The Social Mind

Why do people think, feel, and act the way they do in social settings? This lecture-based course introduces contemporary theory and research on social thought and behavior, with a focus on how individuals perceive, influence, and relate to one another. We will explore core topics in social psychology, including person perception, attitudes, attraction, aggression, stereotyping, group dynamics, and social exchange, and consider how these processes shape real-world issues such as prejudice, conflict, and cooperation. Throughout the session, students will apply theory to lived experience through explorations of New York City, including visits to a courthouse and a local police precinct to observe social behavior in institutional contexts. The class will also visit social psychology labs on the Columbia and Barnard campuses to see how researchers investigate the social mind in action.