Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PSYC 391 D200

Selected Topics in Psychology (3)

Social Cognition: Making (Sense of) Minds

Class Number: 3548

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    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:

How do we make sense of other people’s minds (and our own)?

This course offers advanced students an in-depth account of research in social cognition—the study of how people perceive, interpret, and respond to social information to navigate their social world. We will draw on classic and cutting-edge research to examine how social and cognitive processes shape the way that individuals perceive, categorize, and reason about others; navigate group dynamics; and construct their own identities.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

  1. Understand and explain core concepts in social cognition
  2. Describe historical theories and methodological advances in the study of social cognition
  3. Understand how cognitive mechanisms shape social thought and behavior
  4. Apply social-cognitive theories and frameworks to interpret everyday social interactions, relationships, and real-world issues
  5. Critically evaluate empirical research in social cognition, identifying strengths, limitations, and theoretical implications
  6. Compare different methodological approaches used to study social cognition and discuss their respective advantages and challenges
  7. Develop scientific communication and research skills by synthesizing and presenting findings from research articles in written and verbal formats
  8. Propose research questions to investigate social-cognitive phenomena
  9. Reflect on the broader impact of research for ethics and society

Grading

  • In-class participation: 11 (best 9 counted) x 2% 18%
  • Peer evaluation: 2%
  • Mini projects: 4 x 10% 40%
  • Final project and paper: 20%
  • In-person written exam (about final paper): 20%

NOTES:

Course Email: socialcognition-ta@sfu.ca

More information about PSYC 391 Social Cognition with Dr. Sally Xie: https://socosci.com/courses/psyc391/

REQUIREMENTS:

Prerequisites for PSYC 391: PSYC 201 and 210

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Readings are assigned ahead of time. To optimize your learning experience, it’s best to complete the assigned readings by the date of the lecture.

Required readings will feature a mix of empirical research articles (i.e., articles reporting the results of empirical studies or experiments), review articles (i.e., articles articulating a theory or offering a broad overview of a research area), and chapters from popular books written by scientists.

 

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.