00870 - Social Psychology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student:

• Understands the general concepts of social influence, personal identity, and social identity;
• Is capable of navigating within the principles of social cognition;
• Can comprehend the theoretical foundations of social perception;
• Familiar with the mechanisms of self and other understanding;
• Recognizes the main needs of individuals and the concept of dissonance;
• Is capable of identifying the nature and origins of attitudes;
• Understands what conformity is and why it arises in its various forms;
• Knows the dynamics and processes of groups;
• Knows the principles of pro-social behavior and theories of aggression;
• Can recognize stereotypes and understand the resulting prejudice;
• Is acquainted with cognitive techniques;
• Can actively participate in group work;
• Is able to conduct motivational interviews.

Course contents

At the end of the course, the student:

• Understands the general concepts of social influence, personal identity, and social identity;
• Is capable of navigating within the principles of social cognition;
• Can comprehend the theoretical foundations of social perception;
• Familiar with the mechanisms of self and other understanding;
• Recognizes the main needs of individuals and the concept of dissonance;
• Is capable of identifying the nature and origins of attitudes;
• Understands what conformity is and why it arises in its various forms;
• Knows the dynamics and processes of groups;
• Knows the principles of pro-social behavior and theories of aggression;
• Can recognize stereotypes and understand the resulting prejudice;
• Is acquainted with cognitive techniques;
• Can actively participate in group work;
• Is able to conduct motivational interviews.

Readings/Bibliography

handouts provided by the teacher

Teaching methods

Frontal lectures, classroom discussions

Assessment methods

The exam will consist of written assignments related to the topics covered in class, the reference texts, and any practical exercises carried out during lessons.

Assessment Criteria:

30 cum laude
An excellent, complete, rigorous, and original performance. Accurate and fluent language, critical use of sources, independent and mature reflection that leaves no room for substantial criticism.

Excellent (30–28)
Excellent command of the content. Correct language, relevant sources cited accurately, good analytical and critical thinking skills.

Good (27–24)
A solid performance, though with some uncertainty. Adequate knowledge, generally correct but improvable language, descriptive use of sources, basic level of reflection.

Sufficient (23–18)
Basic and sometimes fragmented knowledge. Simple language with minor errors, general sources, weak reflection.

Insufficient (<18)
Severely lacking knowledge. Inadequate language for the context, linguistic errors, absent or inappropriate sources, no critical reworking.

Students with learning disabilities and temporary or permanent impairments are encouraged to contact the dedicated office as soon as possible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) o that appropriate compensatory measures can be arranged. Requests must be submitted to the instructor in advance (at least 15 days before the exam date), who will assess the suitability of the measures in relation to the course objectives.

Teaching tools

Video Projector

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Gardenghi