This survey course examines many theoretical approaches to social psychology. The approaches may include: symbolic interactionism, neo-behaviorism, psychodynamic analyses, cognitive theories, interpersonal processes and theories of exchange.

SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY: This course in sociological social psychology explores the relationship between society and the self. With the help of research and theory from a number of social psychological traditions, especially interpretive, constructionist, and symbolic interactionist perspectives, we identify features of society, including its institutions and symbolic systems that influence the thinking, action, and identity of individuals and groups. Readings, films, and guided research initiatives over the session shed light on the processes by which the external world affects members of society. With a sociological focus, we examine the formation of personal identities within social categories of race, gender, sexuality, and social class. We revisit landmark episodes of collective behavior in history to better understand the social factors involved in communal violence and moral panics. We also explore the force of structural contexts and social situations in intimate activities like mothering, falling in love, and social withdrawal among educated youth in contemporary, high-tech societies. Writings: Short mid-term study of processes of identity formation of two individuals; final course project report, developed in stages (several brief 2 page field reports) over the summer, examining structures and processes linked to identity-formation observable in a setting selected by the student, with the approval of the instructor.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills