Study Notes on Course Introduction and Structure

Introduction to the Course

• Groups Formation

  • Students are divided into nine groups of 8 or 9 members.

  • Final group division may change next week based on enrollment updates.

  • Encouragement to meet with group members during class today.

Course Structure

• Syllabus Overview

  • Detailed review of syllabus aims to prevent confusion during the quarter.

  • A quiz based on syllabus will be administered, consisting of ten multiple-choice questions worth a total of 10 points.

  • Quizzes will occur weekly for ten weeks, culminating in a final assessment.

Course Description

• Course Type

  • This course is categorized as a survey course in social psychology, focusing on intersections of sociology and psychology.

  • The instructor specializes in sociological social psychology, offering a unique perspective that may differ from traditional psychology approaches.

Theoretical Frameworks

• Perspectives in Sociological Social Psychology

  • Three key theoretical approaches:

  1. Symbolic Interaction

  2. Group Processes

  3. Social Structure and Personality

  • Course material will explore topics under these theoretical lenses.

Required Textbook

• Textbook Information

  • The course uses the fourth edition of a selected text in sociological social psychology.

  • Recommended purchase from Amazon for better pricing.

  • Active participation necessitates reading the text to adequately complete the course.

Course Format

• Hybrid Course Characteristics

  • Classes held on Tuesdays; no class on Thursdays to provide flexibility.

  • Thursdays dedicated for reviewing Zoom lectures posted in advance before the next class.

  • Students are required to be present every Tuesday for in-class assignments.

Student Engagement and Participation

• Class Activities

  • Each class includes group discussions focused on questions derived from course material (Zoom lectures and readings).

  • Random selection of groups to answer questions, promoting in-depth exploration of the material among peers.

  • Groups to elect a spokesperson to share collective thoughts.

Use of Technology in Class

• Technological Tools

  • Implementation of a catch box microphone for better communication in a large classroom setting.

  • Emphasizes collaborative learning and peer discussion.

Group Discussions

• Weekly Discussions

  • Encouragement to attend discussions for in-depth learning.

  • Extra credit awarded for attending 70% of the discussion sessions.

  • Discussion sections are held on Tuesdays, three sessions total.

Course Prerequisites

• Required Background

  • Completion of courses 003 and 005, essential for understanding theory and research within sociology and social psychology.

  • Aimed at upper-division students (typically juniors and seniors).

Course Goals and Objectives

• Learning Objectives

  1. Gain deeper insights into personal and societal dynamics.

  2. Understand how social psychology applies in contemporary societal contexts.

• Key Topics Covered

  • Social stratification, self and identity, deviance, mental health, attitudes, and emotions.

Course Policies and Expectations

• Attendance and Participation

  • Mandatory attendance every Tuesday. Missing classes adversely affects performance due to assignments.

  • Strict policy on tardiness – arriving more than ten minutes late results in forfeiting the assignment.

• Use of Devices

  • Only laptops are permitted during class; mobile phones should be silenced and not used.

  • Laptop is essential for participating in assignments.

Assessments and Grading

• Grading Criteria

  • All assignments offer opportunities to earn progress points towards the final grade.

  • Breakdown: 10 assignments, each worth 10 points (1 point each question).

  • Transparency provided for calculating total grades, including extra credit opportunities.

• Makeup Policy

  • Two emergency makeups available for legitimate reasons (e.g. illness, family emergencies) with required documentation.

  • Must inform the instructor within 48 hours of missed assignment and complete makeup within a week.

Academic Integrity

• Academic Misconduct Policy

  • Strict prohibitions against cheating or using unauthorized aids during assessments.

  • Violations lead to a zero on assignments and possible disciplinary action.

Support Resources

• Resources Available

  • Various university resources will be highlighted for students, including access to accommodations through the Student Disability Resource Center and tech support for monitoring tools.

Instructor Information

• Instructor Background

  • Enthusiastic about social psychology with extensive teaching and research background.

  • Recent work includes editing significant contributions in social psychology research, emphasizing self and identity, and emotional studies.

Conclusion

• Instructor's Approach

  • Open communication policy: Available for questions and clarifications, especially regarding personal performance and course understanding.

  • Encouragement for students to actively engage and contribute to discussions for a richer learning experience.