 |
Dr. Andreas Schneider
4311 Sociology and the Person Spring 2009 9:30- 10:50 PM Holden Hall 152 |
My Office hours
Tuesdays & Thursdays 10:00-11:00 Holden Hall 159, phone 806 742 2401 ext 231
By E-mail andreas.schneider@ttu.edu I usually check at least twice a workday.
Teaching Assistant:
Eggert, Erin Tuesdays & Thursdays from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Holden Hall 63a , erin.eggert@ttu.edu phone 806 742 2401 ext 259
Social Sciences Librarian: Brian Quinn, Texas Tech University Libraries, 806-742-2238 ext. 294, brian.quinn@ttu.edu
This course presents theories and research findings about the nature of social relations and the cultural bases of individual experience. Readings are drawn from Franzoi, Stephen. 2009. "Social Psychology." Fifth Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill. Some additional readings about current research will be made available on the teaching homepage on the Internet. Lectures give particular consideration to research concerning symbolic interactionism, self, affect, and sexuality. I will further add a cross-cultural perspective. More details will become available on the World Wide Web at: http://courses.ttu.edu/aschneid.
A general reminder: We will be dealing with diverse theoretical approaches and some emotional and controversial issues, and you might surf the Internet without a parental censoring program. Students who are not prepared to be exposed to alternative opinions and materials should reconsider their enrollment in the course.
One section of this syllabus contains the administrative "laws" of the course. The other section with the course outline is to a certain degree variable. We shall proceed through the material at our own pace and take advantage of interesting current events. In the following the outline of topics and their corresponding readings are listed according to their anticipated sequence. This section will be continuously updated in the eSyllabus. Links to overheads and other materials will be provided briefly before and/or after each class session.
For your convenience, I left the links to my class notes and overheads open. These texts reflect the current state of preparation of the course and will be updated right before the specific class session.
Participation is an important aspect of our class. I welcome feedback from students and try to incorporate it into the class session. For that reason we will proceed at our own pace as much as possible. In each class session I will provide you with a brief preview of our next session. Some of the sessions described below have a fixed date (marked red on the eSyllaus), others are listed in their sequential order. In the electronic syllabus I left the links to overheads and other information open. This is for your convenience. These posted notes should be considered a draft. Notes for each session will be updated and authoritative before each session.
Jan 7 to Feb 5 Basic Perspectives and Methods
Perspectives in Social Psychology (chapter 1)
Assignments:
Internet session
Methods in Social Psychology (chapter 2)
Assignments:
Presentation February 5: Introduce a social psychological experiment (not mentioned in the eSyllabus)
Presentation February 5: Introduce a social psychological field experiment or alternatively a participant observation (not mentioned in the eSyllabus)
Feb 10 Exam #1
Feb 12, 17, 19 Construction of the Self (chapter 3)
Culture and structure, nature vs. nurture
Micro theories of early socialization
Structural approaches to socialization
Presentation February 12 Tiffany Bunag “Mead’s Theory of the ‘Generalized Other’” [“What is an identity”; theoretical; chapter 3, pg. 58-59.] Mead’s theory of the “generalized other” is a very unique concept of the self that helps define our identity. Mead’s pragmatic perspective analyzes the mind, self, and society. The use of language and taking the role of others allows individuals to gain a better self-perception of themselves.
Presentation February 12 Describe two different approaches to self-awareness and the dimensions of self-awareness that are identified in these approaches
Presentation February 17 Find, present and compare two models of identity that describe the link between identity and self.
Presentation February 17 Introduce and compare different developmental theories.
Presentation February 19 Describe and compare three structural approaches to socialization.
Feb 24 & 26 Self-Presentation as Management of Identities (chapter 3)
Presentation February 24 Find and present self-presentations strategies other than the ones in my notes or table 3.2.
Presentation February 24 Describe gender differences in self-presentation strategies.
Presentation February 26 Describe cultural differences in self-presentation strategies.
March 3 & 5 Cognition (Chapter 4), Prejudice, and Discrimination (Chapter6)
Presentation March 3 “Correspondent Inference Theory” [“Casual attributions”; theoretical; chapter 4, pg. 128.] This theory (Jones and David 1965) revolves around the concept that a person’s action corresponds to, or is indicative of, a stable personal characteristic. Interestingly, people make dispositional attributions about behavior that is socially undesirable than about behavior that is desirable. An individual’s freely chosen actions are more indicative of a person’s true personal characteristics than those that are coerced."
Presentation March 3 "Person perception is the process of watching people’s actions to determine their emotions and intentions. Facial expressions can show how a person is feeling emotionally. Body movements can also tell a lot about a person. Touching and eye contact are examples of this".
