400-158 Organizational Psychology

Fall 2009 T,R 2:00-3:15 CBB 320

 

GRADES

Professor  Adam Butler
Office  Baker 435
Hours   T,R 1-1:45; or by appointment
Phone  319.273.7293
Fax  319.273.6188
Email  adam.butler@uni.edu
Web  http://www.uni.edu/butlera

Materials

Landy, F. J., & Conte, J. M. (2007). Work in the 21st century: An introduction to industrial and organizational psychology (2nd ed.). Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing.

Copies of lecture slides may be purchased at CopyWorks on the corner of 23rd and College.

Objectives

This course provides a foundation of knowledge about the nature and function of behavior, affect, and cognition in formal organizations. The primary objective of the course is for you to develop a working knowledge of concepts, theories, and methods used by organizational psychologists. You will demonstrate that you have met that objective by completing several assignments and examinations and by actively discussing the material in class.

Performance Assessment

Exams:  There will be four examinations of your knowledge of organizational psychology. A review sheet will be posted on the course webpage one week prior to the testing date explaining the content and format of each exam. The final exam is not cumulative. I may refuse to give make-up tests or may give make-up tests consisting entirely of essay questions. Students whose primary language is not English or who need assistance should consult with me one week before every testing date. Each exam is worth 50 points.

Papers: You must write one 4-5 page paper (out of three options), due at various times throughout the semester. The paper generally requires applying theory and research discussed in class. Links to instructions for each paper are on the calendar below. The paper is worth 50 points.

Participation:  A total of 10 points may be awarded for verbal participation in class. Verbal participation can consist of answering or asking questions, engaging in debate with the instructor and other students, and actively participating during small group exercises. Students who attend every class automatically earn all 10 points.

Extra Credit:  Up to 10 extra-credit points may be available by arrangement with me. Extra-credit may be obtained by volunteering for research studies in psychology, writing article reviews, or doing anything else approved by me.

Graduate Students: If you are taking this class for graduate credit, your performance is assessed differently. Click here for graduate student performance assessment guidelines.

Grading

Final grades will be determined by calculating the percentage of earned points and assigning a letter grade using the "10% cut-off rule" (i.e., 90% for A, 80% for B, etc.). Pluses and minuses will be given for scores in the upper and lower 2.5% of each grade level (i.e., 87.5 for B+; 82.5 for B; 80 for B-). You are encouraged to track your performance as scores are returned to you.

Policies

Academic Ethics. Students must observe the Academics Ethics Policies detailed in the UNI Programs and Courses Guide. Students suspected of cheating or plagiarism will receive a score of zero on the submitted work. Flagrant violators may receive an F for the course.

Accommodations for Special Needs. Students with a disability should contact the UNI Office of Disability Services. Accommodations for tests should be made with the Professor one week in advance of each testing date. Students whose primary language is not English or who need assistance should consult with me one week in advance of each testing date.

Course Schedule

Week

Reading

Topic

Notes

8.25 1.1 - 1.2 introduction  
9.1 2.1, 2.2 research methods

Moderators and Mediators

9.8 2.3, 2.4 research methods Graduate paper pt. 1 due 9.10
9.15   Exam 1, Review  
9.22 1.3, 11.3, 14.2 multiculturalism, climate, and fit  
9.29 9.1, 9.2 affect and job satisfaction  
10.6 9.2 organizational commitment

Personality and Fit due  10.6

Measuring job satisfaction due 10.8

10.13   Exam 2, Review  
10.20 8.1, 8.2, 11.1 motivation  
10.27 8.3, 8.4 motivation  
11.3 13.2, 13.3 teams  
11.10   Exam 3, Review

Motivation in movie due 11.10

11.17 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 leadership Graduate paper pt. 2 due 11.17
11.24   Thanksgiving Break  
12.1 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 occupational health PSPM closes 12.4
12.8 9.3 work-life balance Graduate paper due 12.8
12.16   Exam 4, Review, 1pm Wed