Helpers and Heroes

BSPY203 - Helpers and Heroes

Credits: 3

Beginning with a survey of classic research studies from the field of social psychology, this course asks students to consider the definitions of helpers and heroes and various factors that contribute to bystander intervention/bystander apathy when confronted with challenging social situations.  The framework of a “heroic imagination” will be detailed and applied to various challenging social situations, including racism, bullying, cyber bullying, relationship violence, cheating, and assisting someone who is experiencing a mental or physical health crisis.  Students will gain concrete helping skills to enhance confidence in responding to others in prosocial ways.