Stony Brook University

Psychology of Prejudice (PSY 341)

Course Meeting Time: Tuesday/Thursday 2:30 - 3:50 pm, Location: Frey Hall 100

Course Instructor
Dr. Jamie Macdonald
Office Location: Psychology B, Room 237
Office Hours: Tuesdays 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Thursdays 12:00 -1:00 pm, and by appointment
Email: Jamie.macdonald@stonybrook.edu

Graduate Teaching Assistants

Chelsie Burchett
Office Location: Psychology B, 251
Office Hours: Mondays 2:30-3:30 pm, Tuesdays 4:00-5:00 pm
Email: Chelsie.burchett@stonybrook.edu
Rebecca Weber
Office Location: Psychology B, 259
Office Hours: Wednesdays 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Thursdays 1:15-2:15 pm
Email: Rebecca.weber@stonybrook.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course will provide an overview of theoretical perspectives, research methods, empirical findings,
and practical applications of psychological research on prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. We
will examine in depth, several issues that are central to research in this area. The topics include, but are
not limited to: the development of prejudice among children, the role of cognitive, social, personality, and
motivational factors in maintaining prejudice and stigma, the psychological consequences of prejudice
and stigma, and strategies for reducing prejudice, discrimination, and intergroup conflict. Critical thinking
about research and application in this area will be emphasized during lectures, class assignments and class
discussions. During class, we will cover topics from the assigned readings in greater depth, as well as
material not found in the assigned readings. Students are strongly encouraged to attend all classes. The
content of the exams will come from a combination of the lecture notes, course textbook readings,
supplemental readings, and films. Information for the supplemental readings will be posted to blackboard.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK:
Kite, M.E., & Whitley, B.E., Jr. (2016). The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination (3rdth edition).
New York, NY: Routledge.

CODE OF CONDUCT:
Stony Brook University expects students to maintain standards of personal integrity that are in harmony
with the educational goals of the institution; to observe national, state, and local laws and University
regulations; and to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to
report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach,
compromises the safety of the learning environment, and/or inhibits students’ ability to learn.
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STUDENT ACCESSIBILITY SUPPORT CENTER STATEMENT

If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work,
please contact Student Accessibility Support Center, ECC (Educational Communications Center)
Building, Room 128, (631)632-6748. They will determine with you what accommodations, if any, are
necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential.

Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with
their professors and Student Accessibility Support Center. For procedures and information go to the
following website: http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/fire/disabilities.

BLACKBOARD
You can access class information at: https://blackboard.stonybrook.edu/ Course announcements,
assignments, exam information, etc. will be posted on Blackboard. Check Blackboard regularly for
course updates and information. If you have difficulty logging in, please see a TA or contact the
computer support services.

GRADING
Your final course grade will be calculated based on your scores on two of the three midterm quizzes
(50%), the mandatory cumulative final exam (30%), points earned for writing assignments (15%), and
points earned for class activities (5%).

I. QUIZZES AND EXAMS: 80% OF FINAL GRADE

We will have three (3), in-class quizzes during the semester. Only TWO quiz grades will count toward
your final course grade. They will test your knowledge and understanding of topics within the
corresponding section of the course.
- If you take all three quizzes, the scores for your two (2) highest quiz grades will count toward
your final course grade (the third quiz grade will be dropped).
- If you take only two quizzes, the scores on the two quizzes you take will count toward your final
course grade.
- Given that students can miss one quiz without penalty, make-up quizzes are generally not given,
except for under very limited circumstances and students are required to provide documentation
for the absence.

Attendance at the Final Exam is Mandatory! The final exam will be cumulative. You will be
tested on all of the material covered throughout the entire semester. The cumulative final exam will be
given on the exam day determined by the registrar (Tuesday, Dec 17th 11:15 am). The final exam will be
worth 30% of your total final grade. NO MAKE-UP EXAMS ARE GIVEN FOR THE FINAL
EXAM! THE FINAL EXAM IS MANDATORY AND THAT SCORE CANNOT BE DROPPED

50%: Midterm Quizzes (your best 2 quiz grades; 25% each)

30%: Final Exam

Format: Quizzes and the final exam are multiple choice.

