Social Psychology

This course focuses on the influence of social factors on human cognition and behavior, exploring the complexities of human interactions and dynamics within social contexts. Through this interdisciplinary examination of social psychology, topics such as social norms, persuasion, self-justification, group processes, and aggression will be addressed. Students will demonstrate a strong understanding of the major empirical findings on these topics, as well as an ability to analyze major theories and concepts that illuminate the ways in which social factors, rather than stable personality traits, shape human thought and behavior. Successful completion of this course will empower students to recognize the myriad influences of social dynamics in real-world contexts and provide them with the necessary tools to analyze and understand complex social interactions.