Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Social Psychology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_364
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
6.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Psychology
Contacts

Rīga, Dzirciema street 16, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

The course aims to introduce students to the theoretical and practical basics of social psychology, as well as opportunities to use them in working with individuals and groups of people. The course focuses on analysing personality role in the social context and understanding the components of personality’s psychological structure within the framework of social interaction. The study process develops students’ ability to recognise socio-psychological phenomena in practice, analyse their causes and possible consequences. The course promotes understanding of the impact of social conditions on the consciousness and social behaviour of the individual, groups and society, the development of personality in the social context, as well as the socio-psychological phenomena of groups and their psychological mechanisms.

Preliminary Knowledge

General Psychology, Personality Psychology, Sociology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.R1. Describes the main theories, concepts and approaches of social psychology, explaining their place in psychology science.

Individual work and tests

Presentation Individual work Project self-checking tests Mentimer tests Exam

2.R2. Analyses and critically evaluates the impact of social conditions on individual, group and societal behaviour and personality development in the social context.

Individual work and tests

Exam Mentimer tests self-checking tests Project Individual work Presentation

3.R3. Explain the mechanisms of social cognition, perception, attribution and judgement, including the formation of stereotypes and prejudices.

Individual work and tests

Presentation Individual work Project self-checking tests Mentimer tests Exam

4.R4. Describe and analyse the socio-psychological phenomena of groups (conformity, leadership, cohesion, social fasilitation, social laziness) and their psychological mechanisms.

Individual work and tests

Exam Mentimer tests self-checking tests Test 2 Project Presentation

5.R5. Social psychology theories and concepts shall be applied in the analysis of real situations, cases and media materials.

Individual work and tests

Presentation Project Test 2 self-checking tests Mentimer tests Exam

Skills

1.P1. Analyse social situations by identifying mechanisms for social impact, group dynamics and attribution.

Individual work and tests

Exam Test 2 Project Presentation Individual work

2.P2. Recognises and assesses in a reasoned manner the errors, stereotypes and prejudices of social perception and judgement.

Individual work and tests

Individual work Project Test 2 self-checking tests Exam Mentimer tests

3.P3. Analyse communication processes and conflict situations, describe their structure and offer resolution strategies.

Individual work and tests

Exam Project Presentation

4.P4. A simple socio-psychological study (observation, case analysis or small experiment) shall be planned and implemented in accordance with ethical principles.

Individual work and tests

Project

5.P5. Present and defend analytical conclusions in an academic discussion, evaluating the work of other students in a reasoned manner.

Individual work and tests

Project

Competences

1.K1. Independently identify and articulate socio-psychological problems in today’s social context.

Individual work and tests

Activity Project Presentation Exam

2.K2. Select and justify appropriate problem-solving strategies based on theoretical analysis;

Individual work and tests

Exam Mentimer tests Individual work Activity Test 2 self-checking tests Project

3.K3. Reflecting on the professional role and responsibility of the psychologist in the analysis and regulation of social processes;

Individual work and tests

Project

4.K4. Observe professional and ethical principles in socio-psychological analysis and research.

Individual work and tests

Project Activity Presentation Exam

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Presentation

20.00% from total grade
10 points

Attendance for all classes is mandatory. If one class is unjustifiably inhibited, the student shall not be admitted to taking the examination. In order to justify a delayed class, the student must submit a submission from his or her MyRSU profile in accordance with the procedure laid down in Clause 2.20 or 2.17 of RSU rules of study. If 50% or more of the class is justifiably delayed, the study course is considered unattended and the student is not admitted to taking the exam.

During the first lesson, students prepare and present three topics of current social psychology. The evaluation shall be carried out in a combined form, combining the assessment of the lecturer and the mutual assessment of the students, including the assessment of the ability to analyse the work of colleagues in a reasoned and correct manner.

2.

Project

20.00% from total grade
10 points

Development of an individual project in social psychology (formulation of a research idea, choice of methods, presentation of results); participation in discussions and reflection on the work of other students. The assessment is carried out in a combined form, combining the lecturer’s assessment of 50% and the student-to-student assessment, including the ability to reasonably and correctly evaluate the work of colleagues at 50%.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Activity

3.00% from total grade
Test

Participation in each practical task during classes

2.

Individual work

10.00% from total grade
10 points

The test on the material of the first three lectures covers the basics and theoretical frameworks of social psychology (subject matter, development, main approaches and basic concepts), social statements, perceptions and judgement mechanisms (processing of social information, attribute processes and errors, attitudes, stereotypes and prejudices) and the functioning of personality in the social context (Self-conception, self-assessment, control locus, motivation, socialisation, prosocial and deviant behaviour).

3.

Test 2

10.00% from total grade
10 points

The test for lecture material 4, 5 and 6 covers mechanisms of social impact, power and mass processes (persuasion, conformity, submission, social pressure, media influence, leadership and aggression), group psychology and group dynamics (group formation, norms and roles, decision-making, cohesion, social fasillation and social laziness), as well as processes of interpersonal relationships, communication and conflict (verbal and non-verbal contact, communication barriers, destructive communication, conflict types, development dynamics, resolution strategies and mediation basics).

4.

self-checking tests

4.00% from total grade
10 points

Self-assessment tests are designed to strengthen theoretical material and self-assessment of knowledge.

5.

Mentimer tests

3.00% from total grade
Test

Group tests for testing the acquisition of material from the previous lecture. A group of winners get an extra point at the final assessment.

6.

Exam

30.00% from total grade
10 points

The oral exam covers the subjects of six lectures and practical classes, including the basics and theoretical frameworks of social psychology, social statement, perception and judgment mechanisms, personality functioning in the social context, analysis of social impact, power and mass processes, group psychology and group dynamics, as well as interpersonal relationships, communication and conflict resolution strategies. During the exam, students demonstrate the ability to characterise and compare theoretical approaches, analyse socio-psychological phenomena in specific situations, base conclusions on appropriate concepts and reflect on the professional role and ethical aspects of the psychologist in the social context.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Basics and theoretical frameworks of Social Psychology
Description

The topic covers the subject matter of social psychology, historical development and present-day problems, as well as key theoretical approaches to explaining social behaviour. The place of social psychology in psychology science and its links to other sectors, including sociology, clinical and personality psychology, are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Basics and theoretical frameworks of Social Psychology
Description

The topic covers the subject matter of social psychology, historical development and present-day problems, as well as key theoretical approaches to explaining social behaviour. The place of social psychology in psychology science and its links to other sectors, including sociology, clinical and personality psychology, are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social statement, perception and judgement
Description

The topic focuses on how people perceive, interpret and rate social information. Social statement theories, attribute processes, mechanisms of social perception, the formation of beliefs and attitudes, as well as cognitive, emotional and social sources of stereotypes and prejudices and their impact on behaviour and health are all considered.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social statement, perception and judgement
Description

The topic focuses on how people perceive, interpret and rate social information. Social statement theories, attribute processes, mechanisms of social perception, the formation of beliefs and attitudes, as well as cognitive, emotional and social sources of stereotypes and prejudices and their impact on behaviour and health are all considered.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Personality in social context
Description

The topic analyzes the psychological structure of a personality and how it functions in a social environment. Aspects of self-assessment, self-esteem and self-conception, the locus of control, needs and motivations, socialisation processes and psychological mechanisms of deviant and prosocial behaviour are all considered.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Personality in social context
Description

The topic analyzes the psychological structure of a personality and how it functions in a social environment. Aspects of self-assessment, self-esteem and self-conception, the locus of control, needs and motivations, socialisation processes and psychological mechanisms of deviant and prosocial behaviour are all considered.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Study room
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Study room
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Study room
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Study room
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Consultation

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Basics and theoretical frameworks of Social Psychology
Description

The topic covers the subject matter of social psychology, historical development and present-day problems, as well as key theoretical approaches to explaining social behaviour. The place of social psychology in psychology science and its links to other sectors, including sociology, clinical and personality psychology, are analysed.

Social statement, perception and judgement
Description

The topic focuses on how people perceive, interpret and rate social information. Social statement theories, attribute processes, mechanisms of social perception, the formation of beliefs and attitudes, as well as cognitive, emotional and social sources of stereotypes and prejudices and their impact on behaviour and health are all considered.

