512-413 Current Topics in Social Psychology

This subject is designed to cover recent theoretical and empirical developments in social psychology, to provide students with an opportunity to examine up-to-date research critically, and to develop new research ideas. Topics will be selected from social cognition, attitudes, self and identity, personality and individual differences, interpersonal and group processes, social networks, and also applications of social psychology.

On completion of this subject, students should have a greater ability to: critically appraise current knowledge and its internal structure; critically evaluate the methods used to acquire the current knowledge; critically analyse the current knowledge within a larger socio-historical and intellectual context; appropriately interpret empirical data in light of the current knowledge and methodological consideration; constructively plan a theoretical and empirical research project to advance knowledge.

A take-home examination of no more than 3000 words made up of essay questions set by lecturers involved in the subject (100%).

Hurdle requirements: 80% attendance and a satisfactory 30-minute class presentation. In case of failure to meet the hurdle requirements, additional work will be required before a passing grade can be awarded.