Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - PSYC 391 B100

Selected Topics in Psychology (3)

Social Psych Critical Lens

Class Number: 4994

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Tu 2:30 PM – 5:20 PM
    AQ 3003, Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 201. Other prerequisites vary by topic offering.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Course can be repeated for credit. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. See Psychology department website for course description.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this course, we will investigate social psychology through a critical lens that allows us to identify and discuss the implications of its disciplinary norms, perspectives, and values. What standpoints are (in/ex)cluded, (de)prioritized, and (under)valued in the field of social psychology and what implications does this have for our understanding of social life? The goal of this course is not to provide a concrete answer to these questions, but rather provide students with tools and space to develop their own analyses.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

(1) Identify and describe disciplinary practices, perspectives, and goals of social psychological research and writing; (2) Discuss the implications of social psychology’s disciplinary approaches for how we understand social life (3) Apply a critical lens to evaluate traditional social psychological theories, methodologies, and approaches

● Apply a critical lens to evaluate traditional social psychological theories, methodologies, and approaches

Topics:

(1) Identifying social psychology as a discipline; (2) Positionality and Reflexivity; (3) Objectivity/subjectivity; (4) Experimental methods; (5) Reseacher/Participant Roles ; (6) Culture; (7) Epistemic exclusion; (8) Intersectionality; (9) Critical alternatives

Grading

  • Project Outline: 10%
  • Paper Discussion Questions: 10%
  • Participation: 20%
  • Writing Assignments: 20%
  • Term Paper/ Project: 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

There is no required textbook for this course.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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