Within the realm of psychology, social psychology is concerned with how the behaviour and thoughts of an individual are influenced by the social contexts that they are in, ie other people and groups around them. This course explores a number of differing contexts (small groups and crowds) and examines whether anything that humans do is free of 'the social'.
Course details
Tutors
It has often been claimed that the main focus of psychology is on the way in which psychological processes operate within individuals. The key distinction of ‘social’ psychology is the consideration of how such processes are shaped and influenced by the social contexts that we frequently find ourselves in.
This course is designed as a general introduction to social psychology and focuses on how differing kinds of social contexts influence human thought and behaviour. The contexts to be considered include one one interactions, small group settings, crowds , and societal norms. The specific topics have been chosen to give a broad ‘taste’ of the wide range of issues that social psychologists study. Aside from examining specific topics within the discipline, the course will also explore how social psychology has developed in methodological and historical terms over the last century.
Learning outcomes
The learning outcomes for this course are:
- To gain an understanding of what social psychology is and how it is distinct from other forms of psychology;
- To become aware of the many different forms of social context that are examined in social psychology;
- To appreciate the extent to which individual behaviour and thought are influenced by these social contexts.
Classes
1. What is social psychology?
2. Crowd psychology
3. Social influence
4. Non-verbal communication
5. The social ‘self’
Typical week: Monday to Friday
For each week of study you select a morning (Am) and an afternoon (Pm) course, each course has five sessions, one each day Monday to Friday. The maximum class size is 25 students. Your weekly courses are complemented by a series of two daily plenary lectures, exploring new ideas in a wide range of disciplines. To add to the learning experience, we are also planning additional evening talks and events.
| c.8.00am-9.00am | Breakfast in College (for residents) |
| 9.00am-10.30am | Am Course |
| 11.15am-12.30pm | Plenary Lecture |
| 12.30pm-1.45pm | Lunch |
| 1.45pm-3.15pm | Pm Course |
| 4.00pm-5.15pm | Plenary Lecture |
| c.6.00/6.15pm-7.15/7.30pm | Dinner in College (for residents) |
| c.7.30pm onwards | Evening talk/event |
Evaluation and Academic Credit
If you are seeking to enhance your own study experience, or earn academic credit from your Cambridge Summer Programme studies at your home institution, you can submit written work for assessment for one or more of your courses.
Essay questions are set and assessed against the University of Cambridge standard by your Course Director, a list of essay questions can be found in the Course Materials. Essays are submitted two weeks after the end of each course, so those studying for multiple weeks need to plan their time accordingly. There is an evaluation fee of £65 per essay.
For more information about writing essays see Evaluation and Academic Credit.
Certificate of attendance
A certificate of attendance will be sent to you electronically within a week of your courses finishing.