.
Evaluation
To receive credit for Psychology 379, you must complete four quizzes and a written assignment, and write the final exam. Please note that the passing grade for the final exam is D (50 percent). To receive credit for the course, you must complete the quizzes and written assignment, pass the exam, and achieve an overall course grade of at least 50 percent. If you fail the exam, your exam mark will become your final grade for the course.
Activity
Weight
4 Quizzes (5% each)
20%
Written Assignment
40%
Final Exam
40%
Total
100%
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Marcus, H. R. (2021). Social Psychology (11th ed.). Cengage Learning. (eText)
All other course materials are online, and include a Study Guide.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the PSYC 379 challenge registration, you must score at least 50 percent on the exam and obtain a composite mark of at least D (50 percent) to pass. If you fail the exam, your exam mark will become the final grade for the challenge.
Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.