PSY141 - Social Psychology

Subject Title
Social Psychology

Subject Description
Social psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, interact with, relate to, and influence others.  The course will emphasize understanding how individuals behave, think, and feel in social situations and why they do so.  Of particular importance will be the study of the individual, their thoughts and resultant behaviour in social situations. 

Credit Status
One General Education elective credit in the Sciences and Social Sciences category.

Students who take PSY225 cannot take PSY141 as a general education elective

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1.Describe the methods, theories, and practical applications of the field of social psychology
2.Understand and explain the role of thoughts and moods in understanding the world.
3.Appreciate the effects of attitudes on thoughts, behaviors, and susceptibility to persuasion attempts.
4.Form a more complex understanding of the formation of self-concept, and the importance of one's own social identity.
5.Apply theories of prejudice and discrimination to real-world situations in order to gain a better understanding of these social problems and how they can be alleviated.
6.Explain how relationships (both romantic and platonic) are formed, maintained, and sometimes end.
7.Discriminate among the various kinds of social influence, and develop an understanding of why people often allow others to influence their behavior.
8.Understand the complex array of factors that lead people to either hurt or help each other.
9.Apply theories of the impact of groups on individual behavior to real-world decision making.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.