PSY-6112

** Course Meeting Time: ** Wednesdays, 6-9pm **Location:** SF Campus ** Professor: ** Dr. Christina Scott **Email:** ProfCScott@gmail.com *Alliant University’s policies and objectives provided by Dr. Dikla Shmueli (2009).  Ph.D. Program outcomes targeted by the Social Bases of Behavior course specifically include:
 * Psych 6112: Social Bases of Behavior**
 * Alliant University - Fall 2009 **
 * Rationale: **

//__Objective 1__: To develop broad theoretical and scientific knowledge in foundational areas that provides the basis for the effective practice of clinical psychology,// which is part of the broader //__Goal 1__: To prepare students to be effective professional psychologists who are skilled at evaluating psychological functioning and providing effective interventions with diverse clients across a range of settings//. Psy.D. program outcomes targeted by this course include //__Outcome A:__ To develop students/graduates who are well grounded in the science of psychology. //  Social psychology is a young discipline, spanning just over one hundred years. It is a discipline at the crossroads of psychology and sociology. This course focuses on //the scientific examination of the individual in the situation//, or //in different contexts//, such as a particular social, group or cultural context. In this course, students will gain perspective on the range of human behaviors and norms in different settings. Social psychology also encompasses //the study of how people relate to, think about, perceive and influence others.//  The knowledge and critical thinking gained from courses in the foundations of scientific psychology truly distinguish the //psychologist// clinician. Students will also benefit from learning about the methods and tools utilized by social psychologists as these often inspire CSPP students to develop research questions and new approaches to the dissertation.   We will cover the major concepts in the field of social psychology through a combination of lectures, class discussions based on readings of empirical articles and literature reviews. There will be an emphasis on the application of theory and scientific findings to practical issues and the practice of psychology. Topics covered in the current course are methods in social psychology, history of ideas in social psychology, motivation and emotions (including research on positive psychology, the self (including self-presentation and self-regulation), stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination, social influence, attitudes and attitude change, prosocial behavior, aggression, social perception and attributions, interpersonal relationships and attachment, and group dynamics and processes (including social facilitation and groupthink). 
 * Course Description: **

