Course Description and Objectives
Why do we do what we do? What factors play a role in shaping our personality? What biological, psychological and social elements help to configure a person’s psychological, emotional, and moral character? What can we do about them? In this course, we examine landmark studies that shook standard beliefs about human nature. By analyzing these studies in their contexts, we explore their influence on contemporary views about humans and society. In addition, many of these studies also had an impact on the epistemological and ethical criteria used by the scientific community and broader society to decide what counts as good science. Thus, we will also examine evolving views about scientific inquiry: How have ideas about what counts as good science changed? And why have they changed? By carrying out their own research project, students will have the chance to use qualitative methods for investigating how people interact with the social context.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• Identify some of the main approaches used in social psychology;
• Recognize methodologies employed by social scientists;
• Use research tools for carrying out a literature analysis, particularly PsycNet;
• Carry out a small-scale social research project using questionnaires, interviews, or observation techniques;
• Write a short research article which includes a brief literature review, methods, results, and discussions.

Course Materials
A course reader, including all the indicated readings, will be available. The course’s Moodle site is the primary location for readings and assignments.