PSYCHOL 6506OL - Social Psychology

Online - Online Teaching 3 - 2022

What cognitive processes are involved in prejudice and discrimination? What are the factors that influence a person?s likelihood to identify with a particular group? How do we talk about racism? These are some of the questions that social psychologists are interested in exploring. In this course you will learn about topics central to contemporary research in social psychology, examining the principles and processes that enable us to understand human social behaviour. You will learn about social cognition approaches, processes of social influence, behaviour in groups, and theories of social thinking and ideology. Through critical examination of these topics, you will be introduced to four different levels of analysis in social psychology, which will provide you with a broad understanding of the range of epistemological traditions that underpin social psychological research.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PSYCHOL 6506OL
    Course Social Psychology
    Coordinating Unit Psychology
    Term Online Teaching 3
    Level Postgraduate Coursework
    Location/s Online
    Units 3
    Contact 1 to 2 hour online tutorial
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange N
    Prerequisites PSYCHOL 6500OL and PSYCHOL 6501OL
    Restrictions Graduate Diploma in Psychology or Graduate Certificate in Psychology
    Assessment Online Assessments and Written Assignments
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Sophie Dahlenburg

    Email: sophie.dahlenburg@adelaide.edu.au
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

    Full details of each week's activities can be found in MyUni.
  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Explain a variety of theories and methods used in social psychology research.
    2. Contrast between social psychological theories operating at different levels of analysis.
    3. Critically evaluate knowledge claims in contemporary social psychology topics.
    4. Apply social psychology theory and methods to address real world problems.
    5. Communicate applications of social psychology to varied audiences.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)

    Attribute 1: Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth

    Graduates have comprehensive knowledge and understanding of their subject area, the ability to engage with different traditions of thought, and the ability to apply their knowledge in practice including in multi-disciplinary or multi-professional contexts.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 2: Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving

    Graduates are effective problems-solvers, able to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to conceive innovative responses to future challenges.

    1,2,3,4

    Attribute 3: Teamwork and communication skills

    Graduates convey ideas and information effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals.

    1,4,5

    Attribute 4: Professionalism and leadership readiness

    Graduates engage in professional behaviour and have the potential to be entrepreneurial and take leadership roles in their chosen occupations or careers and communities.

    1,2,3,4,5

    Attribute 5: Intercultural and ethical competency

    Graduates are responsible and effective global citizens whose personal values and practices are consistent with their roles as responsible members of society.

    3,4,5

    Attribute 6: Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency

    Graduates have an understanding of, and respect for, Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values, culture and knowledge.

    4

    Attribute 7: Digital capabilities

    Graduates are well prepared for living, learning and working in a digital society.

    5

    Attribute 8: Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Graduates are self-aware and reflective; they are flexible and resilient and have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback; they act with integrity and take responsibility for their actions.

    3,4,5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    This is a fully online offering. Students will require access to the internet to access course content, readings, assessments and to engage in online tutorials. All required readings, including the online text-books, will be provided within course modules. If you wish to also purchase hard copies of the textbooks, please find the details below, in ‘Recommended Resources’. 


    Recommended Resources
    Augoustinos, M., Walker, I. & Donaghue, N. (2014). Social Cognition: An Integrated Introduction (3rd edition)

    Passer, M. W. & Smith. R. E. (2019). Psychology: the science of mind and behaviour. McGraw-Hill Education: Australia.
    Online Learning
    This is a fully online offering. Myuni will be used for all course materials, communication, links to curated resources, online tutorial support and assignments including submissions, feedback and grades.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Engagement with course content is facilitated by online lectures, interactive online activities, curated readings and resources, and self directed study supported by weekly online tutorial sessions. There are 6 Weekly Modules with learning scaffolded across the modules to ensure that students develop deep discipline knowledge as well as the academic literacy, research skills and capacity to apply and communicate their understanding as specified for an AQF8 level offering.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    This course is a 6-week intensive, accelerated learning offering. Students should expect to spend around 24 per week engaging with the online content, in private study and completing the assignments for this course.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Weekly Modules are:
    1. Introduction to Social Psychology
    2. Social Cognition
    3. Social Influence
    4. Behaviour in Groups
    5. Social Representations Theory
    6. Discursive Psychology
    Specific Course Requirements
    Assignments are submitted via Turnitin
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Assessment Type Assessment Weighting Hurdle Requirement Learning Outcomes 

    Reflective Journal (Mod 1-2) Formative and Summative 20% No 1,2,3,4,5
    Policy Recommendations Summative 40% No 1,3,4,5
    Reflective Journal (Mod 3-6) Summative 40% No 1,2,3,4, 5
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Assignments are submitted via Turnitin
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment # 1 Reflective Journal (20% 350 words X 2 entries = 700 words) on the prescribed topics for module 1 and 2. You are to include a description of relevant theory, critical reflection on the theory as it pertains to real life examples, and personal reflections on the topic. 

    Assessment #2: (40% 1800 words). You will write a paper providing a literature review and a series of policy recommendations for a specified topic related to racism and discrimination (details provided  in the course). This will include an introduction and outline of the issue, an overview of relevant theory and research, and four policy recommendations based on the research presented.

    Assessment #3: Reflective Journal (40% 350 words X 4 entries = 1400 words) on the prescribed topics for modules 3-6. The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate content knowledge; to develop critical engagement with social psychological theories; to apply theory to real-world examples; and to  reflect upon your own beliefs, assumptions and prior knowledge when evaluating social psychological theories.
    Submission
    Assignment submission, feedback and grades are done via Myuni
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support

    Counselling for Fully Online Postgraduate Students

    Fully online students can access counselling services here:

    Phone: 1800 512 155 (24/7) 

    SMS service: 0439 449 876 (24/7) 

    Email: info@assureprograms.com.au

    Go to the Study Smart Hub to learn more, or speak to your Student Success Advisor (SSA) on 1300 296 648 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am–5pm ACST/ACDT, Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm ACST/ACDT)

  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.