Quiz/Exam days:
All students are required to stay in the exam room for at least 20 minutes after the start of the exam.
Students who arrive later than 20 minutes after the start of the exam will not be admitted into the exam
room.
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II. Writing Assignments: 15% OF FINAL GRADE

You will be required to complete 2 short writing assignments. These writing assignments are intended to
foster critical thinking and application of the concepts and topics we’ll discuss this semester. Full
descriptions and guidelines for the writing assignments will be posted to blackboard. Assignments should
be submitted to blackboard (we will not accept hard copies, assignments via e-mail etc.). All writing
assignments are due at 11:59 pm on the date listed below. Assignments uploaded to Blackboard after
11:59 p.m. on the due date, but within 24 hours of the due date/time will be penalized ¼ of the total point
value of the assignment. For each subsequent day late, additional penalties will be assessed.

1) Writing Assignment #1: Diversity in the Media

Due date: October 10th

2) Writing Assignment #2: Ted Talk

Due date: November 21st

III. Class Activities: 5% OF FINAL GRADE

Attendance at every class session is expected and will factor into your final course grade. In order to
promote consistent attendance, participation, and active learning, unannounced in-class activities will be
conducted periodically throughout the semester. The activities will relate to the course material being
discussed, and written responses to the activities will be collected during the class session. You will
receive 1 point for submitting the activities. There will be 6 class activities throughout the semester to
allow for students to miss 1 class activity without losing points. Please note, if you miss class on the day
of an in-class activity, you cannot make it up and will lose those points toward your final course grade,
unless you can provide documentation for the absence (student athletes, illness, family emergency,
religious holidays etc.)

Your final grade will be based on the following grading scale.

Letter Grade = Score Letter Grade = Score

A = 93-100 C = 73-76.999
A- = 90-92.999 C- = 70-72.999
B+ = 87-89.999 D+ = 67-69.999
B = 83-86.999 D = 60-66.999
B- = 80-82.999 F = < 60
C+ = 77-79.999

PLEASE NOTE: To be fair to everyone, we need to use these exact cutoffs. Under no circumstances
can we change the grade of any one particular student. There is no “curve.” The above is the
grading scale used in this course.
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SCHEDULE
NOTE: All readings are due on the day they are listed in the schedule. I reserve the right to make
changes to the schedule – all changes will be announced on Blackboard and in class.

DATE TOPIC Readings

Aug 27th Introduction to Course

Aug 29th Introduction to Prejudice/Discrimination Read Chapter 1

Sep 3rd Research Methods Read Chapter 2

Sep 5th Research Methods Read Chapter 2

Sep 10th Social Categorization and Stereotypes Read Chapter 3

Sep 12th Old Fashioned Prejudice/Racism Read Chapter 5

Sep 17th Old Fashioned Prejudice/Racism Read Chapter 5

Sep 19th Individual Differences in Prejudice Read Chapter 6

Sep 24th In-Class Review session

Sep 26th QUIZ #1

Oct 1st The Social Context of Prejudice Read Chapter 8

Oct 3rd Development of Prejudice in Children Read Chapter 7

Oct 8th Gender/Sexism Read Chapter 11

Read Chapter 11;
Oct 10th Gender/ Sexism
Writing Assignment #1 due
Oct 15th FALL BREAK NO CLASSES

Oct 17th Sexual Prejudice Read Chapter 11

Oct 22th Sexual Prejudice Read Chapter 11

Oct 24th Ageism Read Chapter 12

Oct 29th Ageism Read Chapter 12

Oct 31st QUIZ #2

Nov 5th Ability/Appearance/Stigma Read Chapter 12

Nov 7th From Prejudice to Discrimination Read Chapter 9

Nov 12th From Prejudice to Discrimination Read Chapter 9

Nov 14th Experiencing Discrimination Read Chapter 10

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Nov 19th Experiencing Discrimination Read Chapter 10

