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 I will primarily focus on how we think about the social world, how we come to understand others, and how we exert influence on others’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Topics include perceptions of others and the self, attitudes, conformity, obedience, and persuasion. Social Psychology II will focus on social relations and intergroup dynamics, covering topics such as helping and aggression, group influence, self, emotion, and prejudice. These two courses 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 I, students will be able to answer the following questions: How are we influenced by our environment and by other people? How do we explain others’ behavior? What are attitudes and how do they affect us? What leads to conformity and obedience? When are people persuaded by differing opinions and when are they not?

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. Feedback for the quizzes and midterm exams will be given in class. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the office hours should they wish to get more personalized feedback on how to improve their performance.

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

What is social psychology?

2[対面/face to face]：Methods in Social Psychology

How do social psychologists study behaviors?

3[対面/face to face]：Social Cognition I

How do we perceive our social world?

4[対面/face to face]：Social Cognition II

How do we make sense of our social world?

5[対面/face to face]：Attitudes and Behaviors I

When do attitudes predict behaviors?

6[対面/face to face]：Attitudes and Behaviors II

When do behaviors predict attitudes?

7[対面/face to face]：Attitudes and Behaviors III

How much is the social world “out there” vs. “in our head”?

8[対面/face to face]：Review & Midterm Exam

What have we learned so far? Multiple choice and short-essays

9[対面/face to face]：Conformity I

Why do people conform? Informational social influence

10[対面/face to face]：Conformity II

Why do people conform? Normative social influence

11[対面/face to face]：Obedience

What leads to attitude change

12[対面/face to face]：Persuasion I

When do people get convinced?
Elaboration likelihood model

13[対面/face to face]：Persuasion II

How can you persuade others? Persuasion technique

14[対面/face to face]：Review & Final Exam

What have we learned so far? Multiple choice and short-essays

Before each class, students are expected to review their notes from previous classes and do the assigned readings. 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.

None.

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 based on midterm and final exams (35% each), in-class activities and quizzes (20%), and class participation (10%).

Students usually find this course interesting and eye-opening. I hope to continue engaging students with materials through various hands-on activities and discussions.

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.