Each of us is dealt a different hand in life, but we all face similar questions when it comes to human behavior: What leads us to like one person and dislike another? How do conflicts and prejudices develop, and how can they be reduced? Can psychological research help protect the environment, and if so, how? This course offers an introduction to classic and contemporary social psychology, covering topics such as decision making, persuasion, group behavior, personal attraction, and factors that promote health and well-being.

Our focus will be on surprising, entertaining, and intriguing research findings that are easy to apply in daily life. As part of this focus, several homework assignments will encourage you to experiment with your life, observe the results, and analyze what took place. The course will also draw from the web sites of Social Psychology Network, the world's largest online community devoted to social psychology. I hope you'll join me for this course, have fun, and learn some useful information that enriches your life!   

Scott Plous holds a Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University and is a professor of psychology at Wesleyan University, where he teaches introductory and advanced courses in social psychology. His research interests focus on prejudice, decision making, information technology, and ethical issues surrounding the use of animals.

Professor Plous is a Fellow of  the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and the Society for the Teaching of Psychology, and has received several national awards, including the William James Book Award (for The Psychology of Judgment and Decision Making), the Gordon Allport Intergroup Relations Prize, and the Otto Klineberg Intercultural and International Relations Award. He has also received the American Psychological Foundation's Award for Distinguished Teaching and been named "Connecticut Professor of the Year" by the Carnegie Foundation and Council for Advancement and Support of Education. Currently, Professor Plous serves as Executive Director of Social Psychology Network (SocialPsychology.org), a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to promote peace, social justice, and sustainable living through public education, research, and the advancement of psychology.

No background is required; all are welcome!

• Myers, David G. (2012). Exploring Social Psychology (6th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill.

The class will consist of lecture videos, most of which are 8-12 minutes long. There will also be homework assignments and a final exam covering the lectures and course readings.

• Will I get a certificate after completing this class?

  Yes. Students who successfully complete the class will receive a certificate signed by the instructor.

• What resources will I need for this class?

  Thanks to the generosity of McGraw-Hill, the American Psychological Association, the Association for Psychological Science, and CRM Learning, all readings and videos will be provided at no charge. The only things needed are an Internet connection and a few hours each week to explore some fascinating topics.

  This course gratefully acknowledges: