PS270 Introductory Social Psychology

Introduction to the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Topics include: social cognition, the self and identity; attitudes and attitude change; persuasion; conformity; group processes; cultural influences; prejudice and discrimination; helping; aggression; interpersonal attraction; intimate relationships; and applied issues (e.g., health, environmental, political and legal applications).

PS370 Research in Social Psychology

Students develop, conduct and write reports on studies in selected areas in social psychology. This course focuses on experimental methodologies, quasi-experimental techniques, qualitative methods, observational methods and survey strategies in social psychology. Additional topics include experimenter and participant bias as well as ethics.

PS470 Seminar in Social Psychology

Seminar on selected topics in social psychology.

PS499 Thesis Course

Students select an appropriate topic, design and carry out research, and write a thesis demonstrating competence in both content and method. Students meet regularly as a group with the instructor, and individually with a faculty advisor.

PS670 Graduate Seminar in Social Psychology

A discussion of selected current substantive issues in social psychology, including both laboratory and field research and theoretical concerns. Topics such as attitudes, social cognition, the self, group dynamics, aggression, altruism, methodology in social psychology and socialization are included. Students are required to develop a research proposal as a major component of the course.

PS679/ 879 Graduate Research Seminar in Social/ Developmental Psychology

A group of faculty meet regularly with students to discuss specific topics in the research literature. Typically, presentations of ongoing research are arranged, involving both students and faculty (from WLU and elsewhere). All students and faculty in the social and developmental area are required to attend this research colloquium. The seminar also has a component devoted to training in teaching.

PS871 Specialized Research and Methods in Social Psychology II: Interpersonal Relationships and Group Processes
 
This advanced course in social psychology focuses on the psychological and structural features of interaction in dyads and groups addressing the nature and dynamics of interactions and social relationships, as well as group and organizational processes. Topics may include interpersonal attraction, communication, emotion, relationship development, social influence, group decision-making and task performance, intergroup relations, aggression, prosocial behavior, and other types of social behavior.