Social Psychology

Return to the list of classes for Spring 2020.

Instructor: Josh Shaine
3-12 students
Suggested Age Ranges: 13+, Parent/Student pairs/groups welcome!
Meets: Fridays at 4:30pm ET, 12 weeks, starting January. 27th.

Course Description

This study is an introduction to why we do what we do ­ or at least, a lot of different people's views of it! We'll look at some of the popular theorists, a few of the unpopular ones, one or two of the obscure ones, and at least one of the totally impossible (for me, at least) to understand ones!

Emphasis will be on how it applies to life today, for you and other people. Theorists will include Freud, Jung, Skinner, Dabrowski, Wilbur, Gilligan, and many more.

Homework will include lots of reading, some video­watching, and one of more papers. This course is based on a college course - while not all students will be required to perform at a college level, the opportunity to do so will be present.

Outline

1. Introductions and Definitions
2. Correlation and Causation
3. Social Cognition, Schemas and Heuristics
4. Self-fulfilling Prophecies
5. Bases of Self-worth
6. End of Term Project
7. Self-awareness, Self-perception, and Other Selfish Concepts
8. Advertising, Persuasion, and Attitude Change
9. Persuasion and Conformity
10. Unitary vs. Divisive Tasks
11. Helping Behavior in Emergencies
12. Final Project Presentations

Register for Social Psychology here!