SOC 003: SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY
THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
COURSE INFORMATION CONTACT INFORMATION
SESSION: 05/18/15 - 06/26/15 INSTRUCTOR: Andrea L. Ruiz
DAYS: MTWRF EMAIL: alr349@psu.edu
TIME: 11:10 AM – 12:25 PM OFFICE: 317 Oswald
ROOM: 371 Willard HOURS: TR 9:30 – 11:00AM

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Social Psychology is an interdisciplinary area of study that combines sociology and psychology to scientifically
study human social minds and behavior. This research discipline allows us to study how we perceive the
world around us, how we interact with others, how we influence the way others think and behave (and vice
versa) and how groups interact.

COURSE OBJECTIVES
A key theme of this course is to understand how social science helps us understand “real world” human
behavior and experience, including students’ own. The primary objectives for this class are:

1. to introduce students to key concepts and theories in Social Psychology

2. to understand explanations of key questions about human social activity
3. to learn where social science knowledge comes from and how it is evaluated
4. to encourage students to apply course material to their own daily lives

EXPECTATIONS AND GOALS

Students should come to class prepared to discuss topics raised in their readings and in lectures. Assessment is
based on objective and short answer tests taken in class, including a final examination. Writing assignments
will involve either chapter readings or assigned reading material provided via ANGEL. By the end of this
course, students should be able to:

1. Accurately identify, explain, and correctly use major social psychological concepts introduced in the
text readings and in the lectures.
2. Identify and define the assumptions of major theoretical perspectives.
3. Interpret results and graphical displays of quantitative data

REQUIRED TEXT

Franzoi, Stephen (2012) Social Psychology, 6/e. BVT Publishing (ISBN: 978-1-61882-163-8).
Additional readings may be required and will be made available via ANGEL.
EVALUATION
Assignments
There will be a total of four written assignments due. They will be evaluated based on their sociological
content, relevance to course material and writing proficiency. Assignments are due in person at the
beginning of class when they are due. NO late assignments.

Exams
There will be a total of four exams at the end of each week which will recap information from the previous
four days of lecture. Lastly, there is one cumulative final exam, although most of it will focus on material from
the last chapters covered. All exams will be multiple choice, matching, and/or short answer questions based
on course readings, lectures and class discussions.

Attendance and In-Class Quizzes

Attendance is not mandatory but will be taken daily for my own records. However, it is strongly advised to
attend each day, as course information is pertinent for examinations. Also, there will be a series of
unannounced, in-class pop-quizzes throughout the semester and these CANNOT be made up. All quiz points
will count towards your final grade. Keep in mind that quizzes cannot be made up—no exceptions. Note: It is
your responsibility to find missed lecture notes from classmates or note-taking services. I will not post
overheads online and also will not provide copies of notes to students.

Class Participation
Class participation is a strong expectation of this course for two reasons. First, exam questions will be based
not only on readings but also on lectures and class discussions. Second, by sharing questions and comments
with the class, students demonstrate their own personal investment in learning the material and contribute to a
more interesting learning environment for everyone. Students are expected to come to class having done the
reading and ready to discuss it.

POINT SYSTEM AND GRADES

POSSIBLE PERCENT OF
POINTS FINAL GRADE
EXAM 1 * 40 10%
EXAM 2 * 40 10%
EXAM 3 * 40 10%
EXAM 4 * 40 10%
FINAL EXAM * 100 25%
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS (4 x 20pts each) 80 20%
IN CLASS QUIZZES ** 60 15%
TOTAL 400 100%
* Exam Grades are NOT curved under any circumstances. ** In-class quizzes cannot be made up.
Note: Exam scores, assignment scores, extra credit points, and grades to date will be updated regularly and posted on
ANGEL or e-mailed to you by testing services. All extra credit opportunities arise in class.
COURSE SCHEDULE AND GRADES

WEEK 1
MONDAY Introducing Social Psychology Chapter 1
TUESDAY MAY 19 Conducting Research Chapter 2
WEDNESDAY MAY 20 The Self Chapter 3
THURSDAY MAY 21 Social Cognition and Person Perception Chapter 4
FRIDAY MAY 22 EXAM 1 Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4
WEEK 2
MONDAY MAY 25 Memorial Day – No Class
TUESDAY MAY 26 Attitudes and Persuasion Chapter 5
WEDNESDAY MAY 27 Stereotyping, Prejudice & Discrimination Chapters 6
THURSDAY MAY 28 Social Influence and Group Behavior Chapter 7 and 8
FRIDAY MAY 29 EXAM 2 Chapters 5, 6, 7, 8
WEEK 3
MONDAY JUNE 1 Introduction to Mental Health Supplemental Material
TUESDAY JUNE 2 Types of Mental Disorders Supplemental Material
WEDNESDAY JUNE 3 The Social Context of Mental Health Supplemental Material
THURSDAY JUNE 4 Race, Class, Gender and Mental Health Supplemental Material
FRIDAY JUNE 5 Religion and Mental Health Supplemental Material
WEEK 4
MONDAY JUNE 8 The Body – Media Influence Supplemental Material
TUESDAY JUNE 9 The Body – Cultural Influence Supplemental Material
WEDNESDAY JUNE 10 The Body – Taboos Supplemental Material
THURSDAY JUNE 11 The Body – Body Image Perceptions Supplemental Material
FRIDAY JUNE 12 EXAM 3 Week 3 and 4 Content
WEEK 5
MONDAY JUNE 15 Interpersonal Attraction Chapter 9
TUESDAY JUNE 16 Sex and Sexuality Supplemental Material
WEDNESDAY JUNE 17 Intimate Relationships Chapter 10
THURSDAY JUNE 18 Dating in the Modern World Supplemental Material
FRIDAY JUNE 19 EXAM 4 Chapters 9, 10 and SM
WEEK 6
MONDAY JUNE 22 Aggression Chapter 11
TUESDAY JUNE 23 Anti-Social Behaviors Supplemental Material
WEDNESDAY JUNE 24 Prosocial Behaviors Chapter 12
THURSDAY JUNE 25 Altruism Supplemental Material
FRIDAY JUNE 26 STUDY DAY – No Class
MONDAY JUNE 29 FINAL EXAMINATION
COURSE SCHEDULE AND POLICIES
Exam Policies and Extra Credit Opportunities
You must arrive at all exams on time. Students who are 15 minutes late or more may not be allowed to take
the exam. Hats must be removed, all electronic devices must remain in bags during exam periods, and cell
phones/messaging devices must be stored in bags during exams. All exams count towards your final grade,
and make-up exams are not offered.