Combining Chapter 5 and 8
Presentation March 5 How is discrimination and prejudice "manifested among different groups in different locations? For example in different parts of the United States as well as in different countries."
Presentation March 5 "How does discrimination help our cognitive efficiency?"
March 10 Exam #2
Study Sheet for our Second Exam
March 12: Library session in the library during regular class time
The session on the use of the library held by Brian Quinn at our ordinary course time at the Library TLTC section Room 150 (location to be confirmed). Directions: enter the library lobby through the main doors, turn right at the elevators, walk down the hall to the large video screen, turn right at the video screen and walk through the double doors, room 150 is just inside the double doors on the left.
Spring Break
Mar 24 & 26 Attitudes
Attitudes and behavior (chapter 5&6)
1. Reasoned Action Model
2. Balance and Cognitive Dissonance Theory
3. Bem's Self Perception Theory
Presentation Mar 24 Describe and compare three approaches that state how attitudes and behaviors are interconnected.
Presentation Mar 24 Search the literature and present the concept of post-sale (cognitive) dissonance and the means suggested to reduce this dissonance.
Presentation Mar 26 Self-perception theory contends that behavior causes attitudes. How does this theory fundamentally differ from cognitive dissonance theory.
Presentation Mar 26 Introduce and compare methods of persuasion.
- The three dimensions of affective response: Measuring Evaluation, Potency.
- The essence of ACT
- The use of events in affect control theory.
- Events and affective processing.
- Analyzing social life in terms of events.
- Attitude balance viewed from an event perspective.
March 31Social Influence
Aspects of Performance, conformity, and cooperation (chapter 7)
Presentation Define social influence. Hereby differentiate include the three types of social influence (conformity, compliance, and obedience).
Presentation "How do little children exercise social influence amongst themselves?"
April 2 Exam #3
Study Sheet for our Third Exam
April 7 Group Behavior, Power and Conformity
Social power: Behavior and attitude change (chapter 8)
Presentation Give an overview of the different forms of group influence on the individual that you find in the literature
Presentation "I want to know what characteristics it takes to be an effective leader. What is it about the person that convinces others to follow him or her?"
April 9 Sexuality and Attraction
Close relationships: Interpersonal attraction (chapter 9)
Interpersonal Attraction
What is special about a friend?
Presentation "I will be discussing how culture shapes the way we think about romantic relationships"
Presentation what established attraction between the sexes in humans?
April 14 Intimacy
Intimacy (chapter 10)
Presentation "Attachment between a child and parent occurs when the child is still an infant. Babies have an “inborn attachment response” that makes newborns become attach to their mothers’ minutes after birth. Attachment can also refer to romantic relationships. There are four types of attachment that people have: secure attachment, preoccupied attachment, dismissing-avoidant attachment, and fearful-avoidant attachment style."
Presentation "In human relationships, the meaning and level of intimacy varies from relationship to relationship. Intimacy is both the ability and the choice to be close, loving, and vulnerable, and typically requires well developed emotional awareness to sustain for any length of time."
What is Love?
Sexuality, Attraction and Intimacy
Norms vary by gender
Norms vary by culture
April 16 Aggression
Aggression and conflict (chapter 11)
Presentation "Aggression: In psychology, as well as other social and behavioral sciences, aggression refers to behavior between members of the same species that is intended to cause pain or harm. Aggression takes a variety of forms among humans and can be physical, mental, or verbal."
Presentation "Are there different degrees or types of aggression that people experience? Also, I will discuss if specific personality types are more prone to aggression."
April 21 Exam #4
Study Sheet for our Fourth Exam
April 23 Aggression
Student Presentations
Presentation Describe male and female aggression styles and critique the gendered classification.
Presentation How did changes in the concept of sexual aggression give a rise to the perception of female sexual aggression.
Presentation What had Freud in mind when he saw aggression (besides sex) as a central motivation for our behavior.
Presentation How can we train our children to be less aggressive?
April 28 Helping
Social Exchange Theory: Another Theory of Action (Chapter 12)
Presentation How can we explain helping with social exchange theory. What do you see as problems and critiques on this model?
Presentation "What is Diffusion of responsibility and when does it occur? How does this affect social loafing? I will describe examples of this that have occurred in real life".
Presentation How can we help the homeless?
Textbook:
Some others will be made available via our www site
Course Objectives
The objective of this course is to increase the student’s knowledge of how
social and behavioral scientists discover, describe, and explain the behaviors
and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas.
Such knowledge will better equip students to understand themselves and the roles
they play in addressing
the issues facing humanity. Hereby this course focuses on the micro perspective
of sociology also referred to as social psychology.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the course students should be able to
Assessment of Learning Outcomes
Three pop exams 3*5% (no time scheduled)
Presentation Proposal 5% Jan 15
2 Presentations 10% each (at the time the topic is covered in class)
First exam 15 %, Feb 10
Second exam 15% Mar 10
Third Exam 15% Apr 2
Fourth exam (comprehensive) 15 % April 21
----------------------
100% = 100 points
If the student stands "between" grades, outstanding constructive class participation might be used for further rounding in the conversion to the final grade.
