Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PSYC 260 OL01

Introduction to Social Psychology (3)

Class Number: 3511

Delivery Method: Online

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Online

  • Instructor:

    Alyssa Croft
    acroft@sfu.ca
    Office: Online
    Office Hours: By appointment

  • Prerequisites:

    PSYC 102.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines methodology and content in social psychology. Topics include: attitudes and values; social perception and cognition; group behaviour; social includence; prejudice, discrimination, and sexism; aggression; altruism, interpersonal attraction and interpersonal relationships.

COURSE DETAILS:

This is an online course and weekly modules will consist of recorded lectures, podcasts, readings, and other materials that you will complete on your own. Note that the MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAMS WILL BE HELD IN PERSON ON THE SFU BURNABY CAMPUS; the PSYC 260 midterm exam will take place IN-PERSON on Monday, Oct 26 from 5:30pm - 8:20pm. If you cannot attend the exams in-person, please wait to take this course another term.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

This is a fully online, asynchronous course but the MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAMS WILL BE HELD IN PERSON ON THE SFU BURNABY CAMPUS; the PSYC 260 midterm exam will take place IN-PERSON on Monday, Oct 26 from 5:30pm - 8:20pm. If you cannot attend the exams in-person, please wait to take this course another term.

Topics: This course is designed to provide you with an introduction to the fascinating field of Social Psychology. This means that we’ll be exploring both classic and current theories and research, while considering how this body of work can be applied to our own lives. Some topics that we will cover include: prejudice, relationships, culture, conformity, persuasion, and happiness.

Grading

NOTES:

The grading breakdown will be confirmed via Canvas in the first week of class.

WAITLIST POLICY: No late enrollment is permitted beyond Day 5 of classes.

PREREQUISITE WAIVERS: No prerequisite waivers are accepted for this course.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Gilovich, Keltner, Chen, & Nisbett. Social Psychology (6th Edition). W. W. Norton & Co.
ISBN (e-book with InQuizitive): 978-1-324-04567-0 (see SFU Bookstore for special pricing)

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.