Information Package / Course Catalogue
PSYC 106 Introduction to Social Psychology
MEF University
Degree Programs
Psychology
General Information For Students
Diploma SupplementErasmus Policy Statement
Psychology
Bachelor Length of the Programme: 4 Number of Credits: 240 TR-NQF-HE: Level 6 QF-EHEA: First Cycle EQF: Level 6

Ders Genel Tanıtım Bilgileri

School/Faculty/Institute Faculty of Econ., Admin. and Social Sciences
Course Code PSYC 106
Course Title in English Introduction to Social Psychology
Course Title in Turkish Sosyal Psikolojiye Giriş
Language of Instruction EN
Type of Course Flipped Classroom
Level of Course Introductory
Semester Spring
Contact Hours per Week
Lecture: 3 Recitation: Lab: Other:
Estimated Student Workload 130 hours per semester
Number of Credits 5 ECTS
Grading Mode Standard Letter Grade
Pre-requisites None
Expected Prior Knowledge None
Co-requisites None
Registration Restrictions Only Undergraduate Students
Overall Educational Objective To become familiar with the basic theoretical background of major areas of social psychology such as social cognition, attribution, self and identity, attitudes, social influence, groups and decision making and intergroup behaviour and be introduced to psychology as a scientific discipline. To be able to understand and critique empirical articles published in highly acclaimed psychology journals. Moreover, students will be asked to apply the basic concepts to their daily lives as well as to important social problems around them.
Course Description This course aims to introduce the students to the scientific study of social psychology. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts in social psychology with the help of famous classical studies in the area as well as current developments. Students will also be introduced to the methods psychologists use in answering their research questions.
Course Description in Turkish Bu ders, öğrencileri sosyal psikoloji alanıyla tanıştırmayı amaçlamaktadır. Öğrenciler, alandaki önemli ve klasikleşmiş araştırmalar ve yeni gelişmeler ışığında sosyal psikolojinin temel kavramları ile tanıştırılacaktır. Öğrenciler aynı zamanda araştırma sorularını yanıtlamakta kullanılan metotları öğreneceklerdir.

Course Learning Outcomes and Competences

Upon successful completion of the course, the learner is expected to be able to:
1) understand the fundamental theories in social psychology;
2) understand the contextual specificity (and the relatively modest degree of cross-situational consistency) of human behavior
2) evaluate scientific articles in relation to the research methods and theories employed;
3) comprehend scientific English and communicate it in a scientific manner;
4) create new research ideas;
5) discuss psychological theories and research in the correct ethical format;
6) employ an open-minded view about differences in opinions and promote tolerance and understanding among groups.
Program Learning Outcomes/Course Learning Outcomes 1 2 2 3 4 5 6
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation.
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts.
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline.
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards.
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences.
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level).
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement.
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses.
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning.
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations.

Relation to Program Outcomes and Competences

N None S Supportive H Highly Related
     
Program Outcomes and Competences Level Assessed by
1) Thorough knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology. H Exam
2) Understanding of and ability to apply essential research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and data interpretation. S Presentation
3) Competence to use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and a scientific approach to solving problems related to behavior and mental processes. S Participation
4) Understanding and ability to apply psychological principles, skills and values in personal, social, and organizational contexts. S
5) Ability to weigh evidence, to tolerate ambiguity, and to reflect other values that underpin psychology as a discipline. S Participation
6) Internalization and dissemination of professional ethical standards. N
7) Demonstration of competence in information technologies, and the ability to use computer and other technologies for purposes related to the pursuit of knowledge in psychology and the broader social sciences. N
8) Skills to communicate the knowledge of psychological science effectively, in a variety of formats, in both Turkish and in English (in English, at least CEFR B2 level). H Exam,Presentation
9) Recognition, understanding, and respect for the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity. H Participation
10) Recognition for the need for, and the skills to pursue, lifelong learning, inquiry, and self-improvement. S Participation
11) Ability to formulate critical hypotheses based on psychological theory and literature, and design studies to test those hypotheses. H Exam
12) Ability to acquire knowledge independently, and to plan one’s own learning. S Presentation
13) Demonstration of advanced competence in the clarity and composition of written work and presentations. H Presentation
Prepared by and Date ARZU KARAKULAK , November 2023
Course Coordinator ARZU KARAKULAK
Semester Spring
Name of Instructor Assoc. Prof. Dr. ARZU KARAKULAK

Course Contents

Week Subject
1) Introducing Social Psychology
2) Social Psychological Methodology
3) Social Cognition
4) Social Perception
5) The Self
6) The Need to Justify our Actions
7) Midterm
8) Attitudes and Attitude Change
9) Conformity
10) Group Processes
11) Interpersonal Attraction
12) Prosocial Behavior
13) Prejudice
14) Revision
15) Final Examination Period
16) Final Examination Period
Required/Recommended ReadingsAronson, E., Wilson, T. D., Akert, R. M. & Sommers (2018). Social Psychology. Pearson (9th Ed.) Additional papers relevant for the topic to be covered may be assigned for further reading.
Teaching MethodsThis course will be taught entirely in the flipped format. Students will be assigned to watch an online introductory lecture prepared for each topic and to complete quizzes related to these contents before coming to the class. During class time, deeper elaboration on the respective concepts will take place, and students will be asked to discuss the acquired knowledge, and to apply it to real life situations. For some some weeks, additional scientific articles relevant to the covered topic will be assigned for reading during class time, and students will be responsible to come up with discussion questions. These articles will then be discussed based on their research methodology and theoretical background. Students will be expected to prepare for class by spending sufficient time to master the preparatory materials and to complete quizzes. They will also be expected to contribute appropriately to class discussions and to assisting the learning of other students. I as the instructor commit to preparing and selecting high-quality materials for each class, at an appropriate, not-too-difficult level of English (this course is aimed at first year students).
Homework and ProjectsStudents will be asked to complete one reflection paper on a predefined question that asks them to define social psychological phenomena / concepts and to apply them to real life incidents or situations.
Laboratory Work
Computer Use
Other ActivitiesStudents will be asked to read each week’s book chapter and (if applicable) the article prior to that week’s classroom session. Classroom discussions will be based on these readings as well as various videos. Students will also be asked to complete several pre-courses quizzes that relate to the preparatory material.
Assessment Methods
Assessment Tools Count Weight
Attendance 14 % 15
Application 1 % 15
Midterm(s) 1 % 35
Final Examination 1 % 35
TOTAL % 100
Course Administration karakulaka@mef.edu.tr

Attendance at all classes is not mandatory; yet active participation is expected and missing the classes will negtively impact upon students' continuous assessment grade. If students missed a class, it is their responsibility to follow up on and to cover the missed content. Exam questions will draw heavily from the lectures and the class discussions. Students must provide a legitimate, acceptable and documented excuse for missing a scheduled exam. Students are expected to treat university personnel and one another respectfully at all times; this includes showing respect for class content and for others’ opinions. The commitment of acts of cheating, lying, and deceit in any of their diverse forms such as plagiarism, and copying during examinations is dishonest and will not be tolerated. Academic dishonesty and plagiarism: YÖK Disciplinary Regulation.

ECTS Student Workload Estimation

Activity No/Weeks Hours Calculation
No/Weeks per Semester Preparing for the Activity Spent in the Activity Itself Completing the Activity Requirements
Course Hours 14 2 3 2 98
Homework Assignments 1 4 1 5
Quiz(zes) 4 1 1 8
Midterm(s) 1 6 1 7
Final Examination 1 10 2 12
Total Workload 130
Total Workload/25 5.2
ECTS 5