PSY 220: Introduction to Social Psychology

Citrus College Course Outline of Record

Citrus College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Winter 2021
Credits: 3
Total Contact Hours: 54
Lecture Hours : 54
Lab Hours: 0
Hours Arranged: 0
Outside of Class Hours: 108
Strongly Recommended: ENGL 101.
District General Education: D2. Behavioral Science
Transferable to CSU: Yes
Transferable to UC: Yes - Approved
Grading Method: Standard Letter

Catalog Course Description

An introduction to the study of social psychology emphasizes the nature of socially determined behavior as seen in the areas of conformity, propaganda, prejudice, social roles, social process, social perception, and culturally determined personality. 54 lecture hours.

Course Objectives

  • Describe and explain the scientific methods - experimentation, correlation, etc. and techniques of social-psychological research.
  • Understand and utilize the theoretical constructs and empirical research which demonstrate social determinants of individual behavior.
  • Analyze social institutions, how they function and influence our lives, how our participation in them determines who we are as social beings.
  • Integrate the contributions of sociological and psychological perspectives to social psychology.

Major Course Content

  1. Introduction
    1. What is social psychology?
    2. Methods of social-psychological research
    3. Problems of experimentation and ethics in research
  2. Topics and Research
    1. Conformity
    2. Mass communication, propaganda, and persuasion
    3. Social cognition
    4. Self-justification
    5. Human aggression
    6. Prejudice
    7. Liking, loving, and interpersonal sensitivity

Suggested Reading Other Than Required Textbook

Original research only found in journal articles regarding relevant areas of student interest for the construction of an APA research paper or the equivalent thereof.

Examples of Required Writing Assignments

An acceptable APA style research paper.

Examples of Outside Assignments

An acceptable APA style research paper such as a term paper regarding 1) Conformity, 2) Mass communication and propaganda, 3) Prejudice, 4) Liking, Loving and Interpersonal Sensitivity, or 5) Human aggression.

Instruction Type(s)

Lecture, Online Education Lecture

IGETC Area 4: Social and Behavioral Sciences

4I. Psychology