PSYC217

This second level course is devoted to the scientific study of how thoughts, feelings and behaviors of individuals are affected by other people. It is a survey of the field of social psychology with a special emphasis on defining and explaining prejudice. Students study what psychologists have learned through research into social perception, social influence, interpersonal attraction, helping and hurting behaviors, group dynamics and other fundamental topics in social psychology. The information acquired is then applied to an examination of the origins of prejudice, characteristics of prejudiced persons, the impact of prejudice on targeted groups, the individuals involved with prejudice and on society in general. While based primarily on a lecture format, this course also involves use of the internet for research, planned assignments and communication with the instructor and other students. (Prerequisite: PSYC-105 or PSYC-106 with a grade of "C" or higher)