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

Personality in social context
Description

The topic analyzes the psychological structure of a personality and how it functions in a social environment. Aspects of self-assessment, self-esteem and self-conception, the locus of control, needs and motivations, socialisation processes and psychological mechanisms of deviant and prosocial behaviour are all considered.

Training of communication and social impact skills
Description

The sub-topic focuses on developing communication skills in face-to-face format through discussions, role-playing and structured exercises. Verbal and non-verbal communication, persuasion strategies, social pressure and boundary-setting in professional communication are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social impact, power and mass processes
Description

The theme focuses on forms and mechanisms of social influence, including persuasion, conformity, social pressure, power, submission and disobedience. Mass psychology, the role of media in social processes, the concept and styles of leadership and the socio-psychological aspects of aggression are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social impact, power and mass processes
Description

The theme focuses on forms and mechanisms of social influence, including persuasion, conformity, social pressure, power, submission and disobedience. Mass psychology, the role of media in social processes, the concept and styles of leadership and the socio-psychological aspects of aggression are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Group psychology and group dynamics
Description

The topic looks at people’s behavior in groups, group types, structure and processes. Group formation, norms and roles, group decision-making, consistency, cohesion, psychological climate, social fasillation and social laziness, as well as the prerequisites for effective group leadership are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Group psychology and group dynamics
Description

The topic looks at people’s behavior in groups, group types, structure and processes. Group formation, norms and roles, group decision-making, consistency, cohesion, psychological climate, social fasillation and social laziness, as well as the prerequisites for effective group leadership are analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Study room
2

Topics

Training of communication and social impact skills
Description

The sub-topic focuses on developing communication skills in face-to-face format through discussions, role-playing and structured exercises. Verbal and non-verbal communication, persuasion strategies, social pressure and boundary-setting in professional communication are analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Study room
2

Topics

Training of communication and social impact skills
Description

The sub-topic focuses on developing communication skills in face-to-face format through discussions, role-playing and structured exercises. Verbal and non-verbal communication, persuasion strategies, social pressure and boundary-setting in professional communication are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpersonal relations, communication and conflicts
Description

The topic covers the formation of relationships, patterns of intimacy and partnership, relationship cycles and depth levels of interaction. Communication processes, verbal and non-verbal contact, communication barriers, destructive communication, as well as types of conflict, development dynamics, resolution strategies and mediation options are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpersonal relations, communication and conflicts
Description

The topic covers the formation of relationships, patterns of intimacy and partnership, relationship cycles and depth levels of interaction. Communication processes, verbal and non-verbal contact, communication barriers, destructive communication, as well as types of conflict, development dynamics, resolution strategies and mediation options are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Analysis of conflict situations and resolution strategies in practice
Description

This subtopic focuses on the dynamics of conflicts in real-world interaction situations. In face-to-face classes, students analyze the causes, subjective and objective factors of conflict, try different approaches to conflict resolution, and familiarize themselves with basic principles of mediation, reflecting on the professional role of a psychologist.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Analysis of conflict situations and resolution strategies in practice
Description

This subtopic focuses on the dynamics of conflicts in real-world interaction situations. In face-to-face classes, students analyze the causes, subjective and objective factors of conflict, try different approaches to conflict resolution, and familiarize themselves with basic principles of mediation, reflecting on the professional role of a psychologist.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Study room
2

Topics

Analysis of conflict situations and resolution strategies in practice
Description

This subtopic focuses on the dynamics of conflicts in real-world interaction situations. In face-to-face classes, students analyze the causes, subjective and objective factors of conflict, try different approaches to conflict resolution, and familiarize themselves with basic principles of mediation, reflecting on the professional role of a psychologist.

  1. Consultation

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
Online
2

Topics

Social impact, power and mass processes
Description

The theme focuses on forms and mechanisms of social influence, including persuasion, conformity, social pressure, power, submission and disobedience. Mass psychology, the role of media in social processes, the concept and styles of leadership and the socio-psychological aspects of aggression are analysed.

Group psychology and group dynamics
Description

The topic looks at people’s behavior in groups, group types, structure and processes. Group formation, norms and roles, group decision-making, consistency, cohesion, psychological climate, social fasillation and social laziness, as well as the prerequisites for effective group leadership are analysed.

