This course examines how people perceive, categorize, and relate to one another in social contexts, with a focus on the dynamics of prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, altruism, and prosocial behavior. Students will explore the psychological processes of social categorization—how we divide the social world into “us” and “them”—and how these processes shape attitudes, emotions, and actions toward individuals and groups. Through contemporary theories, research, and case studies, the course highlights both the destructive consequences of bias and exclusion and the transformative potential of empathy, cooperation, and altruism. Attention will be given to the ways social psychology informs our understanding of intergroup relations, cultural diversity, and pathways toward more inclusive societies.<br>
Last update: Formánková Lenka, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (24.09.2025)
Aim of the course - Czech
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
Define social psychology and explain its application to prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, and prosocial behavior.
Analyze the processes of social categorization, in-group/out-group dynamics, and their influence on prejudice and altruism.
Apply theoretical models (e.g., attribution theory, cognitive dissonance, social identity theory) to predict and critique intergroup behavior.
Evaluate empirical findings on prejudice reduction and the promotion of cooperation, empathy, and helping behavior.
Reflect on how social psychology contributes to addressing contemporary social issues such as inequality, migration, and cultural conflict.
Last update: Formánková Lenka, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (18.09.2025)
Course completion requirements - Czech
Course Requirements
Active participation in 80% of classes
Seminar presentations on topics discussed in class
Individual written reflections
Final integrative project
Last update: Formánková Lenka, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (18.09.2025)
Literature - Czech
Heinzen, T., Goodfriend, W. (2021). Social Psychology, Ch1: “Introduction to Social Psychology”. London: SAGE. Hogg, M. A., & Graham, A. V. 2018. Social Psychology (8th Ed.). Pearson. Hofstede, G. (2011). Dimensionalizing Cultures: The Hofstede Model in Context. Online Readings in Psychology and Culture, 2(1). Available online: https://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/orpc/vol2/iss1/8/ Zebrowitz, L.A. (2017). First Impressions from Faces. Current Directions in Psychological Science 26: 237-242. Doliński, D., Grzyb, T., Folwarczny, M., Grzybała, P., Krzyszycha, K., Martynowska, K. and Trojanowski, J., 2017. Would you deliver an electric shock in 2015? Obedience in the experimental paradigm developed by Stanley Milgram in the 50 years following the original studies. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 8(8), pp.927-933. Murrar, S. and M. Brauer. 2018. Entertainment-education effectively reduces prejudice. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 21(7), pp.1053-1077. Tindale, R.S. and Kameda, T., 2017. Group decision-making from an evolutionary/adaptationist perspective. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 20(5), pp.669-680.
Last update: Formánková Lenka, Mgr. et Mgr., Ph.D. (18.09.2025)
