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Course Outlines

PSYCHOL 6506OL - Social Psychology

Online - Online Teaching 5 - 2025

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.

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  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code PSYCHOL 6506OL
    Course Social Psychology
    Coordinating Unit Psychology
    Term Online Teaching 5
    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: Elizabeth Summerell

    Course Timetable

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

    The course has six modules. Students study one module per week. Each module teaches students about a different aspect of social psychology. The modules are:
    • Module 1: Introduction to Social Psychology
    • Module 2: Social Cognition
    • Module 3: Social Influence
    • Module 4: Behaviour in Groups
    • Module 5: Social Representations Theory
    • Module 6: Discursive Psychology
  • 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
    Course Texts

    Required readings for all modules will be taken from:
    • Aronson, E., Dilson, T. D., & Sommers, S. R. (2021). Social Psychology. In S. Dahlenburg & P. Callaghan (Comps), Social
      Psychology [Custom textbook]. Pearson.
    • Augoustinos, M., Walker, I., & Donaghue, N. (2014). Social Cognition: An Integrated Introduction (3rd edition).
    Online copies of these textbooks are available via the 成人大片 library.
    Recommended Resources
    n/a
    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 presentations, interactive online activities, curated readings and resources, and self directed research and study supported by weekly online tutorial sessions. There are six 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 six week intensive, accelerated learning offering. Students should expect to approximately 25 hours per week engaging with the online content, in private study, attending online tutorials, and completing the coursework assignments.

    Indicative hours per week:
    • 1.5 hours - Tutorial
    • 1 hour - Tutorial Preparation
    • 9 hours - Assessment related tasks
    • 10 hours - Engaging with online content (e.g, video presentations, podcasts, directed research activities, discussions, interactive tasks)
    • 3.5 hours - Readings
    Learning Activities Summary
    The course has six modules. Students study one module per week. Each  module teaches students about a different aspect of social psychology. The module titles, and their indicative content, are:

    Module 1: Introduction to Social Psychology
    -Introduction to social psychology
    -Levels of analysis in social psychology
    -What do social psychologists do?
    -Social psychology and ethics
    -Can psychology change society?

    Module 2: Social Cognition
    -Introduction to social cognition
    -Social perception
    -Attribution and attitudes
    -Automaticity and implicit bias

    Module 3: Social Influence
    -Social influence and the levels of analysis
    -Introduction to social influence
    -Persuasion
    -Pro-social behaviour
    -Social influence in the real world:Conformity in Abu Ghraib

    Module 4: Behaviour in Groups
    -Behaviour in groups and the levels of analysis
    -The individual within the group
    -Interaction between groups: Social Identity Theory
    -Social Identity Theory and the real world
    -Contemporary theories of racism

    Module 5: Social Representations Theory
    -What are social representations?
    -Social Representations Theory and the levels of analysis
    -Reified and consensual worlds
    -Structural characteristics and processes of representations
    -Can psychology change society?

    Module 6: Discursive Psychology
    -Introduction to Discursive Psychology
    -Discursive Psychology and the levels of analysis
    -Analysing discourse
    -Discursive Psychology and traditional social psychology
  • 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 Task Type Due Weighting Course Learning Outcomes
    Assessment 1:
    Reflective Journal
    (Modules 1 and 2)    		 Summative

    Sunday
    Week 2
    11:59pm

    		 30% 1,2
    Assessment 2:
    Reflective Journal
    (Modules 3 and 4)    		 Summative Sunday
    Week 4
    11:59pm    		 30%  1,2,4
    Assessment 3:
    Social Intervention Proposal    		 Summative Sunday
    Week 6
    11:59pm    		 40% 1,3,4,5
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Submission via Turnitin. All assignments are due by 11:59pm on the Sunday at the end of the week in which they are due. A penalty of 5% per day applies for late submissions. 

    Extensions are granted on medical, compassionate or other special circumstances recognised under the University’s Modified Arrangements for Coursework Assessment Policy. The completed extension application form and any documentation (such as a medical or counsellor's certification) should be emailed to the course coordinator and submitted before the due date. The course coordinator will consider the request in the light of the case made and University deadlines, and may grant an extension of up to three days. 
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1: Reflective Journal (30%, 500 words X 2 entries = 1000 words, due Week 2)
    You will write two journal entries on prescribed topics from Modules 1 and 2. The entries require responding to questions, describing social psychological theories, critically evaluating those theories, applying the theories to everyday life, and reflecting upon your own beliefs, assumptions and prior knowledge when evaluating the theories.

    Assessment 2: Reflective Journal (30%, 500 words X 2 entries = 1000 words, due Week 4)
    You will write two journal entries on prescribed topics from Modules 3 and 4. The entries require responding to questions, describing social psychological theories, critically evaluating those theories, applying the theories to everyday life, and reflecting upon your own beliefs, assumptions and prior knowledge when evaluating the theories.

    Assessment 3: Social Intervention Proposal (40%, 1200 words, due Week 6)
    For this assessment, you must draw on a social psychological theory, approach or framework to propose a social intervention that addresses a real-world problem of your choice. In doing so, you will explain and critically evaluate the social psychological theory, approach or framework to demonstrate its relevance and ability to help address, your chosen problem.
    Submission
    Online submission via Turnitin.
    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 .

  • 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  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

    This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.

  • 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鈥檚 disciplinary procedures.

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