PSY560 - Propaganda and Persuasion

Subject Title
Propaganda and Persuasion

Subject Description
Retailers, marketers, advertisers, the broadcasting industry, the military, pubic speakers and educators have long understood the principles of social influence. As that knowledge, along with communication technology, has increased, so has the amount of influence that screams for our attention daily. This subject will outline the major tools and theories of social influence by demonstrating how the theories actually work in real life. It will also help us see beyond persuasion strategies in order to make more objective decisions and assert greater control over our own behaviour.

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

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

1. recognize and describe how the principles of persuasion affect the increasing complexity of the actions and choices we make every day.
2. Analyze how our basic human needs are met, supported, and manipulated by the social groups and institutions we contact daily.
3. Explain how our nervous, learning, perceptual, cognitive, memory and emotional systems affect social influence.
4. Predict how most human beings, ourselves included, will act in a variety of social situations.
5. Differentiate experimental research from correlational and descriptive methodologies..
6. Discuss and describe the ethics of social deception in research, and the ethics of persuasion/propaganda.
7. Explain the connection between personality and social influence, and recognize his or her own susceptibility to social influence.
8. Recognize persuasion, avoid its abuses in our personal lives, and use its' effects to enhance self-presentation, and change unhealthy or disenfranchising attitudes in our society.

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.