PSY 4931 Social Psychology of HIV/AIDS

Spring, 2002

Tuesdays, 11:00, PCD 2118C

 

 

Professor: Dr. Finkelstein                        Graduate Assistant: DeeDee Falkenbach

Office: PCD 4119                        Phone: 495-8718

Phone: 974-0377                        e-mail: dfalkenb@luna.cas.usf.edu

 

 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course combines research and theory in social psychology with real-world applications.  Readings will explore a number of issues that social psychologists have studied over the years and the theories of human behavior that the research has produced.

 

Students will simultaneously volunteer at a local AIDS-service organization (the Tampa AIDS Network, or TAN, located near USF) to learn about the problems and issues confronting staff and clients as the agency delivers its services.  We will work to understand those challenges in the context of social psychology research and to use the research to develop possible solutions.

 

 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

1.  Students will learn about the problems and issues confronting both staff and clients in a comprehensive AIDS-service organization.

2.  Students will directly observe the operations of a local grassroots organization helping those infected and affected by HIV and AIDS.

3.  Students will become familiar with the social psychology literature, both generally and as it relates to issues of HIV and AIDS.

4.  Students will learn to link theory and practice as they frame the problems of the organization and seek solutions.

5.  Students will develop speaking and writing skills as they prepare class presentations and reports.

6.       The organization will benefit by receiving reports from students.

 

 

TEXT (recommended)

Social psychology text: Taylor, Peplau, & Sears, Social Psychology

 

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING        

1.       Class participation – 15%.  We will discuss assigned readings, listen to guest speakers, and share community experiences.  The class format will be informal, with lectures kept to a minimum.  Each week you should come prepared to discuss the class readings and update the class on your experiences at TAN. Your capacity to demonstrate critical thinking and active listening (attending to and building on what others have said) is important to this class and to your work in the community.

 

2.  Work at TAN – 25%.  By the end of the semester, you must have volunteered twenty hours at TAN.  You can create your own schedule for completing your volunteer hours (as long as it is approved by TAN staff), but it is crucial to adhere faithfully to whatever schedule you set. If you fail to show up for a scheduled appointment without contacting the appropriate staff, you will receive a "negative hours" penalty.

 

      Once you have your orientation at TAN (January 22), you are expected to spend at least two hours volunteering each week; you cannot skip weeks and then work extra hours to make up the time. 

 

3.  Theoretical analysis paper – 25%.  The purpose of the paper is to link theory and application and to discuss the problems experienced by staff and clients in terms of social psychology theory and research.  The paper should include four sections, each worth 25% of the paper grade:

-    A description of your experiences at TAN: the department in which you worked, your duties, interactions with staff and clients

-    A discussion of the problems and issues the staff and clients with whom you worked (or whom you observed) confront

-    A section that frames these problems and issues in terms of some research area in social psychology.  It need not be an area we discussed in class. In this section, you must discuss two articles relating to your social psychology topic.  The articles should be chosen from peer-reviewed psychology journals and should relate to basic theory and research in social psychology, not to HIV or AIDS. 

-    Possible solutions (if you see any) based on the research that TAN might use to solve to the problems.  Give your conclusions about how useful you believe theory and research to be in real-world situations.

-    Also include a bibliography of your references in APA format.  The following is a list of acceptable journals.  If you find articles in other journals, be sure to check with Dr. Finkelstein to determine whether they are appropriate:

              Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

              Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin

              Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

              Journal of Social Psychology

              Journal of Applied Social Psychology

              Basic and Applied Social Psychology

              Social Behavior and Personality

              Social Psychology Quarterly

 

The paper must be typed, and copies of the two articles must be handed in with the paper. The paper is due the last day of class; late papers will not be accepted.  I will be happy to read and comment on early versions of your papers.

 

 

4.  Volunteer journal – 15%.  Your journal will detail your community work as it occurs.  It should provide details about your activities as a volunteer at TAN, as well as documenting your thoughts on clients and staff and their problems, issues or stories.  Entries may be hand-written.  

 

 

5.  Class presentation  – 20%.  The presentation will be based on your journal and your theoretical analysis paper.