Requirements:
1. Reading: The text for this class is Myers, D. (2004). Exploring Social Psychology, 3rd ed. New York: Mc-Graw-Hill Publishers. In addition to the text, there are readings for each class placed on reserve in the library. You are expected to have completed the reading prior to attending to class.

2. Exams: There will be three exams, each covering one third of the course material, and based on the lectures, readings, films, and discussions. The exams will be multiple choice, application type questions. You will be allowed to bring in one 8 1/2" by 11" page of notes to use during the exam. Each exam will be worth up to 50 points, for a possible total of 150 points toward your final grade.

If you miss an exam, I will schedule a make-up, but you will not be allowed to use the page of notes.

3. Application Papers: Application papers will give you an opportunity to reflect critically on what you are learning, and to apply some of the theory and research for each topic. There will be eight application paper assignments (see the schedule for dates), and you can drop your lowest grade. Each paper is worth up to 20 points, for a possible total of 140 points toward your final grade.

You are allowed to turn in ONE paper late without penalty. After that, you will lose one point for each day a paper is late.

*Note: Paper #3 will be based on an in-class exercise on October 3rd, so you must attend class that day in order to write that paper.

4. Extra Credit: You may earn 10 points of extra credit by completing the "Day of Compassion" assignment and posting a message about your experiences on Blackboard. This extra credit can be completed any time during the semester up until December 5th.

5. Class Participation: It is very important that everyone take responsibility for discussions. Please share your ideas, experiences, and feelings with us. It is also important that people listen as well as speak, that no one dominates the discussion without regard for others in the class.

Final Grade Totals:
          A      261 - 290          B      232 - 260           C      203 - 231          D      174 - 202           E      Below 174

Remember, we're all connected, so if you do well, the whole class benefits. Please come see me if you are experiencing difficulties in the course or if you have a special need you'd like me to be aware of. We'll think together about how to make the course a success for you.

8/29
Introduction
Read: Modules 1 & 2
Paper #1 handed out, due 9/12

8/31
Self-Concept & Self-Serving Bias
Read: Modules 3 & 4

9/5
No Class -- Labor Day

9/7
The Power of Positive Thinking
Read: Module 5
"Why We Overestimate Our Competence"

9/12
Attribution
Read: Module 6
"Media Magic: Making Class Invisible"
Paper #2 handed out, due 9/21

9/14
The Powers and Perils of Intuition
Read: Module 7

9/19
Reasons for Unreason
Read: Module 8
"Aging Labels"

9/21
Behavior and Belief
Read: Module 9
"Social Cognition and Health"

9/26
Exam #1

Social Influence

9/28 - 10/3
Human Nature and Cultural Diversity
Read: Module 12
"Excerpt from Culture and Social Behavior"
"The Healing Power of Community"
Paper #3 handed out, due 10/10

10/5
Genes and Culture
Read: Module 13

10/10
How Nice People Get Corrupted
Read: Module 14
"The Education of a Torturer"
Paper #4 handed out, due 10/19

10/12
Persuasion
Read: Module 16
"The Science and Practice of Persuasion"

10/17
The Presence of Others
Read: Modules 17 & 18

10/19
Doing Together What We Would Never Do Alone
Read: Module 19
"The Standford Prison Experiment"
Paper #5 handed out, 10/26

10/24
How Groups Intensify Decisions
Read: Module 20
"When Followers Become Toxic"

10/26
Power to the Person
Read: Module 21

10/31
Exam #2

Social Relations

11/2 - 11/7
The Dislike of Diversity
Read: Module 22
"The Trouble We're In"
Paper #6 handed out, due 11/14

11/9
The Roots of Prejudice
Read: Module 23
"Why I Quit the KKK"

11/14
Aggression
Read: Module 24
Paper #7 handed out, due 11/21

11/16
Do the Media Influence Social Behavior?
Read: Module 25
"Parents or Pop Culture?"

11/21
Causes of Conflict
Read: Module 28
"Competition: An Inhuman Activity"
Paper #8 handed out, due 12/5

11/23
No Class -- Thanksgiving Break

11/28
Blessed Are the Peacemakers
Read: Module 29
"Keynote Address at the Sidwell Friends School"

11/30
Blessed Are the Peacemakers, Part 2
Read: "Apology Not Accepted"

12/5
When Do People Help?
Read: Module 30
"Cities With Heart"

12/7
The Social Psychology of Sustainability
Read: Module 31

12/12 - 12/15
Finals Week
Exam #3