400-158 Organizational Psychology

Spring 2010 T,R 2:00-3:15 SEC 252

 

Professor  Adam Butler
Office  Baker 435
Hours   T,R 1-1:45; T 5-5:45 or by appointment
Phone  319.273.7293
Fax  319.273.6188
Email  adam.butler@uni.edu or butler.adamb@gmail.com
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.

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 are 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. (200)

Quizzes. There are four eLearning quizzes on the chapter readings, due prior to the class period. Each quiz is worth 10 points. (40)

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. Instructions for each paper are on eLearning. The paper is worth 50 points. (50)

Attendance. Ten points will be awarded for perfect attendance. After one absence, one point will be subtracted for each additional absence. Please make sure to initial the attendance sheet each day you are in class. (10)

eParticipation. A total of 10 points may be earned for participation on eLearning. Participation can consist of discussion or posting relevant links. (10)

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.

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

1.12 1.1 - 1.2 introduction  
1.19 2.1, 2.2 research methods

Quiz(2); Moderators and Mediators;

1.26 2.3, 2.4 research methods  
2.2   Exam 1, Review  
2.9 1.3, 11.3, 14.2 multiculturalism, climate, and fit  
2.16 9.1, 9.2 affect and job satisfaction Quiz(9); Personality and Fit due  2.18
2.23 9.2 organizational commitment

 

Measuring job satisfaction due 2.25

3.2   Exam 2, Review  
3.9 8.1, 8.2, 11.1 motivation Quiz(8)
3.16   Spring Break  
3.23 8.3, 8.4 motivation  
3.30 13.2, 13.3 teams Motivation in movie due 4.1
4.6   Exam 3, Review

 

4.13 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 leadership Quiz(12)
4.20 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 occupational health PSPM closes 4.23
4.30 9.3 work-life balance  
5.5   Exam 4, Review, 1pm Wed