Instructor: Dr. Lee D. Millar Bidwell
Office Phone: 395-2699
E-mail: lbidwell@longwood.edu
(address is case sensitive)
Office: 231 W. Ruffner
Office Hours: TR 12:30-2:00 p.m.; W 1:30-2:30; and by appointment
Class Meeting Times: TR 2:00-3:15 p.m., W. Ruffner Room 228
What is worthwhile about studying social psychology? Certainly there are many men and women who have lived full and productive lives without ever having heard of the subject. To be sure, social psychology does not provide all the answers one might like to have on hand for the very real business of living. But if sociological social psychology will not dispel all the mysteries surrounding human beings making their way through their social universe, it can at least light some candles along the way to illuminate some important and sometimes curious phenomena (McCall and Simmons, 1982, Social Psychology: A Sociological Approach, p. 1).
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Course Description: "[This course examines] the interplay of societal forces and self. Attention is given to such topics as: self in society and society in self; collective behavior; mass movements; public opinion; propaganda and the mass media; group processes; and social psychological aspects of social structure" (1997-98 Longwood University Catalog, p. 238).
Aronson, E.; T. D. Wilson; and R. M. Akert. Social Psychology (3rd ed.). NY: Longman, 1999.
Lesko, W. A. Readings in Social Psychology (3rd ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1997.
Optional Reading:
Harnak, A. and E. Kleppinger. Online! A Reference Guide to Using Internet Sources. NY: St. Martin’s Press, 1998.
Course Objectives: After completing this course, students should:
Course Requirements: Students are expected to read materials before class and participate in class activities and discussions. In addition to reading and participation, assignments include two essay examinations, two writing projects, and a class presentation.
Mid-Term Exam 100
Oct. 20
Final Exam
100
Dec. 9, 3:30-6:30 p.m.
Social Norm Paper 100
Sept. 24
Self & Society Paper 100
Nov. 17
Oral Presentation
50
Varies
Total Points
450
Grading Scale:
450-405=A
404-360=B
359-315=C
314-270=D
269- =F
Honor Code: Students are expected to abide by the Honor Code.
Disability Accommodations: Any student who feels that she or he may need accommodations based on a disability should make an appointment to see me during office hours.
Attendance Policy: To encourage regular attendance, I use the Longwood University Attendance Policy found on page 43 of the 1997-98 Longwood University Catalog. However, I do not anticipate having to lower grades due to poor attendance. If you must miss class due to illness, emergencies, or university-related activities, please notify me so I can record the absence as excused. You are responsible for obtaining missed information.
Exams: Two exams will be given during the semester, which will contain essay and short answer questions. If you miss an exam due to illness you must: (1) notify the instructor of the illness no later than 24 hours after the exam has been given; (2) provide evidence that you sought medical attention from a health care provider; and (3) make up the exam within one week from the original exam date. Other extenuating circumstances that prevent you from taking the exam will be considered on an individual basis.
Social Norm Paper: Students will write a 4-6 page (typed) paper in which they describe the experience of violating a folkway. In this paper students must (1) describe what folkway they violated and how they did so; (2) describe how others reacted to the violation; (3) explain how they felt violating the folkway; and (4) analyze how the experience can be linked to the following concepts: socialization, social norms, conformity, and social order.
Remember the assignment is to violate a folkway—not a more or a law (federal, state, local, or campus). Additionally you may not disturb other classes while fulfilling the requirements of this assignment. By the way, all of the above terms will be defined in class.
The assignment will be graded on organization, clarity and thoughtfulness of the sociological analysis. The grade on this assignment will be submitted as your mid-semester grade estimate. The assignment is due the beginning of class Sept. 24.
Self and Society in Everyday Life Paper: One of the objectives of this course is to help students see the applicability of social psychology to their everyday lives and careers. To assist students in making this connection and to assess whether this objective has been met, students will write a 4-6 page typed paper in which they identify and explain 3 ways social psychology can prove useful in their everyday interactions, relationships, and/or desired career. The paper will be graded on organization, clarity, and thoughtfulness. The paper is due the beginning of class on Nov. 17.
Oral Presentations: Early in the semester every student will select an article from the Lesko reader to present to the class. On the day the article is due to be discussed, the student must provide a brief summary of, comment on the significance of, and critique (point out the strengths and weaknesses) the article. Students should assume that all of their classmates have read the assigned article, so the bulk of the presentation should be the presenter’s analysis and critique of the article. Presentations should last between 6 and 10 minutes (with only about 2-3 minutes devoted to summarizing the article), and should be well-rehearsed. Presenters should dress up for their presentation and should speak slowly, clearly, and audibly. Note cards may be used for reference, but presentations should not be read directly. A form that will be used for grading oral presentations will be distributed in class.
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Aug. 25, 27 | AWA Ch. 1; L. #1 | Intro.; Alphabet Soup: SSP v. PSP |
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Sept. 1, 3 | AWA Ch. 2; L. #2 & 3 | Research Methods and the Use of Human Subjects in Social Psychology |
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Sept. 8, 10 | AWA Ch. 3 | Social Cognition and Social Norms: How We Think about the Social World |
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Sept. 15, 17 | AWA Ch. 4; L. #4-6 | Social Perception: How We Come to Understand Other People |
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Sept. 22, 24 | AWA Ch. 5; L. #13-15 | Self Knowledge: Identity; Social Norm Activity and Report Due (Sept. 24) |
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Sept. 29, Oct.1 | AWA Ch. 8; L. #8 & 26 | Emotion; Conformity (End of material for Mid-term exam) |
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Oct. 6, 8 | AWA Ch. 9; L. #35 | Begin Group Processes: Influence in Social Groups |
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Oct. 13, 15 | AWA Ch. 9; L. # 34, 36, 17 | Fall Break; Conclude Group Processes |
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Oct. 20, 22 | AWA Ch. 10; L. # 19-24 | Mid-Term Exam (Oct. 20); Begin Interpersonal Attraction |
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Oct. 27-29 | AWA Ch. 10; L. # 19-24 | Interpersonal Attraction |
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Nov. 3, 5 | AWA Ch. 11; L. # 28, 30 | Prosocial Behavior: Why do People Help |
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Nov. 10, 12 | AWA Ch. 12; L. #31-33 | Aggression: Why We Hurt Others |
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Nov. 17, 19 | AWA Ch. 13: L. # 16, 18 | Prejudice: Causes and Cures; Self & Society Paper Due (Nov. 17) |
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Nov. 24, 26 | AWA Soc. Psych. In Action 1; L. #40 | Social Psychology and Health; Thanksgiving Break (Nov. 26) |
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Dec. 1, 3 | AWA Soc. Psych. In Action 3; L. #37-39 | Social Psychology and the Law |
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