Read Chapter 13
Nov 21st Reducing Prejudice & Discrimination
Writing Assignment #2 due
Nov 26th Reducing Prejudice & Discrimination Read Chapter 13

Nov 28th THANKSGIVING BREAK NO CLASSES

Dec 3rd QUIZ #3

Dec 5th In-Class Final Exam Review Session

Cumulative Final
Tues. Dec
17th FINAL EXAM Begins promptly at 11:15 am
NO MAKE-UP EXAMS!

POLICIES

PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. University statement on Plagiarism: Plagiarism,

intentional or unintentional, is considered academic dishonesty and all instances will be reported to the
Academic Judiciary. To avoid plagiarism, you must give the original author credit whenever you use
another person’s ideas, opinions, drawings, or theories as well as any facts or any other pieces of
information that are not common knowledge. Additionally quotations of another person’s actual spoken
or written words; or a close paraphrasing of another person’s spoken or written words must also be
referenced. Accurately citing all sources and putting direct quotations – of even a few key words – in
quotation marks are required. Please visit: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml for
exercises and descriptions of how to avoid plagiarism in your writing. We will review all assignments
and writing submissions for Plagiarism though Safe Assign on Blackboard. Any violations will be
reported to the University Ethics Board for review.

POLICY ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES, NOTES AND COURSE RECORDINGS

o In accordance with University guidelines, students are required to secure and turn off all
electronic communication and entertainment devices during class.
o Students may NOT record the class period in any way (no audio recordings of the lecture,
no video recordings of the lecture or lecture slides, no pictures of the lecture slides) at any
time!
o Students who attend the entire class session and take notes, but need clarification of notes can
attend graduate TA office hours for assistance.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Excused absences may be granted under very limited conditions. Students who need to miss
class due to religious holidays or observances or due to participation in University Sponsored
events (e.g., student athletes) must present a printed copy of semester obligations with
appropriate documentation (if applicable) during the first week of the semester to the Professor.

GENERAL CLASSROOM INFORMATION

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 Students are expected to attend class regularly, arrive for class on time and leave the classroom
only at the end of class. Students are expected to exhibit classroom behavior that is not disruptive
of the learning environment.
 University rules governing academic conduct apply to all course work.
 Class announcements and handouts will be posted on Blackboard and/or sent via Blackboard
email. Make sure your email address is accurate on Blackboard and check Blackboard on a
regular basis.
 Students are responsible for everything covered in the main lecture. This includes copies of
handouts and articles, details about the assignments, changes to assignments and dates, and so
forth. Students are also responsible for the activities completed in class.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT

Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all
submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. Faculty are required
to report any suspected instances of academic dishonesty to the Academic Judiciary. Faculty in the
Health Sciences Center (School of Health Technology & Management, Nursing, Social Welfare, Dental
Medicine) and School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific procedures. For more
comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty, please
refer to the academic judiciary website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/uaa/academicjudiciary/.

CRITICAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT

Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people.
Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their
ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, or inhibits students' ability to learn.
Faculty in the HSC Schools and the School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific
procedures.

UNIVERSITY RESOURCES

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
The University Library has compiled resources related to Psychology on the following webpage:
http://guides.library.stonybrook.edu/psychology
Navigate the page using the tabs. Tabs include Tip sheets for creating citations in APA format, database
links to search for Psychology articles, among other helpful resources.

UNIVERSITY RESOURCE FOR SUCCESS

The following document provides information on offices, organizations, and resources on campus that
help serve the needs of students, e.g., advising offices, tutoring services, psychological counseling,
financial services, among other resources. Please refer to this guide as needed.
https://ucolleges.stonybrook.edu/links/academic-success-resources.pdf