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PSYCH 109 - Social Psychology- In Person - Michelle LaBrie

Course:Social Psychology- In Person
Professor:Michelle LaBrie
Email:michelle.labrie@canyons.edu
Format:
  • InPerson
Course Length:
  • Applies to All Course Lengths

Introduction

Welcome to Social Psychology! My name is Michelle LaBrie; I’ll be your instructor for the course, and I look forward to working with you.  I have been a full time faculty member since 2002 and I have taught full time in the psychology department since 2008. In addition to teaching Social Psychology, I have taught several courses in the department including Introduction to Psychology, Human Sexuality, Developmental Psychology and Psychology as a Major and a Profession. I was an academic counselor at COC for 10 years prior to transferring into the Psychology Department. I have taught in all modalities, including traditional on campus classes and 100% online courses.

Please read this entire orientation letter for details about access the course, which textbook will be used, and the type of work required of the course.

Course Description

Course Description: An introduction to the psychological theories, psychological research and applications in major areas of social psychology with an emphasis on individual and cultural differences in social cognition and social behavior as seen by the discipline of psychology.

Psychology 109 travels through the fascinating world of Social Psychology.  Social Psychology is the study of how we think, feel and behave with the presence or imagined presence of others. It covers topics such as attribution (how we explain the intentions of ourselves and others), social interaction, group dynamics, attitude formation and change, stereotyping and prejudice, altruism, aggression, conformity, and relationships.  We will also apply the field to the law and health. The course provides an introduction to the psychological theories, psychological research and applications in major areas of social psychology. This course is 3 units; it is UC and CSU transferable and it applies to the Associate Degree.

Student Learning Outcomes:

  • Examine the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, research in social psychology.
  • Analyze and apply social psychology principles of social cognition, social perception and social influence.

Note: Subject matter discussed in this course is mature, sensitive and controversial in nature. Some social psychological topics such as: aggression, domestic violence, prejudice, discrimination, racism, white supremacy, gun violence, hate crimes, abuse, bullying and imprisonment may be objectionable and are trigger topics for some students that could cause emotional discomfort. This should be considered prior to enrolling in this course. Continued enrollment in the course verifies your readiness to analyze and discuss these mature topics.

  • Throughout this term I ask that we maintain an open curiosity about human behavior & attitudes, an appreciation for the diversity of humanity, and an attitude of respect for ourselves and others.
  • In order to foster an emotionally and psychologically safe classroom environment, students are expected to maintain a respectful classroom environment and refrain from making disrespectful and/or disparaging comments (operationally defined by the instructor) within the classroom. Violations of the student conduct code will be pursued according to Section 5529 Student Conduct Code, upon the discretion of the instructor.

What to Expect in this Course

This is an in person class that is web enhanced, meaning that the course meets weekly in person on campus and in person attendance* is required. As a web-enhanced course, the instructor uses Canvas (the district-authorized LMS) to house course documents, assignments, quizzes, resources, grades and more. Students will be required to complete some assessments, such as chapter quizzes, inside the Canvas LMS outside of class time. Student may also be required to submit writing assignments within the Canvas LMS. You may access Canvas from the College of the Canyons homepage, click on Canvas and follow the log in username and password instructions. Students are encouraged to use the campus computers to submit course assignments. 

Attendance in person is required. The college policy on attendance (BP 4233) specify that after a student misses 10% of the course,  1.6 weeks in 16 week class, that they can be DROPPED from the course. In a class that meets 2 times per week (3 hours), a student can be dropped after 4 absences (6 hours). If a student misses more than 30% of any class meeting, it is considered an absence. 

How is the course set up? 

The course is divided into 4 units made up of chapters, usually 3 or 4 chapters each.  Within each chapter, there are chapter assignments, chapter quizzes, lectures, discussions, activities, supplementary videos, lecture notes, and critical thinking journals. At the completion of every unit, there is a unit exam.

Throughout the course you are asked to:

  • read the text Kassin, Fein & Markus (2017). Social Psychology, (10th Ed). Cengage Publishing; available in the COC Bookstore as well as other outlets. (actually, it's a pretty good book, and yes, you do need to purchase it or obtain consistent access to it) You may use a paper copy, or ebook or loose-leaf version of the text.  No additional access codes are needed.
  • participate in class discussions.
  • chapter quizzes online 
  • submit a number of critical thinking journals where students apply the concepts to their social environment
  • take 4 unit exams (closed book, closed notes)

What you need in terms of technology

  • Access to Canvas. Canvas is the Learning Management System COC uses; registered students have access to Canvas. 
  • A reliable working computer and reliable internet access OR use the COC campus computers
  • Microsoft Word (free to COC students)
  • PDF reader (free to COC Students)

Types of Assessments

The types of assessments students can expect in your course are:

  • Chapter Assignments that require in person attendance in order to receive credit,
  • Chapter Quizzes that may be completed in person or may be completed via the Canvas LMS, 
  • Critical thinking journals submitted within the Canvas LMS,
  • Unit Exams administered during class time.

Textbook Information

Textbook Title: Kassin, Fein & Markus (2017). Social Psychology, (10th Ed). Cengage Publishing.

You do not need any special access codes for the text. Ebook or traditional texts are acceptable formats.

Other Relevant Course Information

Students must be present the first day of the in person class in order to avoid being dropped as a no show. 

 


Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

  • CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
  • CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 11/21/2023 Sub#: 1673