Social Psychology

Catalog description

Section information text: While each of us wants to believe we have freely chosen to become who we are, we may not fully acknowledge the influence of others in shaping our individual trajectories. Examining the myriad ways in which our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the real, imagined, or implied presence of others is the purview of Social Psychology. Through a social psychology lens, students in this course will consider the power of the situation to explain: the self and the pursuit of self-esteem; person perception and attribution; attitudes and why they may change; what compels conformity, compliance, and obedience; how the media mediate our understanding of the social world; how culture influences our understanding of other people; group influences on performance; relationships and attraction; why people help others; why people hurt others; and the sources and consequences of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Students will apply social psychology theory and concepts to explain real-world experiences and, in the process, will come to see the relevance of social psychology in both everyday life and as agents of positive social change.