400-158 Organizational Psychology

Spring 2008 T,R 2:00-3:15 SAB 103

 

GRADES

Professor  Adam Butler
Office  Baker 435
Hours   T,R 1-2; or by appointment
Phone  319.273.7293
Fax  319.273.6188
Email  adam.butler@uni.edu
Web  http://www.uni.edu/butlera
AIM  profbutler

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

Alternative

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 two 3-5 page papers (out of four options), due at various times throughout the semester. The papers generally require applying theory and research discussed in class. Links to instructions for each paper are on the calendar below. Each paper is worth 25 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. This component of your class performance will be self-assessed at the end of the term; please keep track of your participation throughout the semester so that you can have a valid self-assessment.

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

1.14 1.1 - 1.2 introduction  
1.21 2.1, 2.2 research methods

Last day to drop 1.23

Moderators and Mediators

1.28 2.3, 2.4 research methods Graduate paper 1 page description due 1.30
2.4   Exam 1, Review  
2.11 1.3, 11.3, 14.2 multiculturalism, climate, and fit  
2.18 9.1, 9.2 affect and job satisfaction Personality and Fit due 2.19
2.25 9.2 organizational commitment Measuring job satisfaction due 2.28
3.3   Exam 2, Review  
3.10 8.1, 8.2, 11.1 motivation Graduate paper outline due 3.13; Last day to withdraw 3.14
3.17   Spring Break  
3.24 8.3, 8.4 motivation  
3.31 13.2, 13.3 teams Motivation in movie due 4.3
4.7   Exam 3, Review  
4.14 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 leadership Article review due 4.17
4.21 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 occupational health PSPM closes 5.1
4.28 9.3 work-life balance Graduate paper due 12.4
5.7   Exam 4, Review, 1pm Wed