PSYC 2030 - Social Psychology

Credits: 3
Hours/Week: Lecture 3 Lab None
Course Description: This course offers an introduction to social psychology, the field of psychological science focused on how the presence of others influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Key topics include social cognition, attitudes, social behavior, group processes, altruism, discrimination, social justice, and ethics and research methods in social psychology. The course also emphasizes the importance of culture and diversity in human behavior.
MnTC Goals
5 History/Social/Behavioral Science, 9 Ethical/Civic Responsibility

Prerequisite(s): PSYC 1020 with a grade of C or higher and ENGL 1020 or ENGL 1021 with a grade of C or higher.
Corequisite(s): None
Recommendation: None

Major Content

Introduction to Social Psychology
Research Methods in Social Psychology
Ethics in Social Psychology Research
Social Attribution and Social Cognition
Attitudes and Attitude Change/Persuasion
Social Influence: Conformity, Compliance, Obedience
Group Processes
Altruism (prosocial behavior, helping others)
Aggression
Stereotyping, Prejudice, Discrimination
Applied Social Psychology

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course, students will be able to:

apply the major concepts and theoretical approaches in psychological social psychology to real world and personal examples.
describe basic research methods and ethical responsibilities in social psychological research.
critically evaluate research in psychological social psychology.
apply social psychological theories or concepts to “real world” and/or personal examples.
analyze the relatie contributions of personal characteristics and situational factors as influences on an individual’s behavior.
relate social behavior to cultural context.
relate social behavior to biological and evolutionary factors.
evaluate social psychological theories or concepts through the lens of social justice.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC): Goals and Competencies
Competency Goals (MnTC Goals 1-6)
05. 01. Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
05. 02. Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
05. 04. Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.
Theme Goals (MnTC Goals 7-10)
09. 01. Examine, articulate, and apply their own ethical views.
09. 03. Analyze and reflect on the ethical dimensions of legal, social, and scientific issues.
09. 05. Identify ways to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizenship.

Courses and Registration