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Course syllabus - Social Psychology

Scope

7.5 credits

Course code

PSA125

Valid from

Spring semester 2022

Education level

First cycle

Progressive Specialisation

G1N (First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements).

Main area(s)

Psychology

School

School of Health, Care and Social Welfare

Ratified

2021-07-07

Literature lists

Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.

    • Ratified date: 2021-11-19
    • Latest update: 2021-11-19

    Books

    Aronson, Elliot; Wilson, Timothy D.; Sommers, Samuel R.

    Social psychology

    Tenth edition : Harlow, United Kingdom : Pearson Education Limited, 2020 - 604 sidor

    ISBN: 9781292341477 LIBRIS-ID: fsh8m03tc8jx7kt5

    Cialdini, Robert B.

    Influence : science and practice

    New international edition : Harlow : Pearson, 2013 - 268 s.

    ISBN: 9781292022291 LIBRIS-ID: 14740928

    URL: Bibliotekets e-bok/Library e-book

    Other materials

    Approximately 100 pages of other material may be assigned at the direction of the instructor

Objectives

The aim of the course is for students to gain an understanding of basic social psychological concepts and theories from the discipline of psychology.

Learning outcomes

After completing this course the student should be able to: 

1 understand and describe central social psychological concepts 
2 provide an overview of, and critically evaluate, social psychological theories and methods used to understand and explain social behavior 
3 apply social psychological theories and findings to analyses of everyday events 
4 recognize and consider the power of social forces when responding to social stimuli 
5 consider situational influences when explaining the behavior of others 
6 critically evaluate persuasive communications from a social influence perspective

Course content

This course is an introduction to social psychology from a psychological perspective. The areas to be presented are 
- methodology used in social psychological research 
- the self 
- social cognition 
- conformity and obedience 
- persuasion and attitude change 
- group processes 
- stereotyping and prejudice 
- aggression 
- prosocial behavior 
- liking and loving 
- aspects of diversity relevant for social psychology 
- social psychological aspects related to the environment and sustainable future

Specific requirements

General entry requirements

Examination

HEM1, Take-home examination, 7 credits, Grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with distinction (VG). 
SEM1, Seminar, 0.5 credits. Grades Fail (U) or Pass (G).

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail