PSYM4115 – Current Topics in Social Psychology
Course description
Course content
This course explores cutting-edge developments in social psychology through the lens of Relational Models Theory and Cultural Evolution Theory. We will examine how these frameworks help explain some of the most pressing social challenges of our time, including the loneliness epidemic, authoritarian backlash, dehumanization and war rhetoric, and the dynamics of collective action. Students will engage critically with recent empirical and theoretical research, integrating psychological, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives to understand how social structures and moral norms shape—and are shaped by—human relationships and collective behavior. Classroom activities will include debates, role play, case presentations, video analyses, and the design of original research studies, fostering both analytical insight and practical application of theory.
Learning outcome
Knowledge
You will be able to:
- Give an overview of most recent developments in social psychology
- Explain a few new theories in depth
- Connect recently developed theories and methods to their historical roots
- Apply criteria to evaluate new theories and methods
Skills
The course advances the acquisition of skills regarding social-psychological theories and methods. After completing this course, students know how to:
- Critically compare different theories and methods and find commonalities and differences.
- Distinguish similar theoretical constructs from each other
- Lead theoretical and methodological discussions
- Evaluate new theories and methods
- Develop outlines of a new theoretical approach
- Write on current topics in social psychology for the public
General competence
In terms of general competence, students can:
- Deal with larger bodies of scientific texts about the same topic
- Evaluate theory and research
- Delineate the ethical problems connected to new methods
- Outline new theoretical proposals
- Present theories and methods in social psychology
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
This course is only offered to students from the GlobalMinds-Erasmus Joint Degree Master's Programme in the Psychology of Global Mobility, Inclusion and Diversity in Society.?
Formal prerequisite knowledge
This course builds on prior knowledge. Students must have a course in introductory social psychology equivalent to PSY1101 – Innf?ring i sosial - og personlighetspsykologi (discontinued). Course PSY4111 – Applied Social Psychology is recommended but not mandatory.
Overlapping courses
- 5 credits overlap with PSY4115 – Current Topics in Social Psychology.
Teaching
The teaching will be given through lectures and seminars. The teaching will be in English. All classes are compulsory. We expect you to participate actively in various classroom assignments, either alone or in small groups.
Compulsory tuition activities
- Attendance must be at least 80%.
Compulsory tuition activities are valid for the 2 next semesters after approval date.
Absence from compulsory tuition activities
If you are ill or have another valid reason for being absent from compulsory tuition activities, your absence may be approved or the compulsory activity may be postponed.
Examination
The exam is an individual written assignment that is to be submitted by the end of the course. The assignment may vary from semester to semester.
Examination support material
All support material is allowed. When using AI, you must explain and be transparent about its use: read more about the guidelines for AI and exams at?How to use AI as a student - University of Oslo
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
Resit an examination
If you are sick or have another valid reason for not attending the regular exam, we offer a postponed exam.
See also our information about resitting an exam.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.