Special Topics in Social Psychology/Social Sciences
Curriculum guideline
Weekly Distribution:
- Lecture/Seminar: 4 hrs. per week / semester
The course will employ a variety of instructional methods to accomplish its objectives, including some of the following:
- Lecture
- Audio-visual materials
- Small group discussion
- Problem-based learning
The general framework of an upper-level special topics course in psychology can be represented as below:
- Historical Context
- Theories
- Mechanisms and Processes
- Critical Analysis and Remaining Questions
A specific example of topics for a course on Psychology of Attitudes and Attitude Change:
- What is an attitude, and why is it important?
- Measuring attitudes, directly and indirectly
- Attitude content, structure and function
- Attitudes influence thought
- Attitudes influence behavior
- Cognitive influences on attitudes
- Emotional influences on attitudes
- Behavioral influences on attitudes
- Persuasion
- Relationships, groups, cultures
- Moral and political attitudes
A specific example of topics for a course on Psychology of Racism:
- Definition of Racism
- Research Methods and Measurement in Studying Racism
- Racism in the Field of Psychology
- Prejudice and Discrimination
- Mechanisms of Stereotyping, Hostile and Benevolent Racism, Implicit and Explicit Racism
- Psychological Theories to Explain Racism
- Developing Racial Identity
- Identity Complexity
- Internalizing Privilege and Marginalization
- Colorism
- Microaggressions and the Psychological Impact of Racism on Individuals
- Personal Outcomes of Colonialism
- Refugee and Immigrant Experiences of Racism
- Xenophobia and Orientalism in Group and Personal Relationships
- Defining anti-Semitism and Examining Its Effects
- Problematizing “Normal” in Mental Health
- Interracial Communication, Relationships, and Alliances
- Psychology, Race, and the Law
- Critiques and Theories
- Post-colonial Theory in Psychology
- Indigenous Psychology
- Engaging Qualitative Research
- Resilience and Coping Among Peoples of Colours
- Modeling Change; Psychology of Liberation
At the conclusion of the course the successful student will be able to:
- Identify and describe relevant theoretical influences on current scholarship relating to the specific topic of the course.
- Define and apply key terms and concepts relating to the specific topic of the course.
- Analyze, synthesize, and critically evaluate scholarly research relating to the specific topic of the course.
Means Of Assessment
The course evaluation will be in accordance with Douglas College and Psychology Department policies. Evaluations will be based on the course objectives. The specific evaluation criteria will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
An example of a possible evaluation scheme would be:
- Small group assignments 10%
- Term project paper 20%
- Term project presentation 10%
- Midterm exams 40%
- Final exam 20%
Example text (for topic Psychology of Attitudes and Attitude Change):
Maio, G. R., & Haddock, G. (2015). The psychology of attitudes and attitude change (2nd edition). London: Sage Publications.
Example text (for topic Psychology of Racism):
Jones, J. M., Dovidio, J.F., & Vietze, D.L. (2014). The psychology of diversity: Beyond prejudice and racism. West Sussex, U.K.: Wiley-Blackwell.
Additional readings may also be curated by the instructor and students.
Courses listed here must be completed either prior to or simultaneously with this course:
- No corequisite courses
Courses listed here are equivalent to this course and cannot be taken for further credit:
- No equivalency courses