Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2019 - PSYC 106 D900

Psychological Issues in Contemporary Society (3)

Psyc, Tech, New Media

Class Number: 7952

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 8, 2019: Wed, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Relates contemporary knowledge from psychology to current social problems. Provides relevant information from studies pertaining to problems such as attitude development, prejudice, race relations, addiction, behavior technology, and family pathology. Course can be repeated for credit. See Psychology department website for course description. Students may not take this course for further credit if similar topics are covered. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

Media psychology examines how and why people create and use media. Media psychology also pertains to the effects media/technology has on the individual and the larger social world. In order to understand these issues, we explore the field of media psychology as both users and scholars. A broad spectrum of topics will be examined, including: design, learning, self-representation and identity, media literacy, ethics, narrative, child development, addiction and neural functioning.

*Note that there are 3 quizzes for this course utilizing 3 different formats (i.e., individual/open book, paired work, individual). The exam format PLUS the fact there is no textbook necessitates regular attendence and notetaking. There is no final exam for the course. 

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

  • Understand the field of media psychology as a user and as a scholar
  • Understand basic theoretical perspectives used in media psychology
  • Self-reflect on one's own use and creation of media/technology 
  • Interpret and present research to a general audience
  • Work with others in a collaborative fashion

Grading

  • Quiz 1 25%
  • Quiz 2 25%
  • Quiz 3 25%
  • Project 25%

NOTES:

The lectures are NOT recorded.

REQUIREMENTS:

There is no text for this course. Reading materials will be posted on Canvas.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

There is no textbook for this course. Reading will be posted on Canvas.

Registrar Notes:

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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS