Course description
How does social psychological research contribute to our understanding of courtroom decisions, shopping habits, and guide effective leadership? What are the key ingredients of effective persuasion? This course centers on the powerful impact other people have on our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Students in this course gain familiarity with a breadth of scientific findings on influence such as framing, reciprocity, social proof, and commitment. In addition to developing a deeper understanding of the science of persuasion, students use this empirical basis to deliberate on how to leverage and resist social influences in their everyday lives. Lastly, in this intensive seminar course students practice their scholarly writing skills and submit a final paper as their final assessment.