Social Psychology Undergraduate Courses & Course Outlines
GO BACKSOCPSY 1Z03: An Introduction to Social Psychology
This course offers an introduction to social psychology from a social sciences perspective. The course will explore the various ways people think about, affect, and relate to one another. Three hours; one term
Winter 2024 Course Outline (Speakman)
Spring 2023 Course Outline (Speakman)
GO BACKSOCPSY 2B03: Psychology of Well-Being
An exploration of what social psychological perspectives and research can contribute to the quest for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above in Honours Social Psychology
GO BACKSOCPSY 2C03: Social Psychology of Popular Culture
This course investigates, through three mediums of popular culture (film, television, music), what popular culture has to offer as a type of social science. What does popular culture have to show us about gender, authority, sexuality, image, family, institutions, social arrangements, hope, beauty, money, success, protest and many other topics as well?
Through a consideration of both the history and the present of these mediums we will explore how popular culture is both a reflection of who we are and a suggestion of who we might become.
Winter 2024 Course Outline (Penner)
Spring 2023 Course Outline (Penner)
GO BACKSOCPSY 2D03: Making and Breaking Rules
An exploration of social psychological perspectives and research in the arenas of law, justice, crime and deviance. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above in Honours Social Psychology
Winter 2024 Course Outline (Berardi)
Spring 2023 Course Outline (Berardi)
GO BACKSOCPSY 2E03: Psychology of Intergroup Relations
This course explores social psychological theories and research on intergroup attitudes and behaviour. Topics include stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, conflict, and cooperation.
Requirements
Registration in Level II or above; one of SOCPSY 1Z03, PSYCH 1X03, PSYCH 1F03, or SOCIOL 1Z03. Priority will be given to students registered in Honours Social Psychology.
Fall 2023 Course Outline (MacGowan)
GO BACKSOCPSY 2F03: Psychology of Close Relationships
This course explores social psychological theories and research on romantic relationships, friendships, and family relations. Topics include relationship initiation, maintenance, and dissolution, and links between relationship processes and psychopathology.
Requirements
Registration in Level II or above; one of SOCPSY 1Z03, PSYCH 1X03, PSYCH 1F03, HLTHAGE 1CC3, or SOCIOL 1Z03. Priority will be given to students registered in Honours Social Psychology.
Winter 2024 Course Outline (Maxwell)
Spring 2023 Course Outline (Maxwell)
GO BACKSOCPSY 2K03: Research Methods in Social Psychology
This course is designed to develop those skills necessary to pursue and understand research. Several general methods of research will be examined. Lectures and discussion (three hours); one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above in Honours Social Psychology Antirequisite(s): CMST 2A03, GEOG 2MA3, HLTHAGE 2A03, SOCIOL 2Z03, SOC SCI 2K03
GO BACKSOCPSY 2YY3: Theories in Social Psychology
Understanding the history and development of perspectives and theories from multiple social sciences on Social Psychology. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level II or above in Honours Social Psychology Antirequisite(s): SOCSCI 3YY3, SOCPSY 3YY3
GO BACKSOCPSY 3A03: Mental Health
An exploration of social psychological approaches and research to mental health. Topic areas may range from the social and cultural factors that affect definitions of normal/abnormal to those that affect who experiences mental health issues and/or receives treatment. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above of an Honours program in the Faculty of Social Sciences Priority will be given to students registered in Honours Social Psychology.
Winter 2024 Course Outline (Marshall)
Spring 2023 Course Outline (Marshall)
GO BACKSOCPSY 3B03: Understanding Lived Experiences
An exploration of individuals’ experiences of everyday life using the theories and methods of social psychology. Changing foci may include experiences of sport and physical activity, health or illness, or stigma, marginalization and exclusion. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above of an Honours program in the Faculty of Social Sciences
GO BACKSOCPSY 3C03: Regimes of Social Control
An exploration of social psychological approaches and research as they apply to an understanding of the law, the criminal justice system and/or other regimes of social control in society. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Enrolment in Level III of any Faculty of Social Sciences Honours program Priority will be given to students registered in Honours Social Psychology.
GO BACKSOCPSY 3E03: Big Ideas/Great Thinkers in Social Psychology
An exploration of social psychology through the lens of individuals whose work has contributed significantly to our understanding the relationship between individuals and society. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above of an Honours program in Faculty of Social Sciences
GO BACKSOCPSY 3F03: Who Am I? Self and Identity
An exploration of one of the central themes in social psychology how we define ourselves. The course emphasizes the relational roots of self and the social processes underlying how identities are formed and change. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above of an Honours program in the Faculty of Social Sciences Antirequisite(s): SOCPSY 2M03
GO BACKSOCPSY 3H03: Industrial/Organizational Psychology
This course explores the psychology of work. Topics include the organizational effectiveness and dynamics involved in hiring, training, performance, leadership, and team behaviour.
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above; SOCPSY 1Z03
GO BACKSOCPSY 3K03: Research Experience
The student will work in partnership with a faculty member on a research project relevant to social psychology.
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above in Honours Social Psychology (Research Specialist Option) and approval in advance by Program Director
SOCPSY 3K03 may be repeated to a total of six units.
GO BACKSOCPSY 3L03: Advanced Research Methods
Students will learn how to design a research project and compose an effective research proposal that would be suitable for a fourth-year thesis project or independent project in the health or social sciences. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Registration in Level III or above of Honours Social Psychology; SOCSCI 2J03, SOCPSY 2K03.
