Social Psychology of Close Relationships: Examining Human Connections (FYS)
PSYC 118F
Spring 2024
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01
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This course introduces first-year students to reading, writing, and discussing research in social psychology focused on relationships. We will cover topics pertaining to experiences that are common in college or university, including friendships, love, attraction, romantic relationships, family relationships, and group dynamics. Students will learn to review, understand, and critique research studies in social psychology. Students will be encouraged to apply research to their own experiences through several short writing assignments, group activities, and class discussions. Students will also develop an APA-style research paper over the course of the semester, which will be presented during class. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS PSYC |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (PSYC) |
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Past Enrollment Probability: 50% - 74% |
| SECTION 01 | | Special Attributes: FYS |
Major Readings: Wesleyan RJ Julia Bookstore
All readings will be open-source materials available online and materials I put together for them. Some examples of potential readings are provided below:
What Attachment Theory Can Teach about Love and Relationships: Scientific American: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/get-attached/
Attachment Theory http://labs.psychology.illinois.edu/~rcfraley/attachment.htm
Hendrick, C., Hendrick, S., & Dicke, A. (1998). The Love Attitudes Scale: Short form. Journal of Personal and Social Relationships, 15, 147-159.
Balzarini, R. N., Shumlich, E. J., Kohut, T., & Campbell, L. (2018). Dimming the 'halo' around monogamy: Re-assessing stigma surrounding consensually non-monogamous romantic relationships as a function of personal relationship orientation. Frontiers in Psychology, 9 doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00894
Conley, T. D., Ziegler, A., Moors, A. C., Matsick, J. L., & Valentine, B. (2012). A critical examination of popular assumptions about the benefits and outcomes of monogamous relationships. Personality and Social Psychology Review, 17(2), 124-141. doi: 10.1177/1088868312467087
Pettigrew, T., & Tropp, L. (2006). A meta-analytic test of intergroup contact theory. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 90(5), 751¿783. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.90.5.751
Sizemore, K. M., & Olmstead, S. B. (2017). A systematic review of research on attitudes towards and willingness to engage in consensual non-monogamy among emerging adults: Methodological issues considered. Psychology & Sexuality, 8(1), 4-23. doi:10.1080/19419899.2017.1319407
Tropp, LR. Crossing to safety: Attachment processes in intergroup contact. Journal of Social Issues. 2021; 77: 86¿104. https://doi.org/10.1111/josi.12426
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Examinations and Assignments:
Insight Papers: Students will read brief articles and/or watch brief video before class and write a brief reflection that prepares them to participate in active discussion during class.
Students will develop an APA style research paper about a relevant topic. Students will submit an outline, rough draft, and final draft. Students will present their research findings to the class.
Class activities: Students will complete activities to integrate and apply evidence we read about/discuss for class. Activities will take place in class but can be completed on their own time if they cannot attend. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course can count as an elective towards the psychology major. |
| Instructor(s): Curley,Christine Marie Times: ..T.R.. 01:20PM-02:40PM; Location: PAC301; |
| Total Enrollment Limit: 15 | | SR major: X | JR major: X | | |
| Seats Available: -2 | GRAD: X | SR non-major: X | JR non-major: X | SO: X | FR: 15 |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 3 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 1 | 3rd Ranked: 1 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 1 |
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