Social Physchology
The module provides a broad introduction to the field of social psychology. It examines the processes that underlie social behaviour and discusses solutions and approaches to a variety of problems and issues. As the human family stands on the brink of a new beginning, the condition of our present lives suggests that we should address issues that have confronted mankind in the previous millennium. It should also equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to address contemporary issues, thus enabling them to focus attention on the future without losing sight of the present. The module begins at the micro level and moves through human interaction to the macro level. The underlying premise is that the individual needs to empower him/herself first before he/she interacts effectively with others. As such, students are introduced to their self, the processing of social information processing and attitudes is explored within the specific framework of prejudice and stereotypes. From this focus on their self, the module moves into the realm of interpersonal relations, beginning with attraction and altruism and then on to the darker side to explore aggression. It also addresses the arena of social interactions by examining group behaviour and the influence within social settings. The journey ends by examining how social behaviour is affected by the culture in which it takes place. Indeed, the end of the course heralds the beginning of a richer and fuller life for many of us.
Module Outline:
Individual Journal 1
The first journal assignment is designed to enhance the awareness of social psychological concepts applicable to different contexts and settings in life.
In this assignment, we are required to observe visible social behaviour and describe it using related psychological concepts in the form of writing.
The Brief:
My Journal:
Reflection
In conclusion, I became more analytical about human behaviour. It improves my awareness and sensitivity about various social settings and the way people react to situations around them.
Besides that, I am glad to learn about certain social psychological theories and concepts such as heuristics, stereotypes and mood-dependent memory
.
Individual Journal 2
For this journal, we need to choose a printed advertisement and describe the mechanism of persuasion or stereotype in the advertisement. I choose this Lennox advetisment from The Star.
The Brief:
My Journal:
Reflection:
Persuasion requires adequate skills and the principles involved in successful persuasion. By writing this journal, I learnt on ways one should communicate with the audience and make them believe what your idea. This knowledge is useful as in certain ocassions, we need to persuade other people to make them agree with us.
Moreover, a job as an architect requires a lot of mediating with clients. Hence, an architect must know how to persuade others to agree with his or her idea. This module taught me ways of successful persuasion and I must know how to apply them practically.