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

Interpersonal relations, communication and conflicts
Description

The topic covers the formation of relationships, patterns of intimacy and partnership, relationship cycles and depth levels of interaction. Communication processes, verbal and non-verbal contact, communication barriers, destructive communication, as well as types of conflict, development dynamics, resolution strategies and mediation options are analysed.

Analysis of conflict situations and resolution strategies in practice
Description

This subtopic focuses on the dynamics of conflicts in real-world interaction situations. In face-to-face classes, students analyze the causes, subjective and objective factors of conflict, try different approaches to conflict resolution, and familiarize themselves with basic principles of mediation, reflecting on the professional role of a psychologist.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
64 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Basics and theoretical frameworks of Social Psychology
Description

The topic covers the subject matter of social psychology, historical development and present-day problems, as well as key theoretical approaches to explaining social behaviour. The place of social psychology in psychology science and its links to other sectors, including sociology, clinical and personality psychology, are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Basics and theoretical frameworks of Social Psychology
Description

The topic covers the subject matter of social psychology, historical development and present-day problems, as well as key theoretical approaches to explaining social behaviour. The place of social psychology in psychology science and its links to other sectors, including sociology, clinical and personality psychology, are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social statement, perception and judgement
Description

The topic focuses on how people perceive, interpret and rate social information. Social statement theories, attribute processes, mechanisms of social perception, the formation of beliefs and attitudes, as well as cognitive, emotional and social sources of stereotypes and prejudices and their impact on behaviour and health are all considered.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social statement, perception and judgement
Description

The topic focuses on how people perceive, interpret and rate social information. Social statement theories, attribute processes, mechanisms of social perception, the formation of beliefs and attitudes, as well as cognitive, emotional and social sources of stereotypes and prejudices and their impact on behaviour and health are all considered.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Personality in social context
Description

The topic analyzes the psychological structure of a personality and how it functions in a social environment. Aspects of self-assessment, self-esteem and self-conception, the locus of control, needs and motivations, socialisation processes and psychological mechanisms of deviant and prosocial behaviour are all considered.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Personality in social context
Description

The topic analyzes the psychological structure of a personality and how it functions in a social environment. Aspects of self-assessment, self-esteem and self-conception, the locus of control, needs and motivations, socialisation processes and psychological mechanisms of deviant and prosocial behaviour are all considered.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Socio-psychological analysis in real-world situations and case studies
Description

The sub-topic focuses on the application of social psychology theories in the analysis of specific situations. In face-to-face classes, students work with case descriptions (case studies), analyze social impact mechanisms, attribute errors, group dynamics and communication specificities, discuss possible interpretations and consequences.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Group dynamics in lecture theatre: observation and reflection
Description

This subtopic allows students to directly experience and analyze group processes in an in-person environment. Attention is paid to roles, leadership, conformity, cohesion, psychological climate and informal norms, developing the ability to reflect on group processes students themselves are involved in.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social impact, power and mass processes
Description

The theme focuses on forms and mechanisms of social influence, including persuasion, conformity, social pressure, power, submission and disobedience. Mass psychology, the role of media in social processes, the concept and styles of leadership and the socio-psychological aspects of aggression are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Social impact, power and mass processes
Description

The theme focuses on forms and mechanisms of social influence, including persuasion, conformity, social pressure, power, submission and disobedience. Mass psychology, the role of media in social processes, the concept and styles of leadership and the socio-psychological aspects of aggression are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Group psychology and group dynamics
Description

The topic looks at people’s behavior in groups, group types, structure and processes. Group formation, norms and roles, group decision-making, consistency, cohesion, psychological climate, social fasillation and social laziness, as well as the prerequisites for effective group leadership are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Group psychology and group dynamics
Description

The topic looks at people’s behavior in groups, group types, structure and processes. Group formation, norms and roles, group decision-making, consistency, cohesion, psychological climate, social fasillation and social laziness, as well as the prerequisites for effective group leadership are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpersonal relations, communication and conflicts
Description

The topic covers the formation of relationships, patterns of intimacy and partnership, relationship cycles and depth levels of interaction. Communication processes, verbal and non-verbal contact, communication barriers, destructive communication, as well as types of conflict, development dynamics, resolution strategies and mediation options are analysed.

