- From www.coursera.org
Social Psychology
- Self-paced
- Free Access
- Fee-based Certificate
- 7 Sequences
- Introductive Level
- Subtitles in Chinese
Course details
Syllabus
WEEK 1: Social Perceptions and Misperceptions
This week's goals are to: (1) learn what social psychology is and why it's worth studying; (2) take a "snapshot" of your thinking at the start of the course; (3) see how perceptions of
reality are psychologically constructed; and (4) witness the shocking speed at which social judgments are made.
WEEK 2: The Psychology of Self-Presentation and Persuasion
This week's goals are to: (1) learn how people explain their behavior and the behavior of others; (2) explore the link between attitudes and behavior; (3) understand what cognitive
dissonance is and why it matters; and (4) gain some practical tips from the science of persuasion and social influence.
WEEK 3: Obedience, Conformity, and Deindividuation
This week's goals are to: (1) understand the psychological dynamics of obedience to authority; (2) review studies on group pressure and conformity; (3) learn about the dark side of
deindividuation; and (4) consider ethical issues related to psychology research.
WEEK 4: Group Behavior: The Good, Bad, and Ugly
This week's goals are to: (1) examine behavioral dynamics within and between groups; (2) see what happens when people fall prey to the Abilene Paradox; (3) read about social
loafing, groupthink, and group polarization; and (4) learn effective ways to reduce prejudice and discrimination in daily life.
WEEK 5: Mid-Course Break
This week offers a chance to catch up on any course material that you've missed. There are no required videos or readings, but for those of you whose week wouldn't be complete
without a little social psychology, please enjoy the optional materials in Week 5!
WEEK 6: Helping, Hurting, and Peacemaking
This week's goals are to: (1) look at the factors that influence whether people will help one another; (2) examine the roots of aggression, violence, and terrorism; (3) learn
psychological techniques to promote peace and sustainable living; and (4) carry out a personal experiment in which you spend 24 hours living as compassionately as possible.
WEEK 7: A Happy End to the Course
This week's goals are to: (1) consider whether empathy is a "magic bullet" for addressing social problems; (2) learn what the most important ingredients are for a happy life; (3) find out what researchers have discovered about romantic attraction and close relationships; and (4) hear about additional resources and organizations if you want to continue studying social psychology.
Prerequisite
Instructors
Scott Plous
Professor of Psychology; Executive Director, Social Psychology Network; recipient of the American Psychological Foundation Award for Distinguished Teaching
Department of Psychology
Editor
Platform
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