Psychology

Course examines the social psychological underpinnings of stereotyping, prejudice, and stigma. We will examine these questions from a number of perspectives, including sociocultural, motivational, and cognitive approaches. Topics to be covered include the origins of stereotyping and prejudice, the ways in which these constructs are maintained and perpetuated, the ways in which they may be changed, the extent to which their expression is intended and controllable, and the effects on those who are targets of stereotyping, prejudice, and stigma. Other important goals for this course are for you to become familiar with the techniques used by psychologists to study stereotyping and prejudice and the process of doing experimental research. This class will be half lecture, half seminar. The first half of each class will be a seminar-like discussion of a research article assigned for the day. The second half of each class will be in lecture format, though questions and discussion are encouraged at all times. Lectures are designed to complement the readings by highlighting important material, providing additional examples and illustrations, and by introducing material that is not covered in the readings. Grades are based on two exams and participation.