SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Center for Modern Architecture Studies in Southeast Asia

Foundation in Natural and Built Environments
Subject Name: Social Psychology (PSYC0103)
Credit hours: 3
Prerequisite: None
L e c t u r e r : Mr. T.Shankar
Module Synopsis
The module provides a broad introduction to the field of social psychology. It examines the processes that
underlie social behaviour and discusses solutions and approaches to a variety of problems and issues. As
the human family stands on the brink of a new beginning, the condition of our present lives suggests that we
should address issues that have confronted mankind in the previous millennium. It should also equip
students with the necessary knowledge and skills to address contemporary issues, thus enabling them to
focus attention on the future without losing sight of the present. The module begins at the micro level and
moves through human interaction to the macro level. The underlying premise is that the individual needs to
empower him/herself first before he/she interacts effectively with others. As such, students are introduced to
their self, the processing of social information processing and attitudes is explored within the specific
framework of prejudice and stereotypes. From this focus on their self, the module moves into the realm of
interpersonal relations, beginning with attraction and altruism and then on to the darker side to explore
aggression. It also addresses the arena of social interactions by examining group behaviour and the
influence within social settings. The journey ends by examining how social behaviour is affected by the
culture in which it takes place. Indeed, the end of the course heralds the beginning of a richer and fuller life
for many of us.
Module Teaching Objectives
Provide a clear, informative, challenging, exciting and personal introduction to Social Psychology.
Enable students to gain an increased awareness and sharpened sensitivity to human behaviour to
enable them to relate meaningfully with others.
Enable students become aware that human thoughts, feelings and actions do not originate solely within
ourselves but also the products of social situations.
Gain a new vision of the human experience and emerge as active and critical participants in an everchanging world.
Modes of Delivery
This is a 3 credit hour module conducted over a period of 18 weeks. The modes of delivery will be in the form
or lectures. The breakdown of the contact hours for the module is as follows:
Lecture:
3 hours/week
Tutorial:
0 hour/week
Self-Study:
2
hours/week
Office Hours

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You are encouraged to visit the instructor/lecturer/tutor concerned for assistance during office hours. If the office
hours do not meet your schedule, notify the instructor and set appointment times as needed.

Taylors Graduate Capabilities(TGC)

The teaching and learning approach at Taylors University is focused on developing the Taylors Graduate
Capabilities in its students; capabilities that encompass the knowledge, cognitive capabilities and soft skills of our
graduates.
TGCs Acquired
Discipline Specific Knowledge
Through Module
Learning Outcomes
1.0

Discipline Specific Knowledge

1.1

Solid foundational knowledge in relevant subjects

1.2

Understand ethical issues in the context of the field of study

1-3

Cognitive Capabilities
2.0

Lifelong Learning

2.1

Locate and extract information effectively

2.2

Relate learned knowledge to everyday life

3.0

Thinking and Problem Solving Skills

3.1
3.2

Learn to think critically and creatively

Define and analyse problems to arrive at effective solutions

1,2
3

Soft Skills
4.0
4.1
5.0
5.1
6.0

Communication Skills
Communicate appropriately in various setting and modes

1,3

Interpersonal Skills
Understand team dynamics and work with others in a team
Intrapersonal Skills

6.1

Manage one self and be self-reliant

6.2

Reflect on ones actions and learning.

6.3

Embody Taylor's core values.

7.0

Citizenship and Global Perspectives

7.1

Be aware and form opinions from diverse perspectives.

7.2

Understand the value of civic responsibility and community engagement.

8.0
8.1

Digital Literacy
Effective use of information and communication (ICT) and related
technologies.

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General Rules and Regulations (Refer to programme guide and student handbook 2012)
Late Submission Penalty
The School imposes a late submission penalty for work submitted late without a valid reason e.g. a medical
certificate. Any work submitted after the deadline (which may have been extended) shall have the
percentage grade assigned to the work on face value reduced by 10% for the first day and 5% for each
subsequent day late. A weekend counts as 1 day.
Individual members of staff shall be permitted to grant extensions for assessed work that they have set if they
are satisfied that a student has given good reasons.
The Board of Examiners may overrule any penalty imposed and allow the actual mark achieved to be used if
the late submission was for a good reason.
Absenteeism at intermediate or final presentations will result in zero mark for that presentation.
Attendance and Participation
Attendance is compulsory. Any student who arrives late after the first half-hour of class will be considered as
absent. A minimum of 80% attendance is required to pass this module and/or be eligible for the final
examination. You are expected to attend and participate actively in class. The lectures and tutorials will
assist you in expanding your ideas and your research progression.
Your work will be graded based on your performance throughout the semester. Your class participation is as
important as the end product.
It is compulsory for the student to attempt and submit all assessment components including Portfolio.
Failing to do so will result in failing the module irrespective of the marks earned.
It is also compulsory for the student to submit the final group assignment. Groups who do not submit final
group assignments will result in failing the module even though the student has achieved more than 50% in
the overall assessment.
Plagiarism (TU Student Handbook 2011)
Plagiarism, which is an attempt to present another persons work as your own by not acknowledging the
source, is a serious case of misconduct which is deemed unacceptable by the University. "Work" includes
written materials such as books, journals and magazine articles or other papers and also includes films and
computer programs. The two most common types of plagiarism are from published materials and other
students works
a. Published Materials
In general, whenever anything from someone elses work is used, whether it is an idea, an opinion or the
results of a study or review, a standard system of referencing should be used. Examples of plagiarism may
include a sentence or two, or a table or a diagram from a book or an article used without acknowledgement.
Serious cases of plagiarism can be seen in cases where the entire paper presented by the student is copied
from another book, with an addition of only a sentence or two by the student. While the former can be
treated as a simple failure to cite references, the latter is likely to be viewed as cheating in an examination.
Though most assignments require the need for reference to other peoples works, in order to avoid
plagiarism, students should keep a detailed record of the sources of ideas and findings and ensure that
these sources are clearly quoted in their assignment. Note that plagiarism refers to materials obtained from the
Internet too.
b. Other Students Work
Circulating relevant articles and discussing ideas before writing an assignment is a common practice.
However, with the exception of group assignments, students should write their own papers. Plagiarising the
work of other students into assignments includes using identical or very similar sentences, paragraphs or
sections. When two students submit papers which are very similar in tone and content, both are likely to be
penalised.
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Student-Centered Learning Approach

This module uses the Student-centered Learning (SCL) approach. Utilization of this method embodies most
of the principles known to improve learning and to encourage students participation. SCL requires students to
be active, RESPONSIBLE participants in their own learning and the teachers are to facilitate the students
learning process. Various teaching and learning strategies such as experiential learning, problem-based
learning, site visits, group discussions, presentations, working in group and etc. will be employed to facilitate
the learning process for this module.
In SCL students are to be:
active in their own learning
self-directed to be responsible to enhance their learning abilities
able to cultivate skills that are useful in todays workplace
active knowledge seekers
active players in a teamwork
TIMeS
TIMeS will be used as a communication tool and information portal for students to access module materials,
project briefs, assignments and announcements.
Contact
Lecturer: Mr. T. Shankar

Email shankar@themindfaculty.com

Office Hours
Students are encouraged to visit the lecturer concerned for assistance. Please email the lecturer to
schedule an appointment.
Types of Assessment and Feedback
Each student will be graded in the form of formative and summative assessments that will be provided in class
sessions. Formative assessments will guide the student in the assignments. This form of assessment will be
conducted through discussions in tutorial sessions. Summative assessment will inform the student about the
level of understanding and performance capabilities achieved at the end of each assessment. Portfolio is used
as a reflection of the acquisition of learning outcomes.

