Hill College
112 Lamar Drive
Hillsboro, TX 76645
COURSE SYLLABUS
Course Prefix and Number
SOCI 2326 Section:
Semester:
Course Title
Social Psychology
Instructor:
Contact:
Phone:
Email:
ACGM Description:
Study of individual behavior within the social environment. May include topics such as the
socio-psychological process, attitude formation and change, interpersonal relations, and group
processes. (Cross-listed as PSYC 2319)
Catalog Description:
Study of individual behavior within the social environment. May include topics such as the
socio-psychological process, attitude formation and change, interpersonal relations, and group
processes.
Lecture Hours: 3 Lab Hours: 0 Semester Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: None
Introduction and Purpose:
The question that drives this field is simple—how does human environment shape individual
identity and behavior. We will study the ways in which our socio-cultural environments shapes
the self, beliefs and attitudes, gender, the tendency to conform or be persuaded, prejudice, the
tendency to help others, and violence and aggression. We will also apply the principles of
social psychology to particular settings, including the clinic and the courtroom. In the process
of examining the interaction between the individual and environment, we will learn the
techniques of behavioral science research methods, and develop professional skills, including
interpersonal communication skills, academic writing, reading comprehension and information
retention, as well as time management and the use of technology.
Instructional Materials:
Textbook:
Myers (2012). Social Psychology, 11th Ed. Pearson.
SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
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Supplies:
May include standard writing and classroom supplies, Scantrons, computing technology and
other items, as per instructor.
Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes:
At this time, the state of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has not specified
particular Learning Outcomes for this course. However, at a minimum, the following outcomes
are expected:
Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Define and apply key concepts associated with social psychology.
Identify major theories in social psychology.
Describe the major areas of study within social psychology.
Explain the various methodological approaches used for research in social
psychology.
5. Relate or apply the principles of social psychology to everyday life and current
events.
The students' success in completing these objectives will be measured using a set of
examinations and assignments described, in detail under the section of this syllabus headed
“Methods of Evaluation.”
An Annual Assessment Plan will be implemented each year to review course.
Methods of Instruction:
This course will be taught face-to-face and/or by various distance learning delivery methods.
Audio-visual materials and computer-based technology will be used when appropriate.
Students will be shown how to use a calculator where appropriate.
Methods of Evaluation:
Grades in this course will be based on the following evaluative criteria:
Exams comprise approximately 50% of the student’s grade. The remaining 50% is made up of
assignments, course discussion, quizzes, and other routine coursework, as specified by the
instructor.
SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
Letter grades for the course will be based on the following percentages:
90-100% A
80-89%
B
70-79%
C
60-69%
D
Below 60% F
Course Outline:
Class policies:
Regular attendance at all class meetings and participation in online activities is expected.
Disruptions and inappropriate activity in class or via web communications will not be tolerated.
Topic Outline:
I.
Introducing Social Psychology
II.
Social Thinking
A. The Self in a Social World
B. Social Beliefs and Judgments
C. Behavior and Attitudes
III.
Social Influence
A. Genes, Culture, and Gender
B. Conformity and Obedience
C. Persuasion
D. Group Influence
IV.
Social Relations
A. Prejudice: Disliking Others
B. Aggression: Hurting Others
C. Attraction and Intimacy: Liking and Loving Others
D. Helping
E. Conflict and Peacemaking
F. Social Psychology in the Clinic
G. Social Psychology in Court
H. Social Psychology and the Sustainable Future
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SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
Disabilities/ADA
Reports of discrimination based on disability may be directed to the ADA/Section 504
coordinator. The College District designates the following person to coordinate its efforts to
comply with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, which
incorporates and expands the requirements of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
as amended:
Name:
Dr. Heather Kissack
Position:
Executive Director of Human Resources
Address:
112 Lamar Drive, Hillsboro, TX 76645
Telephone: (254) 659-7731
Students with qualified and documented disabilities may request accommodations which will
enable them to participate in and benefit from educational programs and activities. Students
should contact the Academic Advising and Student Success Center for more details at:
254 659 7650 for Hillsboro, 817 760 5650 for Cleburne, or 817 295-7392 for Burleson.
EEO Statement
Hill College is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment.
The college does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, race, color, religion,
sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in the administration of its
educational programs, activities, or employment policies.
Instructor’s Class Content:
See next page or instructor’s individual course information.
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SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
5
HILL COLLEGE
SYLLABUS
SPRING 2015
SOCI 2326/PSY 2319
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
ONLINE
The question that drives this field is simple—how does human environment shape individual identity
and behavior. We will study the ways in which our socio-cultural environments shapes the self, beliefs
and attitudes, gender, the tendency to conform or be persuaded, prejudice, the tendency to help others,
and violence and aggression. We will also apply the principles of social psychology to particular
settings, including the clinic and the courtroom. In the process of examining the interaction between the
individual and environment, we will learn the techniques of behavioral science research methods, and
develop professional skills, including interpersonal communication skills, academic writing, reading
comprehension and information retention, as well as time management and the use of technology.
Lucas Espinoza, MS, MA
Instructor
Phone: (682) 231-2683
LEspinoza@hillcollege.edu
Please wait 24hours for a reply during working business hours
 Communication & Course Assistance
I can answer most questions via email. During critical times especially, I monitor my email more
closely to help you more quickly. If you are having difficulties, contact me immediately. Please utilize
my office hours and Learning Lab hours if you would like to meet in person or speak by phone. Work
ahead so we can troubleshoot issues before they affect your grade.
Handle problems BEFORE your coursework is due, not after, so you do not lose points.
 REQUIRED TEXTBOOK
The textbook you need for this course is Social Psychology, 11th Ed, by Myers (2012). ISBN978-0-07803529-6
**You must have access to and read the TEXTBOOK to be successful in this class.**
 Additional Required Items
Internet and PC Access
Timely and reliable access to a personal computer and the internet is an absolutely essential requirement
for this course. Much of the material required for this course is not readable unless you have a PC or
Mac. Your student fees, in part, pay for you to use Hill College computers on campus if you do not have
home access Investigate campus computing hours and adjust your work times accordingly so that you do
not miss course deadlines. Always have a back-up plan (friends, family, public resources).
Hill College Email
Important messages from me go to your Hill College Email. Check it daily!! Access your email through
HillCollege.edu under “Students—Current Students—Webmail.” Directions are there for logging in as
SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
6
well as a tech support link if you have trouble. When you email me you MUST include your course
number and section to receive a timely and accurate response. You can also send email to me
automatically from Blackboard (Tools: Send Email). This automatically includes course and section
info. However, to view my response you must log into student email. If you wish to discuss grades
through email, you must use student email.
MS Office Compatible Document and Powerpoint Software
In some cases, I ask that you complete written assignments and projects. Hill College supports
MSOffice documents (.docx or .doc) and PowerPoint files (.ppt and .pptx). If you do not have
MSOffice, you need to save your file as the appropriate file type. There are certain tablet apps that
allow the creation of these files. Check with me for information. Files created with certain types of
software (such as .odt files) are not accepted. As mentioned above, if you do not have Word or
PowerPoint, use campus computers.
Blackboard and Respondus
Blackboard is the Hill College online teaching engine. To access Blackboard, go to HillCollege.edu,
click on Blackboard, and follow the directions to log in. Respondus, a browser you download for testing,
is available through Blackboard and must be downloaded and launched from your PC/Mac or a campus
computer to take exams. Blackboard MobileTM Learn is offered as an app for a small fee. This will
enable you to view select course items like assignments and grades, but will not help with the
completion of tests or assignments.
Tech Support
I am NOT a computer person, so if you need some type of technical assistance, I would recommend that
you contact the Hill College library at (254) 582-2555.
 Methods of Evaluation
Grades in this course will be based on the following evaluative criteria:
Grade percentages break down as follows:
 Quizzes (15x19pts)
285 points
 Discussion Posts
160 points
 Project
100 points
 Exam 1
100 points
 Exam 2
100 points
 Exam 3
100 points
 Exam 4
100 points
 Exam 5
100 points
Total Possible
1045 points
For more on the course requirements, see the syllabus below and Blackboard descriptions.