In keeping with the values of the Alliant community, throughout the course, the role of culture in influencing social behavior and its influence in social psychological studies will be discussed. And, current trends in research on emotion and “positive psychology” will be discussed. Social Bases of Behavior will prepare students to think critically about their professional work as clinicians in assessment and treatment, and in the client-therapist relationship. For example, they will be familiar with the biases that can influence perceptions of others and the various factors that can influence people’s attitudes and beliefs, especially those that may be outside of conscious awareness.   //Students will: // <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">1. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Read empirical studies and attend lectures that address major theories and concepts in social psychology in three general areas: individual processes, interpersonal processes, and group processes <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">2. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Examine critically social psychological research and findings <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">3. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Read literature reviews and consider each author’s interpretation of the data <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">4. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Learn about research methods used by social psychologists and the challenges in conducting studies that have strong reliability and validity <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">5. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Consider the application of social psychological theories and findings in clinical work <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: // <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">1. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Describe significant theories, concepts and key findings that form the basis of scientific social psychology <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">2. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Consider how social psychological findings may be applied to problems in clinical work: e.g., factors that may affect particular patients both inside and outside of the clinical setting; factors that may affect the nature and course of one’s relationships as a professional psychologist <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">3. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Consider factors that can bias assessment and decision making in professional work as well as responses to interventions and intervention outcomes <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">4. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Describe factors that may affect individuals’ behavior in groups <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; msobidifontsize: 12.0pt; msolist: Ignore;">5. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Demonstrate skill in critically evaluating and discussing research literature <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Each week there is a brief lecture pertaining to the main topics and required readings that address aspects of the lecture. Class time will be devoted to lecture, class discussion, and a discussion of the dramatic scripts that illustrate various social psychological concepts that we are studying. Readings are available on Moodle, under “Course Materials”. Moodle also contains links that will be helpful to students in terms of learning more about class topics and generally about social psychology. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> In order that students are able to participate in class discussions, it is essential that readings be completed prior to coming to class. Students are held accountable for the readings, lectures, and class discussions. Discussion most often takes place in the group as a whole. Each week a different student will facilitate the discussion based on discussion questions that the other students sent in one day before the day of class. This class includes an examination of multicultural issues such as race, class, gender, culture and sexual orientation in terms of societal factors that affect the well being of individuals and groups. Included are processes of stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice and how these can be perpetuated or minimized. Many topics in social psychology address multicultural and international issues such as the research on cross-cultural differences, intergroup relations, aggression, attitudes and attitude change, conformity and group processes. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> I believe in learning for life, not for exams. Although this material may seem tedious and complicated at times, I believe that an active learning environment will help you better understand and apply the material outside of the classroom. The format and assignments for this class reflect my beliefs and are designed to further your understanding of each concept. Learning is a team effort and which will require your active participation and commitment to understanding the material. If you do not understand a concept it is your responsibility to ask for help. Ask a friend or ask the professor for assistance, but do not struggle alone. Learning does not occur in a vacuum. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1.Policies Related To Class Attendance, Lateness, Missed Exams or Assignments __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> The University expects regular class attendance by all students. Each student is responsible for all academic work and class announcements missed during absences. If you miss a class in which you were assigned to be discussion facilitator or present the supplementary article you will not receive those points. If you miss a class you are still expected to send in your discussion questions the day before class. See the University Catalog for the complete policy on attendance. http://www2.alliant.edu/download/2005/catalog/3_Academic_Policies.pdf). <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2.Responsibility to Keep Copies __ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Remember – it is good practice to keep copies of ALL major assignments/papers you turn in. On rare occasions, work may be lost because of computer failure or other mishaps. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">  __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3.Respectful Speech and Actions __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alliant International University, by mission and practice, is committed to fair and respectful consideration of all members of our community, and the greater communities surrounding us. All members of the University must treat one another as they would wish to be treated themselves, with dignity and concern. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As an institution of higher education, Alliant International University has the obligation to combat racism, sexism, and other forms of bias and to provide an equal educational opportunity. Professional codes of ethics (e.g., from the APA for psychology students) and the Academic Code shall be the guiding principles in dealing with speech or actions that, when considered objectively, are abusive and insulting. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4.Academic Code of Conduct and Ethics __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The University is committed to principles of scholastic honesty. Its members are expected to abide by ethical standards both in their conduct and in their exercise of responsibility towards other members of the community. Each student’s conduct is expected to be in accordance with the standards of the University. **//The complete Academic Code, which covers acts of misconduct including assistance during examination, fabrication of data, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and assisting other students in acts of misconduct, among others, may be found in the University Catalog.//** The University reserves the right to use plagiarism detection software. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5.Evaluation of Students’ Professional Development and Functioning __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> In CSPP, multiple aspects of students’ professional development and functioning (e.g., cognitive, emotional, psychological, interpersonal, technical, and ethical) will be evaluated throughout the process of education and training in our professional psychology and MFT programs. This kind of comprehensive evaluation is necessary in order for faculty, staff, and supervisors to appraise the professional development and competence of their students. See the University Catalog for the complete CSPP policy on “Evaluation of Student Competence: A. Student Disclosure of Personal Information” (Appendix B). <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">6.Disability Accommodations Request __ <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If you need disability-related accommodations in this class, please see me privately. All accommodations must be requested in a timely manner (at least 2 weeks ahead of time) with a letter of support for Alliant’s Office of Disability Services. If you have questions about accommodations, please contact the Office of Disability Services. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">7.Policy on Course Requirements During Religious Holidays __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Alliant International University does not officially observe any religious holidays. However, in keeping with the institution’s commitment to issues of cultural diversity as well as humanitarian considerations, faculty are encouraged to appreciate students’ religious observances by not penalizing them when they are absent from classes on holy days. Alliant International University faculty will be sensitive to these matters. Students should be similarly respectful of faculty members’ right to observe religious days. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">8.Resources for Obtaining Tutoring or Other Student Support Services __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Tutors are available to help students with course-based or exam-based needs. Contact the Director of Student Support Services for information on obtaining tutoring – or other student support services – on your campus. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">9.Problem Solving Resources __<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">If problems arise with faculty, other students, staff, or student support services, students should use the University Problem Solving Procedures, under “students concerns and grievances” located on the web at [] or contact the Systemwide Dean of Students, Craig Brewer, cbrewer@alliant.edu, 949-833-2651. =  = =__  Required Books  __= Kassin, S.; Fein, S.; & Markus, H.R. (2008). Social Psychology (7th Ed) New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin. // Twilight of the Golds // by Jonathon Tollins (Samuel French, Inc.) ** Client Evaluations: Application Assignments ** Client Evaluations: Application Assignments are designed to help you apply social psychology concepts in a practical setting and relate them back to your clinical focus. A handout will be given prior to each activity with questions dealing with specific social psychology concepts, which you will be asked to define, apply and expand upon with regard to your specific client (From Twilight of the Golds). You may work with a partner on all assignments, however you will receive a “group grade” based on the quality of your collective work. **All application assignments MUST be typed in 12 point font, using double spacing, APA formatting**, **and require a cover page**. Do NOT print papers on recycled paper, clean copies are required. //**Late assignments are worth a possible 80% if turned in within 48 hours, and 50% if turned in after that period.**// **//If you have made arrangements to take the exam at another time, your application assignment is still due on the assigned date!//** DO NOT send your work via email, a hard copy is required. Each application assignment is worth 100 points.
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Purpose of the Course: **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Specific Learning Outcomes: **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Instructional Strategy **
 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Class Component on Multicultural and International Issues **
 * Teaching Beliefs **
 * //<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Behavioral Expectations/Attendance //**

