Reading course in social psychology, 4.5 credits

The course is offered for incoming exchange students at the psychologist program registered at the course Social psychology 15 credits. A very good command of English, corresponding to 550 TOEFL scores or a very good command of Swedish, corresponding to a pass in the TISUS test, and with one year of university studies including at least one course in psychology.

On completion of the course, the student should
• be able to show advanced knowledge on a selected topic of social psychology as demonstrated orally and in writing
• show skills in literature search relevant to the chosen topic

The course can contain advanced study of one of the following topics: social cognition (the general characteristics of the way people acquire, process and relate to information about themselves and their perceived and real social environment: identity; stereotypes/biases; imitation/social learning; conformity/obedience; decision making). The course also includes social behaviour (aggression, attraction, cooperation/altruism and social dilemmas).

The course mostly consists of independent studies and the writing of a short summarising paper that is presented in writing and orally.

The following grades can be given: Fail (F), fail (Fx), sufficient (E), satisfactory (D), good (C), very good (B) or excellent (A). (Grade F means that considerable additional work is required, and grade Fx means that some additional work is required. Grade E means that the performance meet the minimum criteria, and A that the performance are outstanding with only minor errors).

To pass the course the student must obtain at least grade E in the summarizing paper and the oral presentation. For a grade of A, B, C, or D on the entire course at least a grade E on the oral presentation is required as well as a grade of A, B, C, or D on the summarizing paper.

Instructions and grading criteria for the report are distributed at the beginning of the course.

The transition rules follow KI's local guidelines for examination.

Course evaluation is carried out according to KI's local guidelines. Results and possible actions are communicated to the students on the course web page.