Communication with Instructor

If you call or e-mail the instructor, I will reply within 1 business day. If I am traveling, you will receive an
autoreply stating the date of my return, and I will get back to you within 24 hours of my return to State
College. Note: There is no guarantee that e-mails sent the day of a class, exam or assignment will be
received before the class begins.

CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITIES AND COURTESY

Basic Rules
I encourage, welcome and expect classroom discussion. Students are welcome to state all opinions, but they
are to be expressed respectfully. I will not tolerate the use of cell phones, pagers, and other electronic
communication devices. I will not ask you to turn them off completely, but I expect that they are silenced
and put away. During examinations, they should be shut off completely. These devices can be distracting to
your instructor and fellow students. Students may also be asked to leave class for other disruptive behaviors
such as excessive talking, newspaper reading, text messaging, or sleeping as this behavior during class is
considered both rude and distracting.

Special Needs
I will be happy to discuss appropriate accommodations you may require as a student with a disability or
medical condition. For more information about these services please see http://www.psu.edu/bulletins
/bluebook/intro/gi-113.htm, call 814-863-1807, or visit the ODS at 116 Boucke Building.

Statement on Academic Integrity

I realize that the majority of Penn State students are honest. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that academic
dishonesty in this class will not be tolerated. It will damage your grade and academic career, frustrate your
fellow classmates and professor, and therefore lower the overall learning experience that this course provides.
Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating
information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of
examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor,
tampering with the academic work of others, tampering with grades, or receiving information for or about
exams and assignments dishonestly. Cheating often results when students feel too much pressure to perform
and feel that they do not have the tools to achieve their goals. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the course,
please see Dr. Frisco before you decide to cheat. Thank you! Students who are found to be dishonest will
receive academic sanctions and will be reported to the University’s Judicial Affairs office for possible further
disciplinary sanctions.

SIGNATURE & DATE____________________________________________

COURSE SCHEDULE AND POLICIES
Exam Policies and Extra Credit Opportunities
You must arrive on time for exams. Students who are 15 minutes late or more will not be allowed to take the
exam. Hats must be removed, all electronic devices must remain in bags during exam periods, and cell
phones/messaging devices must be stored in bags during exams. All exams count towards your final grade,
and make-up exams are not offered.

Communication with Instructor

Allow up to 1 business day for me to reply to email. If I am traveling, you will receive an autoreply stating the
date of my return, and I will get back to you within 24 hours of my return to State College. Note: There is no
guarantee that e-mails sent the day of a class, exam or assignment will be received before the class begins.

CLASSROOM RESPONSIBILITIES AND COURTESY

Basic Rules
I encourage, welcome and expect classroom discussion. Students are welcome to state their opinions, but they
are to be expressed respectfully. I will not tolerate the use of cell phones, pagers, and other electronic
communication devices. I will not ask you to turn them off completely, but I expect that they are silenced
and put away. During examinations, they should be shut off completely. These devices can be distracting to
your instructor and fellow students. Students may also be asked to leave class for other disruptive behaviors
such as excessive talking, newspaper reading, text messaging, or sleeping as this behavior during class is
considered both rude and distracting.

Special Needs
I will be happy to discuss appropriate accommodations you may require as a student with a disability or
medical condition. For more information about these services please see
http://www.psu.edu/bulletins/bluebook/intro/gi-113.htm, call 814-863-1807, or visit the ODS at 116 Boucke
Building.

Statement on Academic Integrity

I realize that the majority of Penn State students are honest. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that academic
dishonesty in this class will not be tolerated. It will damage your grade and academic career, frustrate your
fellow classmates and professor, and therefore lower the overall learning experience that this course provides.
Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarizing, fabricating
information or citations, facilitating acts of academic dishonesty by others, having unauthorized possession of
examinations, submitting work of another person or work previously used without informing the instructor,
tampering with the academic work of others, tampering with grades, or receiving information for or about
exams and assignments dishonestly. Cheating often results when students feel too much pressure to perform
and feel that they do not have the tools to achieve their goals. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the course,
please see Andrea Ruiz before you decide to cheat. Thank you! Students who are found to be dishonest will
receive academic sanctions and will be reported to the University’s Judicial Affairs office for possible further
disciplinary sanctions.

SIGNATURE & DATE____________________________________________