Overview
PSYC 379 is designed to introduce students to the field of social psychology, the scientific study of how our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours influence, and are influenced by other people in social situations. The course covers basic theories, concepts, and research about individual processes (for example, attitude change), interpersonal processes (for example, aggression), and group processes (for example, intergroup relations).
Learning outcomes
When you have completed Psychology 379, you should be able to
- define social psychology and describe the place of social psychology within the discipline of psychology.
- describe methodological approaches to research in social psychology.
- identify, explain, and discuss fundamental concepts, principles, theories, and research findings in the following areas:
- Social perception and cognition
- The social self
- Value and attitude, attitude change, and behaviour change
- Interpersonal communication and interpersonal relationships
- Pro-social behaviour and aggression
- Cooperation and conflict
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Social categorization, group processes, and leadership
- apply social-psychological theories, concepts, principles, and research findings to everyday life.
- analyze information critically and write a research report or paper.
Evaluation
To receive credit for Psychology 379, you must complete four quizzes and a written assignment, and write the final exam. Please note that the passing grade for the final exam is D (50 percent). To receive credit for the course, you must complete the quizzes and written assignment, pass the exam, and achieve an overall course grade of at least 50 percent. If you fail the exam, your exam mark will become your final grade for the course.
| Activity | Weight |
| 4 Quizzes (5% each) | 20% |
| Written Assignment | 40% |
| Final Exam | 40% |
| Total | 100% |
The final examination for this course must be requested in advance and written under the supervision of an AU-approved exam invigilator. Invigilators include either ProctorU or an approved in-person invigilation centre that can accommodate online exams. Students are responsible for payment of any invigilation fees. Information on exam request deadlines, invigilators, and other exam-related questions, can be found at the Exams and grades section of the Calendar.
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Kassin, S., Fein, S., & Marcus, H. R. (2021). Social Psychology (11th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Other Materials
All other course materials are online, and include a Study Guide.
Challenge for credit
Overview
The challenge for credit process allows you to demonstrate that you have acquired a command of the general subject matter, knowledge, intellectual and/or other skills that would normally be found in a university-level course.
Full information about challenge for credit can be found in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Evaluation
To receive credit for the PSYC 379 challenge registration, you must score at least 50 percent on the exam and obtain a composite mark of at least D (50 percent) to pass. If you fail the exam, your exam mark will become the final grade for the challenge.
| Activity | Weight |
| Research Paper | 40% |
| Exam | 60% |
| Total | 100% |
Challenge for credit course registration form