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Thompson Rivers University
Thompson Rivers University

PSYC 3621: Social Psychology II

This course aims to expand students' knowledge of human behaviour and thought in social context. Topics include self-concept, self-esteem, and gender identity - the elements of social identity; conformity, compliance, and obedience - processes that influence social behaviour; altruism; causes and control of aggression; and group performance, including group decision-making and leadership. Before completion of the course, students examine applications of social psychology principles in six areas: population control, health promotion, the environment, law, politics, and the workplace.

Learning outcomes

  • Discuss the multiple aspects of self and gender as components of personal identity and how they may influence behaviour.
  • Explain the processes of social influence, including conformity, compliance, and obedience.
  • Describe the conditions under which people will, or will not, provide help to others.
  • Discuss the causes and control of aggression.
  • Discuss the processes of group performance, including group decision-making and leadership.
  • Describe applications of social psychology to several real-life problems.

Course topics

Unit 1: Social Identity

Unit 2: Social Influence

Unit 3: Prosocial Behaviour

Unit 4: Aggression

Unit 5: Groups and Individuals

Unit 6: Dealing with Adversity and Achieving a Happy Life

Required text and materials

The following textbooks would have been purchased in PSYC 3611. Students who did not take PSYC 3611 and/or don't already own the required textbooks, will need to purchase it. To do so, please contact Enrolment Services at student@tru.ca or 1.800.663.9711 (toll-free in Canada), 250.852.7000 (Kamloops, BC), and 1.250.852.7000 (International).

  1. Aronson, J., & Aronson, E. (Eds.). (2020). Readings about the social animal (12th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
    Type: Textbook. ISBN: 978-1-4641-7872-6

The following e-textbook can be purchased directly from the TRU bookstore site at: https://thebookstore.tru.ca/site_digital.asp

  1. Baron, R. A., & Branscombe, N. R. (2017). Revel for Social psychology + Access Card. (14th ed.). New York: Pearson.
    Type: e-Text. ISBN: 9780134625386

Assessments

Please be aware that should your course have a final exam, you are responsible for the fee to the online proctoring service, ProctorU, or to the in-person approved Testing Centre. Please contact exams@tru.ca with any questions about this.

To successfully complete this course, students must achieve a passing grade of 50% or higher on the overall course, and 50% or higher on the final mandatory exam.

Assignment 1 – Social Identity 12.5%
Assignment 2 – Prosocial Behaviour or Aggression 12.5%
Assignment 3 – Groups and Individuals 12.5%
Assignment 4 – Dealing with Adversity and Achieving a Happy Life 12.5%
Final Exam (mandatory) 50%

Open Learning Faculty Member Information

An Open Learning Faculty Member is available to assist students. Students will receive the necessary contact information at the start of the course.

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