GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

The focus of this seminar is on a deeper understanding and analysis of how the self and culture shape how we feel, think, and behave, by drawing on empirical literature in social and cultural psychology. In the spring, the seminar will meet once a week for 2 periods whereas in the fall, it will meet twice a week on two different days. In the spring, class time will be devoted to group discussions on assigned readings that examine the differing consequences of helping with a self- vs other-oriented motivation. Students will discuss what benefits and costs helping have to each of these motivations, whether these motivations help matters in the quantity and quality of help provided, and whether the cultural dimensions of independence vs. interdependence map onto the self- vs other-motivation for helping. Through readings and discussions, students will gain a deeper understanding of human psychology that governs prosocial interactions.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to
achieve the following goals:
(a) to learn how social psychology can help understand our behaviors and decisions via literature review and in-depth discussion;
(b) to develop a working knowledge of different approaches and methods of social and cultural psychology;
(c) to develop a deeper understanding of our own lives, using knowledge and wisdom gained through the seminar; and
(d) to develop research skills and knowledge to apply selected social psychological theories to a real-life context.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

This course combines several different kinds of pedagogical strategies including student-led weekly class discussions and presentations. Students will receive oral and written feedback on their presentations and weekly reaction papers.

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 and Overview

Share course overview, expectations, & requirements

2[対面/face to face]：Theories on compassionate goals

Discussing theories and research on two fundamental interpersonal goals

3[対面/face to face]：Self- versus other-oriented motivation

Discussing the theoretical framework of self- vs. other-oriented social motivation

4[対面/face to face]：Consequences of self- and other-oriented motivation

Identifying the consequences of self- and other-oriented motivation to help

5[対面/face to face]：Does the difference between self- and other-oriented motivation really matter?

Questioning the dichotomy between self- and other-oriented motivations

6[対面/face to face]：Impression management motives

Discussing the consequences of helping others with the motivation to appear good

7[対面/face to face]：Benefits of compassion to self

Understanding how helping others can benefit the self

8[対面/face to face]：Midterm synthesis

Group presentations on what students have learned so far

9[対面/face to face]：Benefits of compassion at work

Discussing how compassion can increase work productivity

10[対面/face to face]：Is interdependence associated with self- or other-oriented compassion?

Distinguishing the self- and other-oriented motivation from interdependent cultural construct

11[対面/face to face]：Is independence associated with self- or other-oriented compassion?

Distinguishing the self- and other-oriented motivation from independent cultural construct

12[対面/face to face]：How can we improve prosocial motivation? Part 1

Discussing ways to improve prosocial motivation 1

13[対面/face to face]：How can we improve prosocial motivation? Part 2

Discussing ways to improve prosocial motivation 2

14[対面/face to face]：Final Synthesis

What have we learned and what are the next steps?

Students are expected to complete all the reading assignments, write weekly reaction papers, and post them on the course website by the designated date. Those assigned to lead discussions will further prepare the summaries of the readings and discussion questions. Fourth year students are expected to run their survey or experiment and collect data for their honor's thesis. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 4 hours each.

Zaki, J. (2021). The war for kindness: Building empathy in a fractured world. Robinson.

Harris, S. R. (2014). How to critique journal articles in the social sciences. Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
The weekly readings and other resources will be posted on the course website.

Students are evaluated based on weekly reaction papers (25%), active participation in class discussion (25%), leading the discussion (20%), midterm presentation (10%), and a final research paper (20%).

Some students felt rushed during the discussion. We will meet 2 periods in a row to allow more time for in-depth discussion.

Students must get the login information for PyscINFO database from the library.

Students must have successfully completed one or more from the following: Statistics, Social Psychology I or II, and Quantitative Research Methods (Social Research Methods).Instructor's permission is required.