Grading key to convert number grades in letter grades: 0-59 F, 60-62 D-, 63-66 D, 67-68 D+, 69-72 C-, 73-76 C, 77-78 C+, 79-82 B-, 83-86 B, 87-88 B+, 89-92 A-, 93-96 A, 97-100 A+
For your paper you receive letter grades. If you are interested, here the key to convert the letter grades into number grades: A+ 100, A 93, A- 90, B+ 88, B 83, B -80, C+ 78, C 73, C- 70, D+ 68, D 63, D-60, F 60.-->
All exams will be multiple choice. Please bring your orange "bubble sheets." Not only do you need to have a basic understanding of the material, you also should be able to take what you have learned and apply it. While the first three exams will be cumulative, their focus will be on the recent topics. The fourth exam will be comprehensive.
How to prepare for the exams:
This will be a 15 minute presentation on a topic covered in a class session listed in the syllabus.
How to get a presentation: Presentation Proposal
How to prepare the presentation?
How do I grade?
Please classify your presentation as theoretical, methodological or issue related. I will use the following criteria in my evaluation of your presentation.
Presentations on theories (behaviorism, cognitive dissonance etc.)
Presentations on methods (experiments etc.)
Presentations on issues (conformity, self esteem etc.)
When do you present?
Exams: Students who are absent will receive "0" points. Make up exams will be scheduled for students who have an authoritative excuse for missing the exams. These makeup exams with open end questions or multiple choice exams.
Presentations: The nature of our self paced course only allows approximate presentation dates. Since class participation is mandatory this is not a problem. Failure to give presentation can only be excused by a doctor's note. In this case an alternative paper assignment will be granted. Unexcused missing of a presentation will be counted as a missed assignment (0 points).
Authoritative excuses I accepted in the past were: physician's statements, copies of invitations for job interviews or funerals, and dated trophies. Concerning an absence due to officially approved trips – in accordance with the Texas Tech University Catalog, the person responsible for a student missing class (e.g. coach) due to a trip should notify the instructors of the departure and return schedule in advance of the trip. The student may not be penalized and is responsible for the material missed. The Texas Tech University Catalog also states that a student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day will be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence. (prior notification to the instructor is appreciated)
A clarifying reminder of our Dean: "Please make sure that the student knows that it is her/his responsibility to withdraw from the class in person in the Office of the Registrar. Often, students, as well as some instructors, are under the impression that the instructor of the course can withdraw the student from the class by assigning a grade of “W” on the final grade report. A “W” cannot be assigned to a student unless the student has officially withdrawn from the class by the withdrawal deadline".
Disabilities Accommodation: Any student who because of a disability may require special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations. Students should present appropriate verification from AccessTECH in the Student Counseling Center. No requirement exists that accommodations be made prior to the completion of this approved university process.
Academic Integrity: Keep in mind that I have to enforce the strict rules of academic behavior. Any student found cheating on the exam or plagiarizing a paper will receive an "F" for the exam or paper and may receive an "F" for the entire course. “It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a most serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension. a. Dishonesty of any kind on examinations and quizzes or on written assignments, illegal possession of examinations, the use of unauthorized notes during an examination or quiz, obtaining information during an examination from the examination paper or otherwise from another student, assisting others to cheat, alteration of grade records, illegal entry or unauthorized presence in an office are instances of cheating. b. Complete honesty is required of students in the presentation of any and all phases of course work as their own. This applies to quizzes of whatever length as well as to final examinations, daily reports, and term papers. c. Plagiarism is offering the work of another as one's own without proper acknowledgement; therefore, any student who fails to give credit for quotations or essentially identical expressions of material taken from books, encyclopedias, magazines, internet sources, and other reference works, or from the themes, reports, or other writings of a fellow student, is guilty of plagiarism.(TTU OP 34.12)”
Civility in the Classroom: Please be referred to the University's policy posted at http://www.studentaffairs.ttu.edu/vpsa/publications/civility2002.pdf. While I have no problem with you eating in the classroom (see description), I ask you to shut off your cellular phones.
Back to the homepage of Dr. Andreas Schneider http://www2.tltc.ttu.edu/Schneider/
Disclaimer: The documents linked to other sources on the WWW, others than http://www2.tltc.ttu.edu/Schneider2/ and its subdirectories, do not necessarily express the views of Texas Tech University or Dr. Andreas Schneider. @Copyright 2009 Andreas Schneider