Plagiarism
Many students claim that they “changed a few words” when copying a passage or statement from an academic journal or book. **This is plagiarism!** Using the words, ideas, or research of another person without proper citation or acknowledgment is plagiarism and is a violation of the honor code. Always reference the source of your information and ideas in the text of your writing. If you use the exact wording, use quotation marks. If you cite a quote larger than 40 words, you will need to use a block format quotation. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> Your grade in this course will be determined by your performance in discussions, papers, and presentations. Your grade will be calculated based on a percentage of points earned out of possible points. (So if you have 91% of the points, you will have an A-, if you have 89%, you have a B+.) Please take some time each month to calculate your current percentage as it will tell you WHERE you stand grade-wise in the class. Please note, many students equate effort with a high grade, and do not consider the level of mastery of the course material. Just because you have “worked hard” on an assignment, does not mean it is necessarily deserving of a high grade. The grades in this course are based on a level of mastery of the material and points will be assigned accordingly.
 * Grading **

Point Breakdown:
Discussion/Attendance 100 points Client Evaluation Presentation 100 points Character Intake Evaluation 100 points Client Evaluations __200 points__ (2 @ 100 points) 500 points possible ** Percentage Breakdown: ** 100-93% = A 89-88% = B+ 79-78% = C+ 69-68% = D+ >59% = F    92-90% = A- 87-83% = B 77-73% = C 67-63% = D     82-80% = B- 72-70% = C- 62-60% = D-

** REVISED Class Schedule - Psych 6112  **
** Dr. Scott – Fall 2009 ** ** Week #1 ** 9/2 Introduction and Lecture: Social Psychology Research Read: Chapters 1 & 2 //Homework: Read and summarize an article// ** Week #2 ** 9/9  //Twilight of the Golds// Read: Chapter 3 Article Summary #1 due in class //Homework: Read and summarize an article// ** Week #3 ** 9/16 Lecture: Self-Concept and Self-Esteem Read: Chapter 4 Article Summary #2 due in class (Qual/Quant – Identity Research) //Homework: Read and summarize an article// ** Week #4 ** 9/23  **Character Intake Evaluation (due 9/30)** ** Week #5 ** 9/30 Lecture: Observations and Attributions **Character Intake due in class** Read: Chapter 5 //Homework: Read and summarize an article// <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> ** Week #6 ** 10/7 **Client Evaluation: Application Assignment #1** (due 10/21) // Homework: Read and summarize an article // <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> =    =  ** Week #7 **  10/14  Lecture: Stereotypes & Prejudice __Character Intake returned in class, if it wasn’t mailed__ Article Summary #5 due in class (your choice, must tie to social    psych & your future practice) Read: Chapter 6 **NO article for this week, work on Application #1** ** Week #8 ** 10/21  Lecture: Attitudes and Persuasion **Application #1 due in class** Read Chapter 7
 * Article Summary #3 due VIA EMAIL (Self concept/identity) **
 * NO article for this week, work on Character Intake **
 * Article Summary #4 due VIA EMAIL (Focus on self-esteem and self concept in preparation for Application #1) **

**Week #9 **10/28 Lecture: Conformity, Compliance, & Obedience
** Client Evaluation: Application Assignment #2 ** (due 11/11) Application #1 is returned, if it wasn’t mailed Article Summary #6 due in class (persuasion/attitudes in preparation for Application #2) Read: Chapter 8 // Homework: Read and summarize an article // ** Week #10 ** 11/4  **__No Class: Work on Application #2 __** Article Summary #7 sent via email (conformity/compliance) Read: Chapter 9 **NO article for this week, work on Application #2** ** Week #11 ** 11/11  **__MEET at Noah’s Bagels at Embarcadero Center at 5pm!__** Lecture: Group Dynamics & Attraction and Relationships ** Application #2 due in class ** // Homework: Read and summarize an article // Read: Chapter 10 ** Week #12 ** 11/18  Lecture: Helping and Altruism Article Summary #8 due in class (relationships) Application #2 is returned in class, if not mailed ** Client Evaluation Presentation Outlines** Read: Chapter 11 ** Week #13 ** 11/25 **Thanksgiving Break (No Class)** ** Week #14 ** 12/2 Lecture: Aggression Prepare for Final Presentations ** Week #15 ** 12/9 **Client Evaluation Presentations**