Course description

This course explores how status and power dynamics shape social life, using theories and research from sociological social psychology. We will learn how status beliefs emerge from social differences in resources and power, and how they perpetuate inequalities over time by shaping our interpretations of social events and our behavior and emotions when we interact with others. We will explore why broad social inequalities are often durable, and how the dynamics of social interaction serve to sustain them. We will also consider the means by which these inequalities can be overcome.

The course will introduce you to symbolic integrationist thought, and to a host of contemporary social psychological theories that help us understand the reciprocal relationship between individual action and broader social patterns and institutions. Our central focus will be on the relationship between self and society through interactions, so there will be little overlap with material you may have encountered in psychology courses.

Learning Outcome

• Students will learn to question their everyday perceptions and apply SSP perspective to their everyday
  
• Interactions. A lot of social phenomena become so familiar that people fail to notice them.
  
• This course will provide students with analytical toolbox to make them see what is hidden in plain sight –in the realm of our everyday lives.
  
• Students will also learn to distinguish and present theoretical ideas and begin to question their own standing.
  
• They will learn to analyze with a critical eye issues raised in class using conceptual and theoretical knowledge gained through application of the class material.

Course Content

• The Social Construction of Reality
  
• Impression and Emotion Management
  
• Affect Control Theory
  
• Identity Theory
  
• Expectation States  Theory
  
• Status Construction Theory
  
• Social Exchange Theories
  
• Social and Personal Change
  

 Compulsory Reading Materials

• Burke, Peter J. (Ed.). 2006. Contemporary Social Psychological Theories. Stanford University Press. ISBN: 978-­0804753470
  

 Optional Reading Materials

• Crawford, L. A., & Novak, K.B. (2014). Individual and Society: Sociological SocialPsychology. New York: Routledge.
  
• Deutsch, Francine M. 2007. “Undoing Gender.” Gender and Society21(1):106–27.
  
• West, C., and D. H. Zimmerman. 1987. “Doing Gender.” Gender & Society1(2):125–51
  

Course description

This degree course provides a solid grounding in the scientific study of human behavior and the mind, and a unique opportunity to study the social side of human behavior in depth. It allows students to build their careers.The course focuses on human social behaviour, identity, groups, relationships, and communication.

Learning Outcome

• Acquisition of basic knowledge of the history and philosophy of psychology as it pertains to the application of psychology to problems of social, medical, and economic relevance
  
• Ability to compare, contrast and where appropriate to integrate diverse approaches to psychological problems of practical significance
  
• Understanding of psychology as a discipline that can be employed to change valued outcomes in domains of life such as business, health, environment, and law
  
• Understanding of some of the challenges that are commonly encountered in the application of psychology (e.g. ethical, logistical, methodological, financial) and some solutions to those challenges
  
• Knowledge of potential careers and entrepreneurial opportunities in applied psychology beyond the undergraduate degree
  
• Development of general critical, analytical and problem solving skills which can be applied in a wide range of different applied psychological and extra-psychological setting
  

Course Content

• Introduction to Applied Psychology
  
• Contemporary Social Inequalities
  
• Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
  
• Developmental Psychology
  
• Psychology, the Body and Individual Differences
  
• Empirical Psychology
  
• Psychology, Mental Health and Distress
  
• Psychology and Society

Compulsory Reading Materials

• Buunk, A., & van Vugt, M., Applying social psychology: From problems to solutions. London: Sage, 2007.