GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This is an introductory course in social psychology, the scientific study of how we view and influence one another. Students are introduced to the theories, research methods, and seminal findings of social psychology. Social Psychology II will focus on social relations and intergroup dynamics, covering topics such as close relationships, helping and aggression, group influence, prejudice, and peacemaking. Social Psychology I and II will complement each other to provide an overview of the main content areas of social psychology.

This course will introduce students to the perspectives, research methods, and empirical findings in the field of social psychology and cultivate skills in analyzing the social situations and events that we encounter in our everyday lives. By the end of the course, students will be able to (1) identify and understand major theories, principles, and research findings in the field of social psychology, (2) apply social psychological theories and principles to real-life experiences, and (3) critically evaluate social psychological theories and research. In Social Psychology II, students will be able to answer the following questions: How are we influenced by our environment and by other people? What causes relationships to begin or fail? Why are people sometimes helpful, but at other times aggressive or even cruel? How does the presence of others influence individual performance and decision? What leads to prejudice and what can be done about this problem?

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

Methods of instruction include lectures, films, individual and small group activities, and discussions. Students will engage in various hands-on activities and experiments to experience the concepts they learn in class. Students will be asked to reflect on their daily experiences and share examples that illustrate these concepts. Student will receive feedback from the lecturer in the form of in-class comments, feedback to comments/questions posted online, and written comments to any assignments that are handed in.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction

Overview of course and requirements; what topics are covered throughout the course

2[対面/face to face]：Attraction

What increases liking?

3[対面/face to face]：Close Relationships 1

What causes relationships to begin or fail?

4[対面/face to face]：Close Relationships 2

Group Work I

5[対面/face to face]：Prosocial Behavior

When and why we help (or don’t help)?

6[対面/face to face]：Aggression

What are the determinants of aggression?

7[対面/face to face]：Midterm Exam

Midterm exam (weeks 1-6)

8[対面/face to face]：Group Influence 1

Task performance in groups

9[対面/face to face]：Group Influence 2

Group Work II

10[対面/face to face]：Group Influence 3

Decision-making in groups

11[対面/face to face]：Stereotyping and Prejudice 1

What causes stereotypes and prejudice?

12[対面/face to face]：Stereotyping and Prejudice 2

Group Work III

13[対面/face to face]：Conflict and Peacemaking

What causes conflict? How can we encourage peacemaking?

14[対面/face to face]：Final Exam

Final exam (weeks 8-13)

Students should review their notes and read the assigned readings before each class and be able to explain the major concepts and theories they have learned. To test their understanding of the material, students must complete short online quizzes. If there are any parts they do not fully understand, students are encouraged to consult the lecturer during class, post a question/comment online, or go through related references. They must also download and print out handouts prior to each class and bring them to class to take notes. Occasionally, students will also be assigned homework (worksheets, questionnaires, etc). Preparatory study and review time for this class are 2 hours each.

No textbook will be used.

Myers, D. G. & Twenge, J. (2019). Social Psychology (13th ed.) McGraw-Hill.

The reference book will be available in the library and the GIS Reference Room for those who wish to learn about each topic in more detail. Handouts and reading materials are on the course website.

Students are evaluated by means of two exams (25% each), in-class activities/online quizzes (20%), group work (20%), and class participation (10%).

Not applicable, due to change in lecturer.

Social Psychology I and II can be taken in reverse order (II and then I). Students who have taken and passed introductory courses in psychology (e.g., Introduction to Psychology I/II, Developmental Psychology) may be given priority in the selection. Students are strongly encouraged to take this class if they intend to enroll in Self and Culture seminar.

None.