  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Auditorium
2

Topics

Interpersonal relations, communication and conflicts
Description

The topic covers the formation of relationships, patterns of intimacy and partnership, relationship cycles and depth levels of interaction. Communication processes, verbal and non-verbal contact, communication barriers, destructive communication, as well as types of conflict, development dynamics, resolution strategies and mediation options are analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Training of communication and social impact skills
Description

The sub-topic focuses on developing communication skills in face-to-face format through discussions, role-playing and structured exercises. Verbal and non-verbal communication, persuasion strategies, social pressure and boundary-setting in professional communication are analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Training of communication and social impact skills
Description

The sub-topic focuses on developing communication skills in face-to-face format through discussions, role-playing and structured exercises. Verbal and non-verbal communication, persuasion strategies, social pressure and boundary-setting in professional communication are analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Training of communication and social impact skills
Description

The sub-topic focuses on developing communication skills in face-to-face format through discussions, role-playing and structured exercises. Verbal and non-verbal communication, persuasion strategies, social pressure and boundary-setting in professional communication are analysed.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Analysis of conflict situations and resolution strategies in practice
Description

This subtopic focuses on the dynamics of conflicts in real-world interaction situations. In face-to-face classes, students analyze the causes, subjective and objective factors of conflict, try different approaches to conflict resolution, and familiarize themselves with basic principles of mediation, reflecting on the professional role of a psychologist.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Analysis of conflict situations and resolution strategies in practice
Description

This subtopic focuses on the dynamics of conflicts in real-world interaction situations. In face-to-face classes, students analyze the causes, subjective and objective factors of conflict, try different approaches to conflict resolution, and familiarize themselves with basic principles of mediation, reflecting on the professional role of a psychologist.

  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Analysis of conflict situations and resolution strategies in practice
Description

This subtopic focuses on the dynamics of conflicts in real-world interaction situations. In face-to-face classes, students analyze the causes, subjective and objective factors of conflict, try different approaches to conflict resolution, and familiarize themselves with basic principles of mediation, reflecting on the professional role of a psychologist.

Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
6.00
Contact hours:
48 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Myers, D. & Twenge J. (2021) Social Psychology. NY: McGraw-Hill Education.

2.

Social Psychology: revisiting the classic studies (2017) Smith, J.R & Haslam, A. (Eds.) LA: SAGE Publications

3.

Social Psychology: the study of human interaction (2015) Newcomb, T.S., Turner, R.H., Converse P.E. (Eds.) Hove: psychology Press.

4.

Reņģe, V. (2002) Sociālā psiholoģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC (akceptējams izdevums)

5.

Reņģe, V. (2007) Mūsdienu organizāciju psiholoģija. Rīga: Zvaigzne ABC (akceptējams izdevums)

Additional Reading

1.

Cozolino, L. (2014) The neuroscience of human relationships: Attachment and the developing social brain. WW Norton & Company.

2.

An introduction to social psychology (2015) Hewstone, M., Stroebe, W., & Jonas, K. (Eds.). John Wiley & Sons.

3.

Burr, V. (2015) Social constructionism. Routledge.

4.

Handbook of the Sociology of Emotions (2014) Stets, J. E., & Turner, J. H. (Eds.). Springer.

5.

Бодрийар, Ж., Ясперс К. (2014) Призрак толпы. М.: Алгоритм.

6.

McDonald, M. (2013) Social Psychology and Theories of Consumer Culture: a political economy perspective. London: Routledge.

7.

Social Psychology of Social Problems: the intergroup context. (2013) Golec de Zavala, A., Cichocka A. (Eds.) NY: Palgrave Macmillan.

8.

Jussim, L.I. (2012) Social Perception and Social Reality: why accuracy dominates bias and self-fulfilling prophesy. Oxford University Press.

9.

Smelser, N.J. (2010) Theory of collective behaviour. London: Routledge

Other Information Sources

1.

Basic and Applied Social Psychology

2.

European Review of Social Psychology

3.

Social Behaviour and Personality: An International Journal

4.

Group Dynamics: Theory, Research and Practice (APA Journal)

5.

Psychology of Popular Media Culture (APA Journal)

6.

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology