The textbook is a systematic course in social psychology. Fundamental problems are outlined (communication, social psychology of groups, social psychology of the individual). The subject of social psychology, historical milestones of its development, methodology and research methods are characterized. The problem of the discrepancy between the principle of social determination of psychological phenomena and direct “service” to a certain political regime is clearly posed. The same idea is served by a brief overview of modern theoretical orientations in foreign social psychology. Intended for students of higher educational institutions.