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1. PSY 235H– Social Psychology (Honors)
Course Syllabus – Fall 2012
Instructor
Prof. Carlos David Navarrete
Office Hrs: T/Th, 2:30-3:30 PM
247 Psychology Bldg.
Ph: 517-432-8391
Email: cdn@msu.edu
Teaching Assistants
Melissa McDonald
Office Hrs: T/Th, 10:00-11:00 AM
244B Psychology Bldg.
Ph: 989-859-2456
Email: mcdon348@msu.edu
Michelle Rizor
Office location and time are available by appt.
Email: rizormic@msu.edu
Meeting Days/Time/Location
T/Th, 1:00 - 2:20 PM
122Berkey Hall
Course Description
Social psychology is the scientific study of the nature and causes of human social behavior and
cognition. This course provides an introduction to the principles and concepts of the discipline,
and emphasizes how traits of individuals interact with the environment to produce the rich
complexity of human social life. Perhaps more than most courses, social psychology is
concerned with “real life” content. As such we will discuss topics such as friendship and
romance, sexuality, aggression and violence, stereotyping and discrimination, cooperation and
conflict, altruism and morality. Principles of economics and biology are provided as a
theoretical backdrop in order to better frame the role of social psychology in the broader
enterprise of understanding why we are the way we are.
Course Email
Please send your questions regarding this class to psy235@cdnresearch.net You should receive
a reply within 48 hrs.
Course Readings
Textbook: Kenrick, D.T., Neuberg, S.L., &Cialdini, R.B. (2008). Social Psychology: Goals in
Interaction. (5th Ed.). Pearson. (Previous Eds. ok).

2. Assigned readings: There are assigned readings that will be posted online for download. There
is no cost for accessing these readings.
Course Web
The website for the course is available via Angel.
Grading and Exams
Exams will be composed of three exams each composed of 50 multiple-choice, and two short-
answer items. Each exam is worth 85 points (all exams = 255 pts). There is a short writing
assignment involving a two-page analysis of your choice of one of three films (TBA) that is
worth 45 points. The combined point total for this class is 300 pts.
Make-up exams are not typically allowed, but contact me if you have a special circumstance.
The grading scale typically goes as follows:
% of total pts / Grade
90%/ 4.0
82.5% / 3.5
75%/ 3.0
67.5% / 2.5
60% / 2.0
52.5%/ 1.5
45% / 1.0
Extra Credit
Students may receive aextra credit for participation in experiments through MSU’s Human
Participation in Research (HPR) system. Directions for participation are posted on Angel.
Students may volunteer in research studies for up to 10 extra credit points (5 hrs. participation
time = 10 HPR credits).
Alternatives to research participation for extra credit may be earned though other means, such
as writing a research paper, but you must contact me about an alternative at least two weeks
before the end of the semester.
Academic Integrity
Every student is held responsible for knowing the academic integrity policy at MSU. Information
regarding this policy is available at: https://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/dishonestystud.html
Course Announcements/Updates
Announcements and changes to the syllabus/schedule will be made via email. Make sure MSU
Angel has your up-to-date contact information.

3. Tentative Schedule
Week 1 Chap. 1 Introduction to Social Psychology
Week 2 Chap. 2-3 The Person and the Situation; Social Cognition
Week 3 Chap. 4-5 Self Presentation; Attitudes and Persuasion
Week 4 Chap. 6, 12 Social Influence; Groups
Week 5 Assigned Social Dilemmas and the “Free-Rider” Problem
Week 6 Chap. 9 Prosocial Behavior I: Kin Group Altruism
Week 7 Chap. 7, 13 Prosocial Behavior II: Reciprocity, Friendship and Affiliation
Week 8 Chap. 8 + Assigned Love and Sex I: Sex, Love and Parenting
Week 9 Chap. 8 + Assigned Love and Sex II: Sex and Sexiness
Week 10 Chap. 10 Aggression
Week 11 Chap. 11 + Assigned Prejudice & Discrimination: Social Identity & Aversive Racism
Week 12 Chap. 11 + Assigned Prejudice and Discrimination: Social Dominance Theory
Week 13 Chap. 11 + Assigned The Behavioral Immune System
Week 14 Assigned Morality
Week 15 Assigned Do we have Free Will?
Exam Dates (122 Berkey)
Exam 1: Thurs. 4-Oct.
Exam 2: Thurs. 8-Nov.
Exam 3: Thurs. 6-Dec
Writing Assignment
3-4 pg. critical review (Topic TBA); Due date: Nov. 21st