BRODY I/O PSYCH

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INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
SPRING 2006
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
MEETING TIME: WEDNESDAY 7:00 – 9:45PM
GR4.301

P ROFESSOR : Salena Brody, Ph.D. EMAIL: salena.brody@utdallas.edu

OFFICE HOURS : By appointment, please contact via email

REQUIRED READINGS:

(1) Title: The Organizational Behavior Reader, 7th ed.

Authors: Osland, J.S., Kolb, D.A., & Rubin, I.M.
Publisher: Prentice Hall
ISBN: 0-13-026554-3
(2) WebCT online readings [Downloadable at webct.utdallas.edu]

Course objectives:

This course explores topics in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a particular emphasis on social
psychological theory and research. The course texts include modern narratives about work as well as
pieces that highlight Psychology’s contribution to the study of work. Lectures will go beyond the texts
and address “real-life” issues in the workplace.

Evaluation criteria:

Participation & Reflections 10%

“You’re the consultant” project* 15%
Exam 1 25%
Group presentation 10%
Group project 15%
Exam 2 25%

*The alternative Service-Learning Reflection Assignment is also worth 15%

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Participation in this class will enrich your educational experience. This class involves group work, participating
in interactive exercises, in-class thought papers, making presentations, being an active listener, and contributing
to class discussions. Reading the required text is essential to your participation score. At times, the content of
in-class writing assignments will be evaluated as well as your ability to discuss any of the assigned readings.

As part of your participation score, you must submit reflection papers online via WebCT by the assigned due
dates (see schedule below). These papers should be 2-3 paragraphs in length and should expand and/or connect
readings and course concepts to everyday life. By writing these reflection papers AFTER the unit is covered,
you have a chance to connect lectures to course readings. Reflections will be evaluated on completeness and
quality. For full credit, make sure you are not simply summarizing readings, but connecting course concepts to
everyday life (can be your own observations in the workplace, a critical analysis of the reading or theory, or you
can speculate on the implications of the concept for workplace organizational dynamics. Please keep in mind
assignments are automatically closed by 5pm on Wednesdays—this is
that these
absolutely the last time you can submit. Because you have a full week to do this assignment,
you will not be able submit the assignment after the due date. There are TEN reflection assignments that are
each worth 10 points. You may access your grades for the Reflection papers via WebCT.

During classroom discussion, a positive attitude is expected and disrespect directed at any classmate will not be
tolerated.

The “You’re the Consultant!” Project requires you to apply your knowledge of I/O psychology to real
workplace issues. A separate handout will be provided with details about expectations, due dates and grading
criteria. Alternatively, students may opt to participate in service-learning in a non-profit social service
organization. In lieu of the “You’re the Consultant!” project, students who opt for the service-learning option
will provide weekly service at one agency for a minimum of 21 hours (3 hours per week over the course of 7
weeks). You must meet with me to discuss the parameters for your personalized reflection assignment and to
arrange a due date. The Service-Learning Reflection assignment must include an analysis of the organizational
dynamics at the agency (I will work with you to choose a topic that applies course concepts to your service-
learning experience). You must decide whether you would like to participate in service-learning by
Wednesday, 1/25. A service-learning contract must be signed by student, instructor, and agency supervisor and
kept on file with the instructor. A timesheet documenting the 21 hours of service must also be turned in with
the Reflection assignment (must be signed by a supervisor each visit).

Exam 1 and Exam 2 will include short answer and essay questions. Exam 2 will not be cumulative (i.e. it will
only cover the second half of the course). You must bring a blue book to class on exam days.

The purpose of the group project and presentation is to delve more deeply into an area of I/O Psychology that is
not covered in class. Your group will be required to prepare a professional presentation and training module. A
separate handout will be provided with details about expectations, due dates and grading criteria.

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Policy on missing tests and late papers: There will be NO alternative test times. If you miss a test due to an
excused absence, an alternative evaluation procedure will be established. This will require proper
documentation and must be negotiated with the professor. If proper documentation is not provided regarding
the missed class, a grade of zero will be assigned.

“My printer broke at the last minute” is never a valid excuse for why an assignment is late. PLAN AHEAD and
have your assignment done early enough so you have time to handle technical problems.

The highest grade possible for late papers/projects turned the next CLASS MEETING will be a C (This does
NOT apply to Reflection papers turned in online). Assignments turned in after this point will be deducted an
additional letter grade for each late day. In extenuating circumstances, such as a death in the family or a
traumatic life event, extensions will be granted, but ONLY if arranged in advance.

Policy on tardiness: Coming to class on time is expected and required. Coming to class late distracts other
students from learning and is a sign of disrespect to your professor and your peers. Most people in this class
have multiple obligations---jobs, families, life!---please don’t send us a signal that your obligations outside of
class are more valuable than ours. We have all made a commitment to be here, so let’s make the most of our
short time together. Assignments are always due at the BEGINNING of class, so showing up late on project due
dates will also mean that your assignment is late and points will be deducted. Additionally, in-class
participation writing assignments will often occur during the first 5 minutes of class, so being late will
compromise your overall grade if you do not complete these assignments.

Policy on cell phones, text messaging, and laptops: Class time is for learning. Barring an emergency, using
cell phones for any reason (talking or text messaging) during class time is inappropriate. Cell phones should be
turned off or turned to silent mode during class. If a student uses a cell phone during class, the professor may
ask the student to turn over the phone for the remainder or class time or leave. Additionally, if you choose to
bring a laptop computer to class, please turn off your wireless connection to avoid the temptation to browse the
internet during class time (or other distracting activities).

Policy on academic honesty: No form of academic dishonesty will be tolerated. This includes cheating on
exams, plagiarizing scholarly works, and copying text from internet sources without proper documentation of
the author. The consequences of academic dishonestly can be severe, ranging from failing the class to being on
academic probation. NO EXCUSES! Methods of properly documenting sources will be covered in class. If
you are unclear about the line between paraphrasing other’s work and plagiarism, please see the professor for
clarification. Please see official policy and examples of plagiarism at:
http://www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/scholastic.html

ADA Statement: It is the policy of the University of Texas at Dallas to provide reasonable accommodations
for qualified individuals who are students with disabilities. This College will adhere to all applicable Federal,
State and local laws, regulations and guidelines with respect to providing reasonable accommodations as
required to afford equal educational opportunity. It is the student's responsibility to contact Disability Services
in a timely manner to arrange for appropriate accommodations
(http://www.utdallas.edu/student/slife/hcsvc.html).

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PROPOSED SCHEDULