Course coordinator
Dr Hema Preya Selvanathan
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Psychology School
This course provides in-depth training in specific areas of social psychology. The course is intended to build on PSYC2040 (Social and Organisational Psychology) by exploring content from that course in greater detail (eg stereotyping and prejudice) and also by addressing new topic areas in social psychology not covered in that course (eg collective action, war and conflict). These topics will be discussed in reference to theory and research, as well as with an eye to the applied implications for promoting positive change and addressing ongoing social issues in the real-world.
Why do people hold stereotypes and prejudice towards other groups? How is social inequality sustained? What explains genocide and violence?ﾠWhen do people come together to fight for social change? This lecture is an introduction to social psychological theories on group processes and intergroup relations to address these and other related questions. The course will provide a broad overview of the basic social psychological processes that apply to various past and present social issues from climate change and racism to war and social movements. We will study these phenomena through the lens of different conflicts and contexts in Australia and around the world.
Before signing up for this course, there are two things to note:
1) Lecture and tutorial attendance is expected. Please do not rely on lecture recordings to learn the content of this course. Note that students are encouraged to participate in lecture and tutorial activities each week. If there is a timetable clash that prevents you from regularly attending lectures and/or tutorials, I recommend selecting a different elective.
2) Some of the material we will cover is pretty dark.ﾠIt is difficult to talk about issues such as the psychology of prejudice and war without touching on some confronting material, including references to atrocities. I will give people warning if there are any images or videos in class that could be distressing. Such content will not go beyond anythingﾠyou might see on the news, in mainstream documentaries,ﾠor on social media.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
This course is designed to provide an advanced level insight into group processes and intergroup relations. The course content will build on core knowledge ofﾠsocial psychological theories and concepts. As such, PSYC2040 is a recommended pre-requisite.ﾠ
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PSYC2040
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
PSYC3112
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Hema Preya Selvanathan
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The general aim of this course is to build on and expand students' knowledge of social psychology by introducing new topics and research areas not covered in previous years.
In addition, the course aims toﾠintroduce students to current controversies and debates about social psychological methods and theory andﾠhelp students develop an independent and critical attitude toward social psychological research and theory.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
To provide a solid understanding of basic concepts and theories in the social psychology of group processes and intergroup relations.
LO2.
To extract key points and convey complex theoretical knowledge in concise and simple terms
LO3.
To evaluate and apply concepts and theories of group processes and intergroup relations to ongoing social issues and phenomena
LO4.
To provide an original analysis that integrates theoretical knowledge with information from popular media about current events
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Weekly activities
|
10% |
Week 1 Tue - Week 13 Fri
Due at 4:00PM on Fridays each week. |
| Essay/ Critique | Essay | 20% |
14/04/2025 2:00 pm |
| Project | UnEssay | 20% |
26/05/2025 2:00 pm |
| Examination |
Exam
|
50% |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Weekly activities
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 10%
- Due date
Week 1 Tue - Week 13 Fri
Due at 4:00PM on Fridays each week.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
- Class activities are completed each week throughout the semester to engage students with course content.
- Class activities are completed on Blackboard and involve answering a short-answer question.
- The questions usually involve self-reflection and sharing personal opinions or experiences related to course content.
- There will be a total of 12 such activities, from Week 1 to Week 13.
- Each activity is worth 1%. You only need to participate in 10 to earn full marks (10%).
- If you completed all 12 activities, well done! Your highest marks from 10 activities will be tallied for the total mark.
- There is no alternative assessment. If you miss one activity, simply complete the next one!
Submission guidelines
The class activities are to be completed on Blackboard each week. Since there are 12 activities and only 10 will be counted towards the final grade, there are no alternative assessments, extensions, or late submissions allowed.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Essay
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
14/04/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
- This assignment involves writing an essay that applies a theory or concept covered in lecture to an ongoing real-world issue or problem.
- The essay should be between 900 to 1,000 words, excluding the title page and reference list.
- Students should develop an original essay idea that is discussed with your tutor ahead of time.
- All arguments should be well-substantiated and logically developed.
- The essay should feature at least 3 peer-reviewed journal articles.
- The essay should be formatted according to APA 7th Edition.
Submission guidelines
This assessment should be submitted online using Turnitin. Electronic checks will be conducted to identify instances of plagiarism and collusion. Always keep a copy of any assignment that you submit for marking. Note: You will no longer receive an automatic submission receipt from Turnitin confirming your assignment has been received. You should download a copy of the digital receipt from the Assignment Dashboard and keep this as a record.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
UnEssay
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
26/05/2025 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04
Task description
- This assignment involves developing a creative way to reflect on and/communicate course content about a concept or idea from lecture.
- You can use whatever medium or format you want, except for a standard essay (hence, the assignment is called "unessay"!)
- For example, you might record a podcast, conduct an interview, create a photo exhibit, write an opinion piece or a policy brief with recommendations, record a TikTok, write a poem, perform a spoken word piece, record an oral history with a family member, create a Spotify playlist, create a YouTube video or animation illustrating a concept, create a Wiki page, draw or paint a piece, create a zine... or anything else you come up with!
- You will include a brief written explanation about your final product, similar to how there is often a text accompanying an exhibit gallery or when artists are interviewed about their work.
- Think of this assignment as a way to share information you learned in this course that you find important and meaningful. You are producing something you can use to teach others and raise awareness about something you learned.
- The final product should be accessible and easily understood by people without a psychology background. It should not contain too much jargon but instead unpack academic concepts.
- The ideas should not just be loosely based on topics we cover in lecture, but it should explicitly use and/or apply a theory or concept.
Submission guidelines
This assessment should be submitted online using Turnitin. Electronic checks will be conducted to identify instances of plagiarism and collusion. Always keep a copy of any assignment that you submit for marking. Note: You will no longer receive an automatic submission receipt from Turnitin confirming your assignment has been received. You should download a copy of the digital receipt from the Assignment Dashboard and keep this as a record.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
For full details please review the School of Psychology Student Guidelines - Extensions and Deferred quiz/exam
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
- The exam will be scheduled by the Central Examinations unit which will cover content from Weeks 1-13.
- Students must sit the exam in order to pass the course.
- The exam will consist of 100 multiple choice questions over a period of 120 minutes.
- Students should be prepared to show their student ID in order to sit the exam.
- The exam will be held in person during the University Exam Period.
Hurdle requirements
Attempt must be made to pass this courseExam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24.99 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 46.99 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84.99 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
The End of Semester Examﾠmust be attempted to pass this course.ﾠ
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Turnitin, Blackboard and other submission issues
It is possible but unlikely that there will be a problem with using Turnitin/Blackboard to submit your assignment.ﾠIf you are unable to submit your assignment using Turnitin/Blackboard, email your assignment to the course coordinator with your name, student number, and a brief description of the problem. Include any relevant screenshots. The submission date and time of your assignment will be recorded as the date and time that it arrives in the course coordinator's email inbox.
Requesting re-marks
The School of Psychology policy on re-marks applies to PSYC3032. That is, if students feel the mark for an assignment is not appropriate, they should first speak to the marker (your tutor) to gain a better understanding of the mark. If the student still feels the mark is inappropriate after consulting with the marker, the student should request a re-mark in writing (see https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/querying-result for more information). Please note the deadlines for applying for remarks. The re-mark constitutes the final mark. Keep in mind that a re-mark has one of three possible outcomes: (1) the mark may stay the same; (2) the mark may be decreased; or (3) the mark may be increased.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Students are expected to attend all of the lectures and tutorials in this course. Students are expected to conduct their own research (by reading relevant research articles) for the Essay assignment.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Introduction Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Overview Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Social Cure & Social Curse Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Developing Essay Topic Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Stereotyping Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Literature Review Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Prejudice & Discrimination Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Tutorial |
Analysing Social Problems Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Power & Social Inequalities Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Tutorial |
Essay Writing Workshop Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Diversity & Differences Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Maintenance of the Status Quo Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Violent Extremism, War & Conflict Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Group History & Collective Memory Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Designing the UnEssay Project Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Tutorial |
Science Communication Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Collective Action & Social Change Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Tutorial |
UnEssay Workshop Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Peace & Reconciliation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Tutorial |
Career Pathways & UnEssay Consultation Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Lecture |
Revision and Exam Consultation Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
UnEssay Project Exhibition Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: