AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Module of Social Psychology: Fundamentals of Social Psychology

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide a theoretical and critical understanding of the foundations of the discipline (self and identity, attribution, social cognition, group processes, prejudice, aggression, prosocial behavior) and to deepen knowledge of the main methods and tools of the field through the analysis of classic studies in Social Psychology.

Through this course, students will enhance their critical thinking and analytical skills in examining current social phenomena such as stereotypes, social conformity, and discrimination against women. Additionally, particular attention will be given to the issue of gender-based violence from a psychosocial perspective.

TEACHING METHODS

The course will primarily consist of lectures. The main theories will be accompanied by the presentation of laboratory research and real-life examples.

During the lessons, active and critical participation by students will be encouraged. The course will also include contributions from professors from other universities who are experts in specific topics covered in the program.

Students with certified learning disabilities (DSA), disabilities, or other special educational needs are encouraged to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the objectives of the course, take individual learning modalities into account and provide appropriate compensatory tools.

Erasmus students are also encouraged to contact the lecturer at the beginning of the course to agree on teaching and examination methods that, while respecting the objectives of the course, take their specific academic pathways into consideration.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The origins, evolution, and fields of study of Social Psychology; Social cognition; Social influence; Attitudes; The self; Aggression; Prosocial behavior; Belonging and social exclusion; Prejudice.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Andrighetto, L., & Riva, P. (2020, a cura di). Psicologia Sociale: Fondamenti teorici ed empirici. Il Mulino: Bologna (excluding the third part)
• Slides and additional materials available on Aulaweb and/or distributed during lectures.

Further details regarding activities for attending students will be provided during lectures.

Non-native Italian-speaking students or those not familiar with Italian are encouraged to contact the lecturer before the start of the course to arrange exam materials in English.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

Exam Board

NADIA RANIA (President)

BIANCA TALLONE

ILARIA COPPOLA (President Substitute)

CHIARA PECINI (President Substitute)

ANNA ZUNINO (President Substitute)

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Lectures will begin on February 10 and conclude on April 14, 2026. 

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam will consist of a written test, including multiple-choice questions and open-ended short-answer questions.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The acquired knowledge will be assessed through a written test, consisting of multiple-choice questions and open-ended short-answer questions.

This test will be structured to evaluate the following learning outcomes achieved by the student:

• Communication skills: Students must acquire and demonstrate the ability to use the technical language of Social Psychology.
• Judgment autonomy: Students must be able to apply the acquired knowledge both conceptually and operationally, showing independent evaluation skills and abilities in various applied contexts.
• Learning skills: Students must develop adequate learning abilities to independently deepen their understanding of key topics in Social Psychology, particularly in the professional contexts they will operate in.

Exam schedule

FURTHER INFORMATION

It will be possible to retake the exam starting from the next session following the one that was not passed.