Social Psychology

Ever wonder why people do what they do? This course—which includes more than $1,000 of video and reading materials—offers some answers based on the latest research from social psychology. Students taking the course for a Certificate will also receive free membership in Social Psychology Network (SocialPsychology.org).COURSE DESCRIPTION FROM PROFESSOR PLOUS:

Each of us is dealt a different hand in life, but we all face similar questions when it comes to human behavior: What leads us to like one person and dislike another? How do conflicts and prejudices develop, and how can they be reduced? Can psychological research help protect the environment, and if so, how? This course offers a brief introduction to classic and contemporary social psychology, covering topics such as decision making, persuasion, group behavior, personal attraction, and factors that promote health and well-being.

Our focus will be on surprising, entertaining, and intriguing research findings that are easy to apply in daily life. The course will also draw from the websites of Social Psychology Network, the world’s largest online community devoted to social psychology. I hope you’ll join me for this course, have fun, and learn some useful information that enriches your life.

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Syllabus

Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
WEEK 1: Social Perceptions and Misperceptions
Week 2
WEEK 2: The Psychology of Self-Presentation and Persuasion
Week 3
WEEK 3: Obedience, Conformity, and Deindividuation
Week 4
WEEK 4: Group Behavior: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
Week 5
WEEK 5: Mid-Course Break
Week 6
WEEK 6: Helping, Hurting, and Peacemaking
Week 7
WEEK 7: A Happy End to the Course

FAQ

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:

What will I get if I purchase the Certificate?

When you purchase a Certificate you get access to all course materials, including graded assignments. Upon completing the course, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.

Do I need any preparation for this class?

No preparation is needed, but you're welcome to begin receiving Social Psychology Network news items and announcements from any of these sources if you use Twitter, Facebook, or RSS feeds:

PSYCHOLOGY HEADLINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD (Twitter):

http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/twitter-headlines

UNDERSTAND PREJUDICE: SOCIAL JUSTICE NEWS (Twitter):

http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/twitter-prejudice

CLIMATE PSYCHOLOGY (Twitter):

http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/twitter-climate

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY NETWORK (Facebook):

http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/facebook

PSYCHOLOGY NEWS SERVICE (RSS Feed):

http://coursera.socialpsychology.org/rss

These resources are free to everyone (whether you enroll for a Certificate or not) and will connect you with the latest news, studies, and other developments in social psychology and related fields.

Reviews

I believe that every student needs to take this course regardless of the student's major. I thank God that I took the course. I am grateful for the financial aid that enabled me to take the course.

This has been the most engaging, interesting, and thought-provoking course I have ever taken on Coursera. Thank you Professor Plous and all of your colleagues who helped make this course possible!

Absolutely loved this course - great material and learning resources. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in an intro course to social psychology. Professor Plous is a fantastic teacher.

A fundamentally important course that teaches about humans as social beings and how a myriad of factors affect those social relationships. Scott Plous is an excellent Social Psychology Instructor.