SOC 463 - Social Psychology of Education

(3 units) CO10, CO13

Effects on learning of such social psychological factors as family, social class, school social structure, classroom structure, and allocation of the teacher role are considered.

Prerequisite(s): General Education courses (CO1-CO3) completed; at least 3 courses from CO4-CO8 completed; Junior or Senior standing; PSY 101 or SOC 101.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. identify fundamental concepts and theories in studying educational processes from a social science perspective, apply theories from previous courses in psychology and/or sociology, and demonstrate knowledge of social-scientific methods for studying human social relations in the educational domain.
2. recognize characteristic similarities and differences between diverse social and cultural groups, and identify the ways in which such differences shape achievement, attainment and educational systems.
3. use insights from different academic disciplines, explain how institutional arrangements maintain, enhance or reduce levels of achievement, and analyze the social-psychological processes involved.
4. integrate research and theory from different academic disciplines, identify and analyze educational problems and policy challenges, especially as they concern equality and the achievement of disadvantaged groups.
5. demonstrate scholarly knowledge about educational problems and challenges, and effectively compose written texts, which systematically analyze the problems, critically evaluate different perspectives and approaches, and communicate possible conclusions.
6. identify the similarities and differences between the educational systems of different countries, evaluate their successes and challenges, analyze the social, economic and policy factors that shape these systems, and explain implications for academic achievement.

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