Assessment Plan
Type

Learning outcomes

Submission

Marks

Assignment 1: Journal

Individual

1-3

Week 4 and Week 12

20%

Assignment 2: Comic
Strip

Group

1-3

Week 5

10%

Project:
Report + Group
Presentation
Test 1 & 2

Group

2,3,4

Week 16 (report) and

Week 17/18 (presentation)

40%

Individual

1, 4

Week 5 and Week 10

20%

E-Portfolio

Individual

Week 18

10%

Total

100%

Coursework
This module will be graded in the form of coursework and one mid-term test. It consists of 3 projects, a
presentation, in class assignment and a test.
Assignment 1: Journal (20%)
The first assignment requires student to write a journal by incorporating the concepts learned in lectures. The
journal is designed to assess students ability in applying theories and concepts to their personal lives and
that of others.
Assignment 2: Comic Strip (10%)
The second project requires student to draw a comic. On the day of submission, there will be an oral examination
whereby you will need to briefly explain your mind map/comic and I will ask you questions on the chapter
Project: Video Clip, Report, Presentation. (40%)
The third project consisted of 3 components which include making up a video clip by incorporating the
concepts learned in class, written report of the clip and presenting the clip to the class. This project allows
students to recognize and identify the connections among concepts and perspectives within psychology and
with other disciplines. This project allows students to engage in psychological inquiry and become selfregulated learners.
Test (20%)
The test is designed to assess the ability of the students in defining and explain psychological content such
as concepts, facts, terms, and theories and remember them. The format of the assessment will be multiple
choice questions.
Taylors Graduates Capability Portfolio (10%)
The portfolio is an edited document to include all the work produced in this module Students will compile
their assignments and selected work digitally with a reflection on what they have learned from each
assignment this semester. The portfolio is used to as a record of students progress and reflections of the
acquisition of Learning Outcomes.
Please refer to the assignment briefs for more information.

Student Input
Student participation is encouraged through various means. In this module, students have the opportunity to
participate in the following ways:

Students ideas and questions are welcomed, valued and

encouraged.

Student input is sought to understand their perspectives, ideas and needs in planning module
revision.
Students are offered opportunities to give feedback with the assurance that issues will be addressed in
response to that feedback.

Student evaluation allows their views and experiences about the sessions are actively sought and
used
as an integral part of improvement in teaching and continuous improvement.
Marks and Grading Table

Assessments and grades will be returned within 2 weeks of your submission. You will be given
the grades and necessary feedback for each submission. The grading system is shown below:
Grade

Marks

Grade
Points

Definition

Description

80 100

4.00

Excellent

Evidence of original thinking; demonstrated outstanding

capacity to analyze and synthesize; outstanding grasp of
module matter; evidence of extensive knowledge base

A-

75 79

3.67

Very Good

Evidence of good grasp of module matter; critical capacity

and analytical ability; understanding of relevant issues;
evidence of familiarity with the literature

B+

70 74

3.33

65 69

3.00

Good

Evidence of grasp of module matter; critical capacity and

analytical ability, reasonable understanding of relevant
issues; evidence of familiarity with the literature

B-

60 64

2.67

C+

55 59

2.33

Pass

50 54

2.00

Evidence of some understanding of the module matter;

ability to develop solutions to simple problems; benefitting
from his/her university experience

D+

47 49

1.67

44 46

1.33

Marginal
Pass

Evidence of minimally acceptable familiarity with module

matter, critical and analytical skills

D-

40 43

1.00

0 39

0.00

Fail

Insufficient evidence of understanding of the module matter;

weakness in critical and analytical skills; limited or irrelevant
use of the literature

WD

Withdrawn

Withdrawn from a module before census date, typically mid

semester

F(W)

0.00

Fail

IN

Incomplete

Pass

Given for satisfactory completion of practicum

AU

Audit

Given for a module where attendance is for information only

without earning academic credit

Withdrawn after census date, typically mid semester

An interim notation given for a module where a student has
not completed certain requirements with valid reason or it is
not possible to finalise the grade by the published deadline