SOC 3310: Social Psychology
Section 1
Spring 2013
T/Th 12:30 to 1:45
Middlebush 309
University of Missouri
Instructor: Kevin W. Martin, M.A.
Email: kwm9rc@mizzou.edu
(Note: Please only use email to setup appointments or to notify me of a sickness or other
emergencies)
Office: 317 Middlebush Hall
Hours: Tues/Thur 2-3; or by appointment
Note: The information contained in this syllabus, except university policies, is subject to
change. As the instructor, I reserve the right to make additions or changes where needed
during the semester. You will be notified of any changes.
Purpose:
This course will present theories, research, and concepts concerned with the ways in
which individuals construct social situations and are affected by them. Some of the topics
the course will examine are self-identities, social influence, personal relationships,
prejudice, discrimination, group dynamics, and institutions. The material is primarily
presented in a sociological manner with some consideration paid to psychological theory.
You will develop knowledge of these theories, research, and concepts in order to apply
them to everyday life and social situations as well as course based evaluations of your
knowledge.
Course Materials:
The following texts are required for this course. Please note there is no traditional
‘textbook.’ In addition, there will be additional readings located on the course site
through Blackboard®. There are also optional texts that you must choose one from
below.
Required:
Freud, S. (1960). The Ego and the Id (Standard ed.). (J. Strachey, Ed., & J. Riviere, Trans.)
New York, NY: W.W. Norton & Company.
Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. New York, NY: Anchor
Books.
Gubrium, J. F. (2001). Insitutional Selves: Troubled Identities in a Postmodern World. (J.
F. Gubrium, Ed.) New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Martin, Kevin W. Social Psychology Basics. Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing.
Optional:
Barton, Bernadette C. (2012). Pray the Gay Away: The Extraordinary Lives of Bible Belt
Gays. NYU Press.
Erikson, K. T. (1978). Everything in It's Path: Destruction of Community in the Buffalo
Creek Flood. Simon & Schuster.
Gray, Mary L. (2009). Out in the Country: Youth, Media, and Queer Visibility in Rural
America. NYU Press.
Grazian, D. (2008). On The Make: The Hustle of Urban Nightlife. Chicago, IL: The
University of Chicago Press.
Levine, M. P. (1998). Gay Macho: The Life and Death of the Homosexual Clone. (M. S.
Kimmel, Ed.) New York, NY: New York University Press.
Nuwer, Hank. (2001). Wrongs of Passage: Fraternities, Sororities, Hazing, and Binge
Drinking. Indiana University Press.
Pascoe, C.J. (2007). Dude You're A Fag: Masculinity and Sexuality in High School.
Los Angeles, CA: University of California Press.
Wilkins, A. C. (2008). Wannabes, Goths, and Christians: The Boundaries of Sex, Style,
and Status. Chicago, IL: The University of Chicago Press.
Class Policies:
1) Attendance:
You are expected to attend all class periods. Information covered in class will not be
provided on blackboard. If you are unable to attend, you will need to ask a fellow student
for any notes or information missed. All individuals missing due to sickness, university
obligation, or emergency will need to provide prior notice. This includes an email stating
you are sick and cannot make it or university memo, doctor’s note, or other proof. Note:
simply saying you are sick does not excuse you, I require proof of sickness. Attendance
will affect your grade, as it is part of your class participation grade, but I will not “take”
attendance.
2) Participation:
You are expected to engage in discussion in this class. I cannot answer questions you
might have, if they are not asked. Further, I cannot tell if you understand the material if,
you do not engage in the discussion. Finally, participation accounts for 1/8th of your final
grade. This grade will be figured by turning in your syllabus agreement, being present for
all quizzes as well as your engaged participation in class and on Blackboard® and your
turning in of a minimum of 70% of the assignments.
3) Assignments:
All assignments are due at 5PM on the date they are due. You will only be allowed to
turn in one assignment late. See the deadline extension statement below. You will not
be allowed to turn assignments in via email. There are no exceptions to this rule! All
assignments are to be submitted through the assignment submission system on
Blackboard®. All assignments must be submitted in a format which blackboard is able to
open, thus your assignment must be submitted in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. Failure to
submit in the proper format will be treated the same as having not turned the assignment
in. In class assignments should be written in either blue or black ink and written legibly.
4) Deadline Extension:
You will be given one opportunity during the semester to extend the deadline for one
assignment. If you are unable to turn in an assignment, for a good reason, you can extend
the deadline for the assignment. You must contact me concerning the extension before
the 5P.M. deadline on the due date. You will be given until 12p.m. the next day. An
extended assignment turned in after 12p.m. the next day will not be accepted! You
will only have one opportunity to use this extension, so please use it wisely!
5) Class Etiquette:
1) No electronic devices are to be used during the class, this is a lecture/discussion style
course, and electronic devices other than hearing aids, or other medical devices, are
not needed. This includes but is not limited to cell phones, iPods, laptops, and so
forth. TURN THEM OFF! You will receive one warning and if further violation
occurs you will be told not to bring the device to class.
2) No food is allowed, you cannot engage in discussion if you are eating.
3) DO NOT use smokeless tobacco! If you do you will be asked to go to the restroom
and spit it out.
4) Please be on time, while I am aware that the classroom may be some distance from
the other buildings you have class in, please be on time. It is disrespectful to your
peers and me to walk in during discussion.
5) DO NOT use the class email link in Blackboard® or any other mass mailing access to
send personal messages, messages selling tickets or other items, or for any other
reason that it is not intended for. This is setup for students to email the instructor and
to discuss the class material exclusively. Any other use is improper.
File Formatting:
Again all assignments should be saved in .doc, .docx, or .pdf format. This is required and
assignments being submitted in any other format will not be accepted. This includes
individuals who use MAC or PC.
Blackboard®:
This class requires the use of Blackboard®. You are expected to check the site regularly
in order to keep up to date on additional readings and materials for the class as well as
possible cancelations, changes to room, and so forth. You will also receive notifications
of changes to the site in your email. Please make sure that the email list is added to a safe
sender in your email and that the messages are not going to junk mail. If you have trouble
viewing or working with Blackboard®, you are responsible for contacting the HelpDesk
or Blackboard and having them troubleshoot your issue. I cannot do this, nor will I
contact them for you.
Safe Space Statement:
Our classroom will be a Safe Space. In accordance with the values and mission of the
University of Missouri, both respect and responsibility are expected of all of us.
Therefore, all individuals be they: gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, two-spirit,
pansexual, heterosexual, asexual, and intersexed are all welcomed in this class. All
persons will be treated with respect and it will be your responsibility to act in accordance
with the rules of conduct for students at the university. Further, at times we will be
discussing some very sensitive topics. This material is not meant to offend, but to
educate. Please remember when asking questions to use appropriate language and not to
address any individual in class. You should use I statements rather than accusatory or
confrontational statements. All terminology used in class is used for educational
purposes. As part of being a Safe Space, student personal statements are confidential and
should remain in the classroom. Inappropriate behavior will be sanctioned but also used
to educate the class as to why it was inappropriate. Finally, in this classroom we do not
make any assumptions concerning gender or sexuality, everyone should be referred to by
either their name or by gender neutral terms. If you desire or need more information
concerning Safe Space in the classroom or out, please contact myself or go online to the
LGBTQ Resource Center at http://lgbtq.missouri.edu.
Disabilities:
If you need accommodations because of a disability of any type, if you have emergency
medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the
building must be evacuated, please inform me immediately. Please see me privately after
class, or at my office. To request academic accommodations (for example, a notetaker or
extended time on exams), students must also register with the Office of Disability
Services, (http://disabilityservices.missouri.edu). It is the campus office responsible for
reviewing documentation provided by students requesting academic accommodations,
and for accommodations planning in cooperation with students and instructors, as needed
and consistent with course requirements. For other resources for students with
disabilities, click on "Disability Resources" on the University homepage.
Academic Dishonesty:
Academic integrity is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All
members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been
responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an
advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful.
The academic community regards breaches of the academic integrity rules as extremely
serious matters. Sanctions for such a breach may include academic sanctions from the
instructor, including failing the course for any violation, to disciplinary sanctions ranging
from probation to expulsion. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting,
collaboration, or any other form of cheating, consult the course instructor.
Intellectual Property:
The material presented in this lecture is either already or in the process of being
copyrighted. Therefore, you should not buy, sell, trade, or otherwise redistribute course
notes or other materials. You are allowed to share your notes with fellow classmates
only. Misuse includes, but is not limited to: selling to note distributing websites,
study/exam banks, giving notes to those not currently enrolled in the course and so forth.
Note takers for disability services are not affected by this as long as they are acting in
their capacity as a note taker for this program.
University Lecture Recording Policy:
University of Missouri System Executive Order No. 38 lays out principles regarding the
sanctity of classroom discussions at the university. The policy is described fully in
Section 200.015 of the Collected Rules and Regulations. In this class, students may not
make audio or video recordings of course activity, except students permitted to record as
an accommodation under Section 240.040 of the Collected Rules. All other students who
record and/or distribute audio or video recordings of class activity are subject to
discipline in accordance with provisions of Section 200.020 of the Collected Rules and
Regulations of the University of Missouri pertaining to student conduct matters.
Those students who are permitted to record are not permitted to redistribute audio or
video recordings of statements or comments from the course to individuals who are not
students in the course without the express permission of the faculty member and of any
students who are recorded. Students found to have violated this policy are subject to
discipline in accordance with provisions of Section 200.020 of the Collected Rules and
Regulations of the University of Missouri pertaining to student conduct matters.
Further Info:
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and is
nondiscriminatory relative to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation,
age, disability, or status as a Vietnam-era veteran. I do have an open door policy except
when it concerns grades. Please feel free to stop by and speak with me if you have any
questions or concerns.
Grievances:
If you have an issue, which you feel, you have had unfair treatment, feel uncomfortable
about something that occurred in class, have an issue concerning grading, or other such
issues please bring these issues to my attention during office hours. If this does not
satisfy the situation then you are welcome to take your grievance to the next level of the
department, which is the Associate Chair Dr. Ed Brent. However, please speak with me
first as this will generally take care of most issues. Furthermore, as I have also
mentioned I am a Safe Space Certified instructor and my office is designated as a Safe
Space for all students, you are welcome to and encouraged to discuss any issues you want
or need to there.
Writing Center:
While you are not allowed to collaborate on your assignments with classmates and
friends, you are encouraged to utilize the Campus Writing Center. The Writing Center’s
web page is: https://writery.missouri.edu/ .You can either go to the center during the
semester or you can utilize their electronic submission system. This can help you with
your writing for the course.
Student Success Center:
You are also encouraged to visit the Student Success Center (SSC) here on campus. The
Writing Center is only a small part of the SSC. The SSC can also provide tutoring and
other services that can be of help to you. The SSC website is:
http://success.missouri.edu/ . They can definitely be helpful when you need it.
Grades:
Note:
Due to FERPA I will be unable to discuss any grades with you outside of office hours or
appointments. You will need to setup an appointment with me to discuss them. Grades
will not be discussed via the phone, email, or otherwise. Please do not ask!
Assignments:
Book Analysis:
You will choose one of the four optional texts from the list above. You will then read the
text and then write an analysis paper. The paper will be worth a total of 70pts. You will
write a proposal for what you would like to apply to the text and how. The proposal will
be worth 10pts. The first draft will be worth 25pts. The final version will be worth
40pts. This paper will require you to apply material we have covered in class to the text
you read. However, you will not be allowed to use outside analysis pieces such as
scholarly journal articles. Your analysis is to be your own. The papers will be 7 to 8
(Max of 10) pages in length, typed in Times New Roman 12pt. Font, Double-spaced,
stapled, and all sources must be cited in APA style. You are not allowed to collaborate
on this assignment. Note: You should begin reading and preparing to write your paper as
we move through the semester! Do not wait until just before the paper is due to start
reading! Check the Schedule for due dates!
Short Essays:
You will write 3 response essays to articles, political cartoons, news stories, or other
material related to course material that are assigned throughout the semester. The essay
will be brief, 3 to 4 pages, about how the course material applies to the subject of the
example material. These short essays will be worth 15 pts each. The essays are to be
typed in Times New Roman 12pt. Font, Double-spaced, stapled, and all sources must be
cited. You are not allowed to collaborate on these assignments.
Quizzes:
There will be 10 quizzes composed of 5 to 10 questions. These quizzes will be given at
random and will not be announced. The lowest 2 quiz grades will be dropped, each is
worth 10pts. The quizzes will cover any material covered prior to and including the
material for that day. They may be in class or online through Blackboard®. No make-ups
are allowed.
Essay Tests:
You will have 3 essay exams. These tests will consist of several short answer essays,
true/false questions, listing questions, and a long essay question. The Tests will be for a
total of 50pts. They will be written and in class. A review session will be provided on
the class period directly preceding the test date. You will have the entire time of a
normal class to complete these exams. No make-up exams allowed, if you will miss the
test period you must schedule to take it prior to missing the exam.
Discussion Posts:
Your postings will be assessed using the following guidelines and the final evaluation
will take place the final week of class. Postings should consist of discussion of questions
I give you in class to post about, commenting and reflecting upon the comments of your
peers, or starting a discussion of an issue that arises in class or that you would like to
discuss. If you post at least 8 times during the semester and interact with your peers, you
may expect full credit unless otherwise notified. Note: You must post over the semester.
You cannot do them all one time and get credit!
Discussion Posting Grading Criteria
Posting Point
Values (10)
Meaningful and New Ideas: Ideas examine topic from new perspective that
contributes to group understanding of topic, and incorporates sociological concepts
and theories
5
Message Coherence: Messages explain issues, provide new perspectives,
effectively question, or meaningfully elaborate on topic
2
Relevance of Replies to Other Messages: Responses elaborate, contradict,
modify, or explain the original message
3
Extra Credit Assignment:
You will have one extra credit assignment opportunity for the semester. This will be
assigned at a point in the future during the semester. It will be worth up to 5 pts. There
may be others assigned but this one is guaranteed.
