Social Psychology

This course provides students with an introduction to the psychosocial study of human life and focuses on the central topics of this evolving discipline. To this end, the course explores the main theoretical approaches to the field of social psychology and provides current examples of practice in the field along with a number of practical applications of core concepts covered in class readings and discussions. These include in-class exercises and historical analyses of social and media events. The theoretical exploration, coupled with practical experience, will enable students to assimilate theoretical knowledge and apply it to experiential learning activities related to course concepts and learning objectives.

The core objectives of this course are: to spark awareness of and appreciation for a subject at the crossroads of social interaction and individual identity; to provide an operational framework for using social psychology for generating insights into individual, intergroup and group phenomena and dynamics; to initiate students into the process of questioning and reflecting upon underlying psychosocial forces acting upon everyday life situations; to introduce students to the empirical methods used by social psychologists for extracting hidden meaning from commonplace social situations; and to provide students with conceptual methods and practical tools for managing daily social and psychological dilemmas.

Structured into six distinctive modules covering the main aspects of the discipline of Social Psychology and its application to contemporary phenomena, the course addresses: theoretical approaches and tools; self & identity; social influence; interpersonal relationships & diversity; group behavior; and self-presentation. Within these areas, students will engage in field research on particular topics of interest to them within an intercultural framework.