Sociology B20/Psychology B20: Social Psychology Spring Semester 2013 Instructor: John Carpenter Office: LA 215B Phone: 661 395-4294 E-Mail jcarpent@bakersfieldcollege.edu Office Hours: MW 1:30PM-2:00PM and TR 11:00AM-12:30PM Class: CRN# 31721 MW 11:10AM-12:25PM Catalog Description This course examines the effects of social influence on individual behavior: This including the study of conformity, compliance, obedience, persuasion, attitude formation and attitude change. The role of social judgment, aggression, prejudice, prosocial behavior attraction, and interpersonal relationships are also examined. The scientific method and research strategies in social psychology are employed. PSYC B20 and SOCI B20 are equivalent courses. Student Learning Outcomes The student will be able to: 1. Differentiate and apply the basic theoretical perspective and concepts related to social psychology. 2. Utilize the theories and concepts as a means to describe the role of social influence on such topics as the self, attitude formation and change, social judgment, persuasion, compliance, conformity, obedience, emotions, attraction and relationships, aggression and violence. 3. Identify the basic elements of the scientific method including the various methodologies used to collect, analyze, and interpret the data/observations employed in social psychological research. Required Text Duff, Kimberly J. 2012. Think Social Psychology, Boston, MA. Pearson Assignments Class/Group Exercises: This takes one of two forms: In a class exercise you will be asked to individually complete a brief assignment (generally a quiz) related to the current lecture and/or reading material. In a group exercise you will be divided into small groups and asked to discuss and record information related to the current lecture and/or reading material. In each case you will then participate in a larger class discussion based on the content of the given exercise. These exercises will help you to apply the social psychological concepts covered in class and
will directly address the material to be covered in the next exam. You must be present in class at the time of the exercise in order to receive credit for your participation. Some class exercises will begin and end within the first 10 minutes of class. If you are not present during that time you will not receive credit for the exercise. Written Response: For this assignment you will be asked to provide two written responses to social psychological concepts covered in your reading and/or discussed in class. The first assignment will be a written response to the Castaway. After view the material presented in class you will describe what social psychological concepts were present in the Castaway scenario. For the second response you will choose a concept from the material covered in class in the weeks preceding the due date. You should describe the concept and then apply it to real life or contemporary situations. The purpose of this assignment is to demonstrate your understanding of the social psychological concepts covered in class; therefore, your written responses should utilize these concepts. The written responses will be further discussed in class. Style: You must follow the style manual for either the American Sociological Association (ASA) or the American Psychological Association (APA) in writing your paper. Sources for referencing this style will be provided in class. Writing: Your paper will be graded on the quality of writing as well as content. It should be grammatically sound and thoughtfully constructed. An A paper is essentially free from errors. Format and Pages: Each paper must be typed in a double spaced format with a 12-point font and standard margins. Each paper should include a title page and reference page. The first assign should be no less than two and no more than three pages in length. The second assignment should be no less that three and no more than four pages in length. Your pages must be numbered in the upper right corner and stapled on the left upper corner before submission. Due Dates: First response (Castaway) is due March 2 nd and the second is due March 30 th. Important Information on Writing Assignments: 1. Record the due dates now; late papers will not be accepted. Assignments must be turned in at the beginning of class on the date they are due. DO NOT EMAIL YOUR PAPER, it will not be accepted. 2. Students will write no less than 10 written pages in essays, exams, and other assignments. Examinations There will be four multiple-choice/short answer essay exams in this course, three mid-terms and a final. The material covered by the exams will include both lecture and reading. There will be material covered in reading that will not be covered in lecture and visa-versa. In order to be
fair to everyone taking the exams please pay careful attention to the following information in regard to the examinations: Important Information on Examinations: 1. Make note of the examination schedule and keep those dates clear. No make-up exams are given with the single exception of very extraordinary circumstances and only then if prior arrangements have been made. 2. Be on time! Exams will be handed out during the first five (5) minutes of class; after fifteen (15) minutes no further exams will be distributed. If you are later than fifteen (15) minutes you will not be allowed to take the exam and no make-up exams will be allowed. 3. You will need to have a scantron (AccuScan 100AS) and a number 2 pencil with you before coming to class on exam day. Do not come to class on an exam day without the proper scantron and pencil. First Mid-Term Examination: This exam will cover chapters 1 through 3 in the text and lectures given prior to exam date. Second Mid-Term Examination: This exam will cover chapters 4 through 6 in the text and lectures given prior to exam date. Third Mid-Term Examination: This exam will cover chapters 7 through 10 in the text and lectures given prior to exam date. Final Examination: This exam will primarily cover chapter 11 through 13 in the text and lectures given prior to exam date. In addition, the final examination will have some comprehensive elements. Grading Class/Group Exercises (Periodic) 10 points 90 to 100 = A Writing Exercise One: (Feb 27) 10 points 80 to 89 = B Writing Exercise Two: (Mar 18) 20 points 70 to 79 = C Exam One: (Feb 13) 15 points 60 to 69 = D Exam Two: (Mar 12) 15 points 00 to 59 = F Exam Three: (Apr 15) 15 points Final Exam: (May 8) 15 points Participation You are strongly encouraged to be present and on time for every class. Research has repeatedly shown that the best predictor of class grades is regular attendance. Group exercises (10% of your grade) and any potential extra credit will be attached directly to attendance.
Further, some group exercises will be given in the first few minutes of class and those who are late will not receive credit. Attendance Economic considerations have placed constraints on the number of students allowed to enroll in this class. In order to be fair to those students currently on the waitlist, any student who misses a single class session in the first two weeks of the semester will be dropped from the roll unless the instructor is notified prior to the missed class. Any students who miss a total of four classes during the course of the semester will also be dropped from the roll. In addition, students who are late to class at the time of a class exercise will not receive credit for the exercise. Other Important Dates Jan 25: Jan 28: Jan 28: Mar 30: Last day for refunds for semester length sessions Last day to add a semester length class with approved enrollment exception form Last day to drop semester length classes without receiving W grades Last day to withdraw from semester length classes and receive W grades Cell Phone Etiquette Please have you cell phones on silent mode while in class. Please do not answer your phone or text message during class time. Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities who believe they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact Disabled Student Programs & Services located at Student Services Building, 1st Floor, Counseling Center (661-395-4334), as soon as possible to better ensure such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. Course Schedule (Subject to Change) Reading Week 1 (Jan 14-16) Week 2 (Jan 21-23) Week 3 (Jan 28-30) Week 4 (Feb 4-6) Week 5 (Feb 11-13) Introduction Defining Social Psychology Holiday: January 21 Social Psychological Research Social Psychological Research (continued) Social Cognition Social Cognition (continued) Review for Exam One Exam One: February 13 Self Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4
Week 6 (Feb 18-20) Week 7 (Feb 25-27) Week 8 (Mar 4-6) Week 9 (Mar 11-13) Week 10 (Mar 18-20) Mar 25-29 Week 11 (Apr 1-3) Week 12 (Apr 8-10) Week 13 (Apr 15-17) Week 14 (Apr 22-24) Week 15 (May 1-3) Week 16 (May 6-8) Holiday: February 18 Caste Away Social Perception Writing Exercise One: February 27 Attitudes Review for Exam Two Exam Two: March 12 Persuasion Social Influence Writing Exercise Two: March 18 Spring Break Group Power Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination Review for Exam Three Exam Three: April 15 Aggression Attraction/Relationships Prosocial Behavior Review for the Final Exam Final Exam: May 8 10:00-11:50AM Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapters 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13