85-350, Psychology of Prejudice - Carnegie Mellon University



85-350, Psychology of PrejudiceSpring 2017Instructor: Chante Cox-BoydOffice: 343 Baker HallPhone: 412-268-2801E-Mail: Coxboyd@andrew.cmu.eduOffice Hours: Mon & Wed 11:00-12:00: Tues & Thursday 1:30 - 2:00 (or by appointment)Required Text: Whitley, B.E. & Kite, M. E. (2010) The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination. 2nd ed Additional readings will be assigned during the semester and will be posted to the class blackboard.Course Description: This course is devoted to the study of both traditional and more modern forms of prejudice and discrimination and the psychological processes that can arise from categorizations and stereotyping. The class provides an overview of the cognitive and emotional underpinnings of prejudice and discrimination as it pertains to many forms of inequality. Its goal is to examine social differences and social inequality in many areas of society. The psychological theories underlying these behaviors will be examined as well as their impact on the lives of stigmatized individuals. In addition to the traditional forms of prejudice based on such things as race, gender and age; other inequalities that result from less traditional groupings such as social class, appearance, and disability and will be explored. Research on issues of social identity, intergroup relations and the reduction of prejudice will be examined through readings and class activities.Course Objectives: After taking this course students are expected to be able to: Understand the origins of prejudice, stereotyping, and inter-group rejection and its impact on the daily lives of individuals.Critically analyze and evaluate relevant research in the field of Social Psychology.Identify and describe the psychological theories used to account for discrimination.Demonstrate an awareness of the biases individuals have that affect reasoning and decision making regarding others.Gain an understanding of the types of research used to study prejudice and be able to combine findings from research to explore an area of interest. Grading: Grades will be determined by performance on three tests and a number of class papers, activities and assignments. Tests will cover all material presented in class as well as additional readings, classroom demonstrations, films, etc. Tests will be comprised of a variety of question types including short answer, multiple choice, and essay questions. Final grades will be calculated as follows: Test 1 (20%) Test 2 (20%) Test 3 (20%) Literature review (15%)Movie Review (10%)Class assignments and participation (15%)Late Penalty/Make-up policy: Students are expected to take all tests and turn in all assignments on the assigned dates. Any assignment turned in late will be accessed a 10% per day late penalty. Late is considered those items not turned in by the end of the class for which an assignment is due. Only valid medical excuses will be accepted as a means to make-up missed exams.Class Participation: In order to get the most from class, it is important that all students read the assigned reading and actively participate in all class discussion. If the need should arise, individuals will be assigned to be discussion leader for each day. Paper Assignments:Literature Reviews: Students will be required to write an 8 to 10 page literature review. The paper should focus on a critical review of a specific question pertaining to stereotyping, prejudice or discrimination. Students should obtain sources for the paper from an electronic database (e.g. PsyInfo) or from peer reviewed scientific journals. A minimum of 8 sources should be used for the paper. The paper should be written in APA format. Students are especially encouraged to explore topics that are not covered in much detail in class.Movie Analysis- Students will be required to analyze a motion picture or documentary film using a theoretical perspective presented in class. You should select a film that focuses on a distinct group which is stereotyped or discriminated against by “mainstream American culture”. You should discuss the film in light of the social psychological issues discussed in class or in the readings. For instance, you may address a group that is the target of discrimination and describe from the social psychological perspective a theory that accounts for the discrimination. Does the film itself perpetuate any stereotypes? What is your own opinion of the film? More details regarding this assignment will be provided at a later date along with a list of suggested films for viewing. This paper should be 5 pages in length.Group Comparison: In an effort to explore the different ways prejudice and stereotyping impact different stigmatized groups, you will be required to select two disadvantaged group and describe their similarities and differences in terms of the ways that these group react to being the target of prejudice and stereotyping. One group should be an easily identifiable group (according to outward traits or appearances) while the other should have a “hidden” stigma. You should be sure to include a discussion of (a) how individuals in each group are perceived by society; (b) what impact (if any) these stereotypes have on individuals’ behavior and motivation to achieve; and (c) how these stereotypes affect their willingness to identify with their group. The paper should be between 4 and 6 pages in length. Graduate Student Requirements:In addition to the Literature review required for all students, graduate students will be required to write a longer paper (12-15 pages) and will be required to present the paper to the class.Tentative Class Schedule Date TopicReadingJanuary 17 IntroductionJanuary 19Identifying DifferencesChapter1January 24 Studying PrejudiceChapter 2January 26Studying Prejudice (cont.)January 31Social CategoriesChapter 3Accuracy of StereotypesSupplemental ReadingFebruary 2Stereotypes FilmFebruary 7Film (cont.)February 9Stereotype ActivationChapter 4February 14Stereotypes in the MediaSupplemental ReadingFebruary 16Emotion and PrejudiceChapter 5February 21Motivation for PrejudiceFebruary 23Test 1February 28Contemporary forms of PrejudiceChapter 63. Self-justification March 2Current forms of Prejudice (cont.)Group Comparison Paper DueMarch 7Prejudice and PersonalityChapter 7March 9Individual differences in PrejudiceMarch 14 & 16No Class- Spring BreakMarch 21Learning of PrejudiceChapter 8March 23Prejudice in ChildrenSupplemental ReadingMarch 28Groups and PrejudiceFilm Analysis DueMarch 30Social Context of Prejudice Chapter 9April 4Test 2April 6Experiencing DiscriminationChapter 10April 11Social Stigmas Chapter 11April 13Impact of Social StigmasSupplemental ReadingApril 18Gender & Sexual OrientationChapter 12April 20No Class- CarnivalApril 25Age and Ability DiscriminationChapter 13Literature Review DueApril 27Appearance DiscriminationChapter 13 (cont.)Supplemental articleMay 2Reducing Prejudice Chapter 14May 4Test 3 ................
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