Cross-list Courses: HLTH AGE 3B03: Advanced Research Methods
GO BACKSOCPSY 3M03: Counselling & Psychotherapy
This course explores theories of counselling and psychotherapy, such as couple and family counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy.
Requirements
Registration in Level III or above; one of SOCPSY 1Z03, PSYCH 1X03, PSYCH 1F03, or HLTHAGE 1CC3.
GO BACKSOCPSY 3OP3: Political Psychology
Political psychology is an inter-disciplinary approach that draws on a range of social psychological concepts to understand political behaviour and dynamics. Addresses issues such as political knowledge, misinformation and opinion formation, political polarization, emotion and enmity, international and inter-societal conflict, and strategies for conflict reduction. Students will also be introduced to basic notions of the experimental design.
Requirements
Prerequisites: SOCPSY 1Z03 and POLSCI 1A3; or Level III or above in any Political Science or Social Psychology program.
Cross-list: POLSCI 3OP3
GO BACKSOCPSY 3RR3: Imprisonment
An exploration of the history, politics, and consequences of incarceration on individuals and society. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Registration in Level III or above of an Honours Program in the Faculty of Social Sciences
GO BACKSOCPSY 3Y03: Social Psychology in Action
Contemporary issues to which social psychologists apply their theoretical approaches and methods. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Registration in Level III or above in Honours Social Psychology (B.A.)
GO BACKSOCPSY 3ZZ3: Small Worlds: Children and Childhood
An in-depth exploration of social issues from a social psychological angle. Changing foci may address deviance, mental illness, work, race or gender. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level III or above in Honours Social Psychology
GO BACKSOCPSY 4A03: Advanced Research Experience
The student will work in partnership with a faculty member on a research project relevant to social psychology. Students will have an opportunity to practice more advanced research skills than in SOCPSY 3K03. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV in Honours Social Psychology – Research Specialist Option; SOCPSY 3L03; and approval in advance by the Program Director.
GO BACKSOCPSY 4B03: Special Topics in Social Psychology
Topics of contemporary interest to social psychologists, with emphasis on current research. Students should consult the Social Psychology office for information about topics to be covered. Lectures and discussion (three hours); one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Enrolment in Level IV of any Faculty of Social Sciences Honours program SOCPSY 4B03 may be repeated, if on a different topic, to a total of six units. Priority will be given to students registered in Honours Social Psychology (BA).
Winter 2024 Course Outline (Denis)
Fall 2023 Course Outline (Maxwell)
GO BACKSOCPSY 4D03: Contemporary Social Issues
An in-depth look at how social psychological perspectives can illuminate social issues, with foci ranging from sexuality and gender to racism, terrorism and climate change. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV Honours Social Psychology Antirequisite(s): SOCPSY 3D03
GO BACKSOCPSY 4E03: Special Topics in Social Psychology
Topics of contemporary interest to social psychologists, with emphasis on current research. Students should consult the Social Psychology office for information about topics to be covered. Three hours; one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Enrolment in Level IV of any Faculty of Social Sciences Honours program Priority will be given to students registered in Honours Social Psychology. This course can be repeated to a maximum of 6 units, if on a different topic.
GO BACKSOCPSY 4F03: Social Psychology of Crime and the Media
Social psychological perspectives on the influence of media reporting and portrayal of crime in entertainment media on societal perceptions and knowledge of crime, the law, and criminal justice. Topics include media creation and reinforcement of the ‘perpetrator’ and ‘victim’ typologies, normalization of violence, celebrity crime, and the media’s impact on social, political, and legal systems.
GO BACKSOCPSY 4G03: Child Clinical Psychology
This course explores theoretical and clinical perspectives on disorders presenting in childhood, including autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and learning, mood, and anxiety disorders.
Requirements
Enrolment in Level IV of any Faculty of Social Sciences Honours Program. Priority will be given to students registered in Honours Social Psychology.
GO BACKSOCPSY 4H03: Advanced Topics in Close Relationships
This seminar course explores advanced topics in close relationship research such as relationship interventions and mental health.
Requirements
Prerequisites: Registration in Level IV in Honours Social Psychology.
GO BACKSOCPSY 4IS3: Independent Research
Directed study under supervision of McMaster faculty member, involving analysis of published materials, field notes and/or other data. Results to be written up in the form of a scholarly paper. One term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV Honours Social Psychology (B.A.) and approval of Independent Research Form in advance by Program Director. The form can be accessed here: Independent Research Form (pdf).
GO BACKSOCPSY 4IS6 A/B: Independent Research
Directed study under supervision of McMaster faculty member, involving analysis of published materials, field notes and/or other data. Results to be written up in the form of a scholarly paper. Two terms
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV Honours Social Psychology (B.A.) and approval of Independent Research Form in advance by Program Director. The form can be accessed here: Independent Research Form (pdf).
GO BACKSOCPSY 4MM3: Public Social Psychology
This course examines major figures in social psychology who have had an impact on the public and transformed our culture. It also examines current public debates and controversies about social psychology or particular social psychologists. Lectures and discussion (three hours); one term
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV Honours Social Psychology Cross-list(s): SOCIOL 4MM3
GO BACKSOCPSY 4ZZ6 A/B: Social Psychology Research Project
This capstone course allows students to integrate knowledge and skills in a group research project in their area of interest.
Requirements
Prerequisite(s): Registration in Level IV Honours Social Psychology, and SOCSCI 2J03, SOCPSY 2K03 or SOCIOL 2Z03, and SOCPSY 2YY3.