Letter grades for the course will be based on the following standard course points break down:
 A
900 points or more
 B
800-899 points
 C
700-799 points
 D
600-699 points
SOCI 2326 Social Psychology

F
7
0-599 points
To determine your exact course grade, view your points total in Blackboard under MyGrades, and move
the decimal one place to the left. For example, a total of 950 is equal to 95.0% or an A in the course,
while a grade of 885 is equal to 88.5% or a B in the course, etc. Note there are more than 1000 points
possible, thus there is some bonus or extra credit built into the course.
 Course Readings
Please read at the pace found in the Course Schedule. Items are due for every chapter and come directly
from the textbook readings. To be successful in this course, you need to read all assigned material and
meet deadlines for submitting course items.
 How to Get Started!
Directions for getting into Blackboard can be found by going to www.hillcollege.edu and clicking on the
Blackboard link right under the Hill College logo. Directions are there for your id/password combo, as
well as a link to click for technical support. You need to know your name and student ID number. Your
student ID appears on your bill and schedule. Blackboard and Hill College student email generally have
the same default log in.
 Chapter Quizzes
Quizzes cover all material presented in your readings. They take into account the fact that you have your
book in hand and have already read the chapter thoroughly. They are sometimes very detailed. They will
draw upon your understanding of the text, its various charts and graphs, and even the stories placed in
boxes on the pages of the chapter. For this reason, you will need to read the chapter and then likely
review it to reacquaint yourself with each chapter’s material before completing your quiz. You also need
the correct book to be successful.
Quizzes are multiple choice and timed. Preparedness and time management affect your ability to finish
and consequently your ability to do well. Quizzes are administered through Blackboard. They are 15
questions each. You view one question at a time. You cannot backtrack. Questions are randomized.
However, you have unlimited attempts. Perhaps most important about quizzes—you MUST get
them in on time to receive credit. There is no opportunity to redo a quiz when a deadline is missed.
Quizzes must be your own work and must be completed with BOOK ONLY (see the section below on
Plagiarism and Academic Honesty). Students who are discovered to have violated this rule will receive a
zero on the items in question with no opportunity to redo. Each Quiz is worth 19 points. There are 15
Quizzes for a total of 285 points.
 Discussion Posts
We will have discussion posts in this course. These have many purposes. The first one introduces you to
your classmates (and them to you). Other posts give you the opportunity to posit ideas, reflect on others’
thoughts, provide and receive constructive feedback, and develop a project on a topic of your choosing.
At all times, discussion posts must remain academic, professional, educated (read your chapters first!),
and appropriate. Do not use street language. Do not use church language. Be advised that there are folks
in the class that may very strongly disagree with the way you view the world or certain topics we
discuss. Be sensitive to this as you compose your posts, and as you respond to posts. At no time should
you ever post language that derides or insults or puts down another person or type of person, or tells
them how to live their life. This is an academic class in which our goal is to work together to
SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
8
understand behavior and its influences. Inappropriate comments will be deleted and will harm your
course grade. For more on discussion posts, see Blackboard and your Course Schedule. Discussion posts
are worth a total of 160 possible points.
 Exams
Exams for this class have many purposes. They help you learn the material and apply course knowledge
to the world around you--all while familiarizing you with today’s learning technology and honing your
communication and organizational skills.
The format of the exams and testing directions will be discussed in class and/or posted in Blackboard in
advance of the due date. Please contact me if you have questions. Exam and course work of all kinds
must be YOUR OWN work. I take this very seriously. Turning in work that is not your own is grounds
for an automatic zero and failing the course without opportunity for redo. See the Syllabus section on
Plagiarism and Academic Honesty below.
Submitting your work on time, correctly using the necessary technology, and following directions is the
key to your success in this course. Exams are due by the date listed in the Course Schedule and/or
announced in class. Late exams are not accepted. There are five (5) exams worth 100 points each.
 Project
For this assignment, students should take one photograph which reflects one of the readings.
Accompanying each photograph, students will write a 2-3 page essay (12 point Times New Roman font,
double spacing, 1” margins) which should include the following:
(1) The context of the photograph (where the photograph was taken, what is depicted in the photograph,
and what was occurring beyond the frame of the photograph);
(2) Identify how your photograph ties to the reading/topic/concept you chose and the idea; describe the
evidence provided; explain whether the evidence in convincing.
(3) a detailed description of the social psychological perspective and other course concepts that are
portrayed in the photograph.
(4) a discussion of public policy changes the you would suggest (if applicable).
Any items are submitted via Blackboard for this course and are due before 11:59 PM as listed in
the Course Schedule. You will not receive a grade if your work is even one minute late. Plan
accordingly!
 Academic Integrity and Honesty
Honesty in completing assignments is essential to the mission of the college and to the development of
the personal integrity of the student. Cheating, plagiarism, and other kinds of academic dishonesty will
not be tolerated and will result in appropriate sanctions that may include failing an assignment, failing
the class, or even worse. I have a zero tolerance policy on academic dishonesty. You need to be able to
formulate newly-learned ideas into your own language, both here in academia and in the professional
world you are working towards. When you understand the material, you have the ability to accurately
put it in your own words. The work you turn in to me must be your own.
SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
9
Do not retype your author’s or anyone else’s words into any of your coursework. Do not reuse my words
from any class materials. It is not enough to change the order of a sentence here and there. Think about
what you have read, reflect on it, then express the information you wish to convey in your own words.
This rule holds true for everything from definitions to major writings—absolutely ANYTHING from the
smallest snippets of information to entire paragraphs.
When in doubt: if you didn’t write it, cite it.
All tests and quizzes and other online course items are open book. This means you may use your course
textbook. The use of any other resources while testing is considered academic dishonesty. If you
compute in the library, you must use your book as source and your one PC must be used strictly for the
quiz or test.
Any work that you submit, or any portion of that work, that is plagiarized or otherwise the result
of academic dishonesty will receive a ZERO with no opportunity for redo. Students who engage in
academic dishonesty may also be failed from the course and reported to the appropriate offices for
disciplinary action. Actively work to avoid plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty at all
times. Before writing, review Purdue’s website “Avoiding Plagiarism”:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/.
 Attendance Policy
Consistent and attentive virutal class attendance is vital to academic success, and is expected of all
students. Grades are determined by academic performance, and instructors may give students written
notice that attendance related to specific online classroom activities is required and will constitute a
specific percentage of students’ grades. Absences do not exempt students from academic requirements.
Excessive absences, even if documented, may result in a student failing the course.
 Timeliness Expectations and Emergencies
Once I have distributed an item, you can turn work in as early as you wish. However, deadlines are final.
Students who miss deadlines for course items receive a grade of zero (0). As mentioned above, your
Blackboard work cannot be submitted even one minute after the deadline. In select, very specific cases
where the student, in a timely manner, provides documentation of a real, life-altering emergency that
affects their ability to perform a specific course duty, a make-up may be considered at the instructor’s
discretion. Please note, however, I cannot change the standards set for the course. Being in class
regularly (either “virtually” for online classes or in-person) and completing coursework is an absolute
requirement. Meeting course deadlines is part of the course requirements. Students with situations that
repeatedly interfere with attending class or completing coursework are encouraged to seek assistance
from the Academic Advising and Success Center. In some situations, withdrawing from the course and
trying again later when conditions improve may be the best solution.
 Withdrawals
Withdraw dates are posted on HillCollege.edu on the official calendar and handled through the
Academic Advising and Student Success Center. Students who do not do any work or who are failing
need to withdraw in person. There are no automatic withdrawals.
Viewing your grades
Your class grades are visible in Blackboard. Log in to Blackboard. Within our course, click on Tools
and then MyGrades. You will find any feedback I have on your written items there as well as all your
SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
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numeric grades. If you have completed something that requires my feedback, you will see a gold
exclamation point until I am able to address it. I grade items, on average, within two weeks’ time.
Assignments submitted at the beginning of the semester may take a bit more time to get back to you as I
strive to give thorough feedback.
 School Sponsored Events and Religious Holidays
It is expected that tests and assignments will not be affected by prescheduled events.
All items are posted well in advance of the due date. You need to work ahead if you have an upcoming
scheduled conflict.
 Things may need to be adjusted, including this Syllabus
Occasionally our schedule must be adjusted, course items need to be modified, or even this syllabus
needs amendment. These changes will be posted in the Syllabus section of Blackboard and/or otherwise
distributed to students via course communications as appropriate.
See the Master Syllabus for additional notes, including ADA statement and student learning objectives.
SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
11
Calendar of Classes, Sessions, Readings, Examinations:
Tentative Schedule of Course Topics and Reading List
This schedule is subject to change. Changes will be announced through Blackboard.
All assigned readings must be completed by the date listed in the syllabus
January 20th, 2015- May 14th, 2015
Week 1 (01/20-1/24): Introduction to Social Psychology
Go over Syllabus
Reading:
Discussion Post
Introductory Post
Week 2 (01/25-1/31): Sociological Thinking
Reading: Chapter 1- Introduction to Social Psychology and Chapter 2- The Self in a Social World
Quiz Ch 1 and Quiz Ch 2
Discussion Post
Brainstorm Ideas and find photos
Week 3 (2/1-2/7):
Sociological Thinking (continued)
Reading: Chapter 3- The Self in the Social World
Quiz Ch 3
Discussion Post
Feedback from Peers and Instructor
Week 4 (2/8-2/14) Test 1
Test 1 [CHS1-3] Review and Test 1 Online opens 2/8 at 12:00am and closes 2/14 at 11:59pm
Week 5 (2/15-2/21) Sociological Thing(continued)
Reading: Chapter 4- Behavior and Attitudes and Chapter 5- Genes, Culture and Gender
Quiz Ch 4 and Quiz Ch5
Week 6 (2/22-2/28) Social Influence
Reading: Chapter 6- Conformity and Obedience
Quiz Ch 6
Will be done virtually
Week 7 (3/1-3/7)
Test 2
Test 2 [CHS4-6] Review and Test 2 Online opens 3/1 at 12:00am and closes 3/7 at 11:59pm
Week 8 (3/8-3/14) Social Influence (continued)
Reading: Chapter 7- Persuasion
Quiz Ch 7
Discussion Post
Paragraph proposing unique photo project topic
Week 9 (3/15-3/21) Spring Break- Work on Final project
Week 10 (3/22-3/28) Social Influence (continued)
Reading: Chapter 8- Group Influence
Quiz Ch8
Discussion Post
Feedback from Instructor
SOCI 2326 Social Psychology
Week 11 (3/29-4/4) Social Relation (continued)
Reading: Chapter 9- Prejudice: Disliking Others
Quiz Ch 9
Week 12 (4/5-4/11) Test 3
Test 3 [CHS7-9] Review and Test 3 Online opens 4/5 at 12:00am and closes 4/11 at 11:59pm
Week 13 (4/12-4/18) Social Relation (continued)
Reading: Chapter 10- Aggression: Hurting Others and Chapter 11- Attraction and Intimacy:
Liking & Loving Others
Quiz Ch 10 and Quiz Ch 11
Week 14 (4/19-4/25) Social Relation (continued)
Reading: Chapter 12- Helping and Chapter 13- Conflict and Peacemaking
Quiz Ch 12 and Quiz Ch 13
Discussion PostAPA Style References for your three Academic Journal Articles.
Week 15 (4/26-5/2) Test 4
Test 4 [CHS10-13] Review and Test 4 Online opens 4/26 at 12:00am and closes 5/2 at 11:59pm
Discussion PostProfessional Appearance and supporting images
Week 16 (5/3-5/9)
Appling Social Psychology
Reading: Chapter 14- Social Psychology in the Clinic and Chapter 15- Social Psychology in the
Court
Quiz Ch 14 and Quiz Ch 15
Discussion PostCompleted Final Photo Project
Week 17 (5/10-5/14) Finals
Test 5 [CHS14-15] Review and Test 5 Online opens 5/8 at 12:00am and closes 5/12 at 11:59pm
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