Essential MOOC Courses In Business

Social Psychology

School: Wesleyan University

Platform: Coursera

Link: Social Psychology

Start Date: July 14, 2015 (7 Weeks)

Workload: 4-8 Hours Per Week

Scott Plous

Instructor: Scott Plous

Credentials: A highly-awarded professor, Plous teaches social psychology courses at Wesleyan University, where his teaching and research focus on how perception influences perception, decision-making, and relationships. Named the “Connecticut Professor of the Year” by the Carnegie Foundation, Plous has also been awarded the William James Book Award for his book, The Psychology of Judgment and Decision Making. He is also the Executive Director of the Social Psychology Network, the largest online resource for social psychology and a platform for social justice and sustainable living. He earned his Ph.D. in psychology from Stanford University.

Graded: Students will earn a signed Certificate of Accomplishment for completing the course.

Description: Ranked among Coursera’s largest and most popular classes, Social Psychology encourages students to probe their unexamined perceptions and motives. Designed to raise as many questions as answers, Plous’ course covers topics like “decision making, persuasion, group behavior, personal attraction, and factors that promote health and well-being.” It also examines specific issues like identifying prejudices, managing conflict, and determining what constitutes a happy life. The content will be taught through 10-20 minute lecture videos, textbook chapters and articles, and a final exam.

Review: “This is my first formal course in psychology and I enjoyed it thoroughly. Prof. Scott Plous takes a lot of effort to make the subject matter interesting and interactive by including guest videos, quizzes, google hangouts with well-known psychologists (the chosen few got the chance, but the google hangout session was taped and uploaded for the entire class) and online discussion with fellow-students. I found the readings (made available at no cost) very helpful in order to understand and appreciate the finer points. I didn’t find the assignments out of place, as others here have said. They make one think and reflect about the topics discussed in class. All in all an excellent course.” For additional reviews, click here.

Additional Notes: The course will include chapters from David G. Myers’ Social Psychology (11th Edition) and Exploring Social Psychology (6th Edition), along with technical journal articles. These readings will be available at no charge to students. Students will also enjoy a one week break from August 4-10 to help them catch up on videos and assignments.