Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2021 - PSYC 363 D100

Intergroup Relations (3)

Class Number: 2043

Delivery Method: Remote

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 11 – Apr 16, 2021: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 24, 2021
    Sat, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201 and 260.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides an overview of the social psychological study of intergroup relations, considering classic and contemporary theory and research in the field. It includes discussions of the application of these ideas and findings to important social contexts, and explores ways in which the social psychological study of intergroup relations can help us understand and inform efforts to influence relevant social change.

COURSE DETAILS:

The course will provide students with a basic understanding of the social psychological study of intergroup relations--the study of how our behavior, thoughts and feelings are influenced by the groups we belong to and how people from different groups relate to one another. We will consider both theory and research in the field, and will discuss the application of these ideas and findings to important real-world social issues. We will explore ways in which the social psychological study of intergroup relations can help us understand and inform efforts to influence social change.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This course will be taught remotely with the majority of the work being asynchronous. However, there will be several required elements of the course that will be synchronous and will occur during the regular class period. The plan is to have recorded lectures available on Canvas to be viewed asynchronously. However, each student must attend a discussion session once during the semester and these will be offered during the scheduled class time. The midterm will be held during scheduled class time. There will be a group project and groups will be encourage to use the scheduled class time as a possible meeting time. Therefore, students will need to be available for some of the scheduled class time on some weeks.

Topics:
We will consider the social psychological antecedents, processes and/or consequences involved in topics including: stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination; privilege and disadvantage; economic inequality; multiculturalism; sexism; prejudice reduction; and collective action and social change.

Grading

  • Mid-term Test(s): 20%
  • Papers/Assignments: 40%
  • Final Exam: 20%
  • Activities/Engagement: 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:


Johnson, A.G. (2006 or 2018). Privilege, Power, and Difference. (2nd or 3rd ed.). McGraw Hill Publishing.

Eberhardt, J. L (2019). Biased: Uncovering the hidden prejudice that shapes what we see, think and do. Penguin.

A number of other readings will be assigned throughout the course, available through links on the Canvas course page.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2021

Teaching at SFU in spring 2021 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).