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·   Explain key theories and concepts in social psychology, such as conformity, social roles, group dynamics, and social influence.

·   Analyze how cultural and historical contexts shape social behavior, perceptions, attitudes, and group dynamics.

·   Critically evaluate studies in social and cognitive neuroscience to understand how brain function shapes social perception and social behavior.

This course introduces students to the foundational theories and research in social psychology, with a focus on the neuroscientific underpinnings of social behavior. Students will explore how brain function shapes social interaction, group dynamics, and cultural norms through the works of relevant European and Austrian researchers, like Viktor Frankl and Sigmund Freud. Students will also visit significant locations that shaped these thinkers' lives and work to gain insight into how social, cultural, and historical contexts influence psychological theories. The course will blend classic social psychology concepts with insights from cognitive neuroscience and use Austria’s historical contexts to ground these ideas in real-world experiences.

The University of New Orleans International Summer School program has a mandatory class attendance policy. All students are required to attend class for all morning classes and any required afternoon and/or weekend fields trips and lectures. No unexcused absences are allowed. However, LFU students who have to miss a UNO class due to LFU examinations in the first two weeks of our program, can receive one excused absence for this. Any further unexcused absences will result in an academic penalty. Each faculty member determines the penalty for missed classes. Most professors deduct a letter grade for each additional missed class day. For details, please refer to your course syllabi, which will be distributed on the first day of class. The listed ECTS credits are a recommendation by the University of New Orleans Innsbruck Summer School, based on contact hours, anticipated out-of-classroom requirements such as field trips, and projected workload for readings, assignments, and exam preparation. Mail: Center-New-Orleans@uibk.ac.at