PSYCH 253RSocial Psychology
- Units
- 0.50
- Faculty
- Arts
- Subject
- Psychology
- Cross-listed
- PSYCH 253
When it runs
- F24
- W25
- S25
- F25
- W26
- S26
- F26
- W27
- S27
Ran in 5 of the last 7 terms. Winter 2027: scheduled, 3 lecture sections. Spring 2027: schedule not out yet.
An introduction to the scientific study of social behaviour and social influences on behaviour. Theories and research on such topics as attitude change and persuasion, stereotypes and prejudice, conformity and obedience to authority, altruism, conflict, attraction, and love may be introduced.
Prerequisites
Antirequisites
None listed.
Leads to
Winter 2027 sections
| Section | Class | Enrolled | Meets |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | 3197 | 0 / 45 | TTh 11:30–12:50 |
| LEC 002 | 3206 | 0 / 45 | TTh 13:00–14:20 |
| LEC 701 | 1240 | 37 / 9999 | Online or by arrangement |
Reviewed on UW Flow
87% liked it79% easy83% useful
From 39 ratings and 9 comments on UW Flow. The most helpful comments, quoted as written, without names. Read them all on UW Flow.
Pretty straightforward, lectures are clear and engaging, professor allows a cheat shit on midterms and was clearly invested in our success. One tip is to read the studies in your textbook and their findings, as many exam questions are asking about findings of certain studies based on certain concepts or what concept a scenario demonstrates. You can easily do well if you are good at applying the knowledge you have gained or on your cheat sheet. The news assignment was a fun way to present concepts.
Apr 2024 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Take this course with Cam Smith! His lectures and slideshows were very engaging and especially if you take it at Renison, he makes sure that everyone is engaged and always pauses to ask if anyone has any questions. He allowed cheat sheets for the midterms which helped quite a lot. His midterms are very straight forward as long as you pay attention in class and read relevant textbook chapters. Really interesting content which also helps with staying focused!
Aug 2023 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
The course was pretty interesting, sometimes boring. It was divided up into a midterm, an exam, weekly discussion posts and a group project. The midterm and exam were both 50 multiple choice with a cheat sheet (front and back piece of paper) but they were both surprisingly difficult. Even with a cheat sheet the midterm and exam were quite hard as the prof wouldn't tell you what was going to be on them. It was easy to get a good grade on the rest of the course content and those grades can carry you in the course.
May 2023 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Interesting content. The professor presented studies (both historical and more recent) to explain the social psychology concept we were discussing.
Apr 2023 · liked itOn UW FlowRemove this
Boring as hell. Lectures were 3 hours a week. 1 group project with oral presentation worth 30%, 2 essays, one worth 5% another worth 10% Final and midterm were brutal. I barely studied and got an 80. Was just hard for me but class told you everything, no text required to pass.
Jul 2022 · didn’t like itOn UW FlowRemove this
Discussed on r/uwaterloo
4 posts and comments in 4 threads mention PSYCH 253R, April 2016 to December 2024. Quoted word for word, newest first; each reply sits under the post and the comment that started its branch. Search r/uwaterloo for newer posts.
Winter 2020
psych253R 2 points, 0 comments
u/chpea: “Anyone here taking psych253R with Cameron? I can't work up the motivation to even start the application paper. how are you guys doing?”
PSYCH253R Midterms with Jhotisha Mugon 2 points, 0 comments
u/onelamenub: “currently taking this course right now in the textbook there are many little studies mentioned as examples for each topic each with different psychologists. are these generally tested or is there a bigger focus towards the ones in the lecture?”
Fall 2019
PSYCH 253R with Jhotisha Mugon? 2 points, 2 comments
u/YeahDatWay99: “I am thinking of taking PSYCH 253R as an elective with Jhotisha Mugon next term. Anyone have experience taking the course (Not the one at main campus, but 253R is at Renison College) with her? Was the content heavy? Was it easy to do well? (90+) &x200B; Thanks!”
Winter 2016
“Sorry for being a noob at this.”
u/china101r: “R just means that it is offered at REN and you are allowed to take the course. Same goes for SJU and CGR.”
u/Puphis: “Ditto - I took PSYCH 253R at Renison and my prof was fantastic. Great class overall.”
Check it elsewhere for Fall 2026
- Undergraduate Calendar, 2026–27The official entry
- Requirements for Fall 2026Waterloo’s requisite checker
- Schedule of Classes, Fall 2026Instructors, rooms, live seats
- Quest Class SearchWhere you enrol
- Course outlinesSyllabi from past terms (UW login)
- UW FlowStudent ratings and reviews
- WClassesPast sections back to 2004, and who taught them