Grade Total:
Book Analysis Proposal 1x10pts. = 10pts.
Book Analysis First Draft 1x25pts. = 25pts.
Book Analysis Final 1 x 40pts. = 40pts.
Short Essay
3 x 15pts = 45pts.
Quizzes
8 x 10pts = 80pts.
Essay Tests
3 x 50pts. = 150pts.
Class Participation
50pts. = 50pts.
Total
= 400pts.
Grading Scale
A Ranges B Ranges C Ranges D Ranges F
A+
388-400
B+
348-359
C+
308-319
D+
268-279
A
372-387
B
332-347
C
292-307
D
252-267
A360-371
B320-331
C280-291
D240-251
F
‹239
Course Schedule
Note this schedule is subject to change without prior notice! Make sure to check the Course
Calendar on Blackboard® for any changes!
Assignments/Additional Blackboard®
Readings/Material
Date
Subject/Readings
January 20
Syllabus/Intro to Social Psych
January 22
Foundation Theories of Social Psych
Read:1-44 Social Psych Basics
C. Wright Mills 1959
January 27
Foundational Theories of Social Psych
and Sociological Bent of Social Psych
Read: 45-74 Social Psych Basics; 3-21
Freud
Korsching and Wilson 1996
January 29
Sociological Bent of Social Psych
Read: 22-62 Freud; Goffman 1-30
February 3
Methods of Social Psych
Read: 75-78 Social Psych Basics;
Goffman 31-76
Hadaway and Long Maler 1998
February 5
Methods of Social Psych/ Cognition
Read: 79-86 Social Psych Basics;
Goffman 77-106
Tiemann et al. 1998;
February 10
Social Cognition
Read: 87-101 Social Psych Basics;
Goffman 106-140
The Nature of the Self 2010; Hewitt and
Schulman2/Watch: The Mirror Neuron
System
February 12
Social Cognition/Perception
Read: Goffman 141-166
Short Essay 1 Due/
Read:West&Zimmerman1987
February 17
Social Perception/Presentation
Read: Goffman 167-237
Katz
February 19
Social Presentation
Read: Goffman 238-255
Book Analysis Paper Proposal Due
February 24
Social Presentation
Assignments/Additional Blackboard®
Readings/Material
Date
Subject/Readings
February 26
Exam 1
March 3
Attitudes and Social Behavior
March 5
Attitudes
Gubrium and Holstein 1-63
March 10
Conformity, Compliance, and
Obedience
Read: 101-118 Social Psych Basics;
Gubrium and Holstein 64-85
Watch: Obedience- Fast Food Strip Search
Video
March 12
Conformity, Compliance, and
Obedience
Read: 119-128 Social Psych Basics;
Gubrium and Holstein 86-106
Short Essay 2 Due/Watch: Full Metal Jacket
Basic Training Portion (optional)
March 17
Conformity, Compliance, and
Obedience
Read: 129-150 Social Psych Basics;
Gubrium and Holstein 107-128
Read: Yancey Martin and Hummer 1989
LaPiere 1934
Read: Blauner 1992; Kimmel 1994
March 19
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and
Discrimination
Read: Gubrium and Holstein 129-170
March 21-29
Spring Break
March 31
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and
Discrimination
Read: Gubrium and Holstein 171-192
April 2
Exam 2
April 7
Group Dynamics and Conflict
Read: 151-156 Social Psych Basics
Read: Fox 1987/Watch: 12 Angry Men
April 9
Group Dynamics and Conflict
Read: 157-188 Social Psych Basics
Short Essay 3 Due/Read: Peralta 2005
Read: Sawy 2001
Date
Subject/Readings
Assignments/Additional Blackboard®
Readings/Material
1st Draft of Paper Due/Additional Material
Will be Added
April 14
Aggression and Violence
Read: 189-204 Social Psych Basics
April 16
Aggression and Violence
April 21
Helpful Social Behavior
Read: 205-230 Social Psych Basics
Additional Material Will be Added
April 23
Collective Behavior
Read: 231-266 Social Psych Basics
Additional Material Will be Added
Additional Material Will be Added
April 28
Liking, Loving, and Close
Relationships
April 30
Liking, Loving, and Close
Relationships
May 5
Social Psych in Your life
Read: Babbie 1996/Additional Material Will
be Added
May 7
Social Psych in Your life
Final Draft of Paper Due
May 13
Final Exam
Room 309 Middlebush 10A.M.-12P.M.
PLEASE PRINT AND RETURN THE FOLLOWING PAGE TO ME BY THE FOURTH
CLASS MEETING!
I have read and understand the requirements of this course and by signing agree to abide
by this syllabus and all university policies pertaining there to.
Name: _____________________________________________________
Signature: __________________________________________________
Date: ______________________________________________________