Instructor: Lesley L. Lambright 
Office: SOUTH campus E 313-4 
Phone: (586) 445-7235 
E-Mail: lambrightl@macomb.edu

We live in unusual times.  The threat of terrorism is altering the lives of many.  It is vital that we understand the root causes and psychological underpinnings of this modern phenomenon.  It is critically important to explore possible solutions to terrorism in ways that are not dependent upon more violence.  Therefore, in my class, the major sub-theme of Social Psychology is terrorism. This will be done through selected articles to be read for the Socratic seminars.

Exploring Social Psychology, 4th edition by David Myers.

Web site: www.mhhe.com/myerse4

1. Describe the factors that interplay between the individual and society.
2. Explain the relationship between attitude and behavior.
3. Analyze the conditions in which the presence of others or being in a social group alters individual behavior.
4. Explain the differences in individual behavior based upon culture.
5. Understand the sources of and resolutions for aggressive thinking and behavior.
6. Apply critical thinking skills to the issues and ideas of social psychology

• www.macomb.edu/LearningCenter/default.asp

• Regular attendance and participation in class is required for success. You are responsible for homework, information, exams, etc., during absences. Homework is due no later than the next day in my mailbox.
• There will be four exams. They will not be cumulative and will be multiple-choice. ( 4@130=520 ). The last test will include 4 essays worth 130 pts. You must supply scantrons for each exam.
• There will be 5 Socratic seminars. ( 5 @ 70= 350pts )
• Socratic seminar assessments must be typed. A seminar may be made up only once, and only with prior approval of the professor.
• Cheating on exams will result in an E for the course.
• Exams cannot be made up unless approved by the professor and must be completed by the next class meeting. Contact the professor immediately, prior to the next class meeting !
• Do not wear hats in class. Courteous respectful behavior is expected in the class by all to all.
• If class is canceled, an already scheduled exam will take place the next class time. Assignments are due the very next day. Proceed with the scheduled reading as planned. Exams are based upon the textbook, not class coverage.
• Consistent E's on exams will offset other activities and result in a poor final grade.
• A C- may not transfer to university.

Your final grade is based upon the TOTAL number of accumulated points.

A= 950-1000
A-=900-949
B+= 866-899
B=834-865
B-=800-833
C+=766-799
C= 730-765
C-=700-729
D+= 666-699
D=634-665
D-=600-633
below 600=E

Socratic Seminars are conversations centered upon a “text”. Prof Lambright provides the texts which are short articles relating to topics being studied in class. It is a fun and unique way to apply what you are learning and make connections between the ideas of the textbook and ideas from real life and current events.

The seminars are a way to develop some really useful skills to be used in personal lives and careers: reading for deeper understanding; developing critical thinking; speaking about ideas and issues; and team building. At first glance this may not look like fun, but in practice it is both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.

You will finish the course with a lot more to take away than only psychology facts. You’ll know how to apply these facts, relate ideas, and talk with others about any issue in a successful manner.  The seminars and Socratic dialogue are described in much more detail in the first days of class and, of course, will be fully understood by experiencing them.