Fall 2020 - PSYC 363 J100

Intergroup Relations (3)

Class Number: 5612

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2020
    Mon, 12:00 a.m.–11:59 p.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:

In a time of ever heightened conflict between groups it has never been more important to understand what motivates the actions and attitudes of group members. This course will provide you with an introduction to the psychological dimensions of membership in social groups, and how social groups relate to each other – the social psychology of intergroup relations. We will begin by exploring classic theories and concepts from intergroup relations (group identity, disadvantage, privilege), and then learn how to apply these theoretical tools to make sense of the current examples of racism, sexism, classism (etc.) that fracture our social world. How are these relations of oppression created and maintained, but even more importantly, how they can be challenged and changed?

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

-To understand and contrast key concepts and theories from the social psychology of intergroup relations
-To use these theories and concepts to understand and explain examples of historical and current intergroup relations
-To understand the social psychological dimensions of positive social change

Topics:

Social/Group Identity, Privilege/Disadvantage, Intersectionality, Theories of Intergroup Relations, Prejudice, Discrimination, Stereotypes, Social Representations, Racism, Classism, Stigma Towards People Who Use Drugs, Sexism, Heterosexism, Trans-Antagonism, Multiculturalism, Intergroup Contact, Prejudice Reduction, Collective Resistance, Crowds.

Grading

  • Participation: 15%
  • Final Exam: 20%
  • Four Short Quizzes: 20%
  • Two Synthesis Papers: 20%
  • Short Presentation: 5%
  • Two Article Summaries: 10%
  • Two Personal Reflections: 10%

NOTES:

This course will be delivered entirely online through weekly 3-hour "webinars" that will include lecture components, class discussions, individual exercises and interactive small group discussions. Assessment will consist of class/discussion board participation, four quizzes (5% each), a final exam and a series of small assignments: two short (e.g. 2-3 page) synthesis papers, two summaries/critical reviews of assigned articles, two personal reflections, and a short presentation.

Lectures will be conducted online during the scheduled class time. The recordings of lectures will be posted on canvas so students can review them later but students are encouraged to attend during the scheduled times if and when possible to increase engagement.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

The course textbook is "Privilege, Power, and Difference" by Allan G. Johnson. Students may use either the 2nd or the 3rd edition (please avoid the 1st edition, it is outdated). Additional weekly required readings will be made available on Canvas

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 FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 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).