Sociology 727
Group Behavior: Group Processes and Intergroup Relations
University of Nevada, Reno
Fall 2001
Instructor: Markus Kemmelmeier, Ph.D.
Office: 304 Mack Social Sciences
Phone: 784-1287
Email: markusk@unr.edu
Times: Tuesdays 2:30 – 5:15
Location: College of Education 3005
Office hours: Thursdays 11 AM –1 PM and by appointment
Course description
This course provides an overview of the extant literature on group processes and intergroup relations. It surveys a broad range of topics, including group productivity, conformity, influence, social power, leadership, decision making, cooperation, various approaches to intergroup biases and prejudice. The course is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing mainly on research in psychology, sociology and organizational behavior.
This course has two main objectives. The first is to provide an in-depth examination of important theories and findings pertaining to each research area. The second goal is to develop an appreciation for some of the methodological approaches used in empirical investigations in these areas. To accomplish these goals, the typical reading assignment for each week consists of four papers. At least one of the papers is a chapter or review paper that surveys relevant literature or present a theory on the topic in question. The other papers are primarily original research studies published in peer-reviewed journals.
This course will follow a seminar format. Typically, during the first 20 minutes of class, the instructor will provides some historical context of the readings for the day. The remainder of class will be open for discussion, and, occasionally, in-class activities. Your active participant is essential to the quality of the course.
Reaction papers. Every participant is required to write weekly reaction papers. The reaction papers should provide a thoughtful elaboration of your ideas, questions, doubts, or concerns concerning the readings. You are free to write about anything you wish, as long as you integrate at least three of the readings. Further, it is critical that you argue clearly, support your statements, and present justifications, e.g., for suggested extensions of the present research. The reaction papers should be around one page (single-spaced), with a two-page limit, and should be turned in no later than 4 PM on Monday, preferably via email. Although the receipt of reaction papers will be registered, the content will not be graded as such as long as it shows reasonable effort.
Research proposals. Over the course of the semester, every participant is required to write two research proposals. The first research proposal should focus on the study of intragroup processes, whereas the second proposal should focus on intergroup processes. You are free to pick any topic of interest to you, as long as you can argue convincingly how it fits the general topic of intragroup or intergroup processes. You are required to provide the instructor with a brief statement of what you are planning on writing about at least one week before the final proposal deadline (earlier submissions are strongly encouraged). Alternatively, you have the option of submitting a first draft of your proposal, on which you will receive feedback. In any case, you are encouraged to meet with the instructor to discuss your topic of interest and strategies of implementing your research question.
The format of a proposal should resemble the introduction and methods section of an article in the empirical social sciences. There are no length requirements; yet the assumption is that proposals are usually no shorter than 8 and no longer than 20 pages (double-spaced). Use APA style (5th ed.) or ASA style (4th ed.)! (See www.apastyle.org/fifthchanges.html for recent changes in APA style.)
The research proposals will be graded based on quality of review of relevant literature, quality of your own analysis and integration of that literature, originality/creativity and quality of writing. (The first two criteria take priority over the second two criteria).
|
In-class participation |
15% |
|
Weekly reaction papers |
15% |
|
Research proposal #1 |
35% |
|
Research proposal #2 |
35% |
|
Total |
100% |