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SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (4 credits)
Sociology 424/524
Spring
Instructor: Professor Steven Ortiz
Office Hours: T/R 11:00-1:00
Office: Department of Sociology
Fairbanks Hall 303
Phone: 541-737-8920
E-mail: [email protected]
PREREQUISITE: SOC 204 Introduction to Sociology
CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION
Examines individuals in social context; explores dynamics of interpersonal relationships;
evaluates link between self and society, including concepts of role/status/identity. Contemporary
research design, problems, and findings pertinent to social psychology.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Social psychology occupies a unique position in the discipline of sociology. As an unintentional
bridge connecting the disciplines of sociology and psychology it offers a different approach.
Sociologists of everyday life approach social psychology quite differently. They view everyday
life as a socially constructed reality that provides the basis of meaning for each person’s life,
examining the relationship between the social and subjective experience of the individual. This
course is divided into four major parts. In part one, microsociological approach, we begin by
establishing a theoretical foundation for the course and an awareness of reality-constructing
behavior, and the symbolic interactionist perspective is introduced and examined as the primary
theoretical approach. In part two, social construction of self, we analyze the self in relation to
essential socialization processes. Emphasis is given to the self, links between the self and roles,
and other integral aspects of selfhood. In part three, negotiation of interactional processes, the
dramaturgical perspective is identified. We examine what takes place in our social interaction
with others and the basis of self-presentations. In analyzing the nature and structure of human
group life, we explore processes and dimensions of group interaction. In focusing on gender
construction and management, we challenge taken-for-granted meanings that polarize women
and men, and contribute to the ways in which gender is interpreted in everyday life. Recognizing
that we live in an emotional culture, we analyze the situational and strategic basis of emotions in
everyday life. In part four, social interaction and relationships, we focus on interpersonal power
and control in intimate relationships. We also explore interpersonal attraction, the subjective
nature of love, and the value of intimacy in constructing meaningful relationships.
OBJECTIVES
The primary objective for this course is to develop within students a sociological understanding
of social psychology. This course will focus on the relationship between the individual and
society, gaining insight into what is taken for granted about everyday life.
Undergraduate Learning Outcomes:
As a result of fully participating in this class, students will be able to:
 identify, summarize, write, and verbalize key theories, concepts, and social issues within
social psychology,
 recall and describe substantive findings in social psychology,
 write a critical and synthesized assessment of a range of existing research and formulate
relevant sociological questions that would address an area of social psychology.
Graduate Learning Outcomes: Please see last page of the syllabus.
REQUIRED READINGS
Cahill, Spencer E. (Ed.). 2004. Inside Social Life: Readings in Sociological Psychology and
Microsociology. 4th ed. Los Angeles, CA: Roxbury. (Referred to in your syllabus as [C]).
O’Brien, Jodi and Peter Kollock. (Eds.). 2001. The Production of Reality: Essays and Readings
on Social Interaction. 3rd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Pine Forge. (Referred to in your syllabus as
[OK]).
Blackboard:
Course information will also be available on the university Blackboard system. If you have not
accessed your OSU ONID account, please refer to: http://www.onid.edu/. Additional readings are
required and available on this system. (Referred to in your syllabus as [B]).
GENERAL COURSE INFORMATION
Course Policy:
No make-up midterm and final examinations will be allowed unless the instructor is contacted
before the day of the examination. Excuses will only be accepted if they are based on extreme
physical or personal reasons. Illnesses will require the student to contact the instructor. Late
assignments will only be accepted from students who have legitimate excuses. Extra credit will
not be allowed in this course. Students are expected to do all required reading and participate in
all course requirements. The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus
whenever necessary. It is the student’s responsibility to keep informed of these changes.
Student Conduct:
Students are expected to conduct themselves in the classroom in compliance with the university’s
regulations regarding civility. Students also are expected to comply with all regulations regarding
academic honesty. For further information and to fully understand student conduct expectations
(definitions and consequences of plagiarism, cheating, etc.) please see:
http://oregonstate.edu/admin.stucon/achon/htm.
Statement Regarding Students with Disabilities:
Accommodations are collaborative efforts between students, faculty, and Services for Students
with Disabilities (SSD). Students with accommodations approved through SSD are responsible
for contacting the faculty member in charge of the course prior to or during the first week of the
term to discuss accommodations. Students who believe they are eligible for accommodations but
who have not yet obtained approval through SSD should contact SSD immediately at 737-4098.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING
Two In-Class Examinations (30% each, 60% total):
There will be a midterm examination and a non-comprehensive final examination. Both in-class
blue book examinations will be analytical essay style.
Critical Writing Assignments (25%):
In developing a deep understanding of the course information, a number of one-two page typed
critical thinking papers will be assigned (to be determined). These critical thinking exercises are
designed to provide opportunities for students to respond analytically to issues-topics, concepts,
required readings, films, and videos. These written assignments will form the basis for exploring
and analyzing a sociological approach to social psychology, and will often include the student’s
reflective thoughts and life experiences.
Class Participation (15%):
This is a participatory and interactive course. Students must have the assigned readings
completed before each class, and must be prepared to analyze the course information critically
(i.e., raise questions, issues, problems, alternative viewpoints) in contributing to class
discussions, participating in group exercises and debates, participating in video content analysis
exercises, and contextualizing the required readings with lectures, films, and videos. Therefore,
to contribute to class interactions, class discussions, group exercises and debates, and video
content analysis exercises, attendance is mandatory and must be taken seriously. Failure to
participate and excessive absences can impact the final grade.
COURSE CALENDAR
PART ONE: MICROSOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH
Week 1
Introduction: Microsociology as Social Psychology
Readings:
[OK] Charon, Article 2
[OK] Babbie, Article 3
[C] Zerubavel, Article 3
Week 2
Symbolic Interactionist Perspective
Readings:
[C] Blumer, Article 28
[OK] Hughes, Article 5
[OK] Charon, Article 7
[OK] Mehan and Wood, Article 33
Film:
[Library Reserve] “Being There”
PART TWO: SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF SELF
Week 3
Self and Socialization
Readings:
[C] Cooley, Article 4
[C] Mead, Article 5
[C] Van Ausdale and Feagin, Article 6
[C] Milkie, Article 7
Video:
[In-Class] “The Soldier’s Heart”
Readings:
[C] Goffman, Article 32
[OK] Orenstein, Article 20
[C] Thorne, Article 29
Videos:
[Library Reserve] “Tough Guise: Violence, Media, and the Crisis in Masculinity”
[In-Class] “Kindergarten: Be My Valentine”
Week 4
Self and Society
Readings:
[C] Snow and Anderson, Article 14
[OK] Ebaugh, Article 32
[C] Adler and Adler, Article 13
[B] Ronai
Videos:
[In-Class] “Slim Hopes: Advertising and the Obsession with Thinness”
[In-Class] “Men, Weight Lifting, and Body Image”
Midterm Examination
PART THREE: NEGOTIATION OF INTERACTIONAL PROCESSES
Week 5
Dramaturgical Perspective
Readings:
[OK] Goffman, Article 21
[C] Goffman, Article 16
[OK] Staples, Article 22
Films:
[In-Class] Excerpt from “My Fair Lady”
[Library Reserve] “Dave”
Readings:
[OK] Weinberg, Article 41
[C] Cahill, Article 17
[B] Thompson
Video-Film:
[In-Class] “Just One Look”
[Library Reserve] “Powder”
Week 6
Nature and Structure of Group Life
Readings:
[B] Henslin
[C] Naples, Article 20
[C] Adler and Adler, Article 24
[B] Anderson, Article 23
Videos:
[In-Class] “American Valor”
[Library Reserve] “Inside Heaven’s Gate”
Week 7
Gender Construction and Management
Readings:
[B] Ortiz, Article 1
[C] Anderson, Article 30
[B] Lawson
[OK] Romero, Article 52
Video:
[In-Class] “A Day Remembered”
Week 8
Emotion Management
Readings:
[B] Hochschild
[C] Smith and Kleinman, Article 11
[C] Cahill and Eggleston, Article 18
[C] Arluke, Article 31
[C] Paules, Article 26
Video:
[Library Reserve] “Fast Food Women”
PART FOUR: SOCIAL INTERACTION AND RELATIONSHIPS
Week 9
Interpersonal Power and Control
Readings:
[B] Doyle and Paludi
[B] Mellan, Article 18
[B] Peplau and Campbell
[B] Ortiz, Article 2
Video:
[In-Class] “The Shape of Your Marriage”
Week 10
Interpersonal Attraction and Love Relationships
Readings:
[OK] Snyder, Article 37
[C] Berkowitz and Padavic, Article 25
[OK] Blumstein, Article 29
Video:
[In-Class] “Short Men: A Form of Discrimination”
Readings:
[B] Shulman, Article 7
[B] Cancian
[B] Schwartz, Article 10
[B] Vaughan, Article 21
Video-Film:
[In-Class] “Rosalie’s Choice”
[Library Reserve] “Shrek 2”
Final Examination
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY (4 credits)
Sociology 524
Spring
Instructor: Professor Steven Ortiz
Office Hours: T/R 11:00-1:00
Office: Department of Sociology
Fairbanks Hall 303
Phone: 541-737-8920
E-mail: [email protected]
Graduate Learning Outcomes:
In addition to the objectives outlined for undergraduate students, it is expected that graduate
students will (1) apply an advanced level of critical thinking and synthesis regarding social
psychology, (2) be able to apply sociological theories, concepts, and methods to social
psychology, and (3) demonstrate their advanced understanding through written assignments and
interactive discussions.
Additional Readings:
In addition to the reading material assigned for undergraduate students, graduate students
enrolled in Sociology 524 are required to read five additional articles. Graduate students also will
read an additional book of their choice drawn from a list of possible texts provided by the
instructor.
Additional Meetings:
In addition to meeting the requirements for undergraduate students, graduate students will be
responsible for reading five additional articles selected from scholarly journals (to be
determined), After reading these articles, graduate students will provide a five page typed critical
analysis and synthesis of the combined articles (e.g., new information learned, what is of value,
what is weak or missing), and discuss how these articles relate to the course content. Graduate
students also will be responsible for reading an additional book of their choice (subject to
instructor approval). After reading this book, graduate students will provide a five page typed
critical analysis and summary of the book (e.g., new information learned, what is of value, what
is weak or missing), and discuss how this book relates to the course content. Graduate students
also will meet separately with the instructor at least two times during the term for a one hour
seminar discussion.
Course Requirements and Grading:
The graduate student requirements will include a midterm examination (30%), final examination
(30%), article response papers (20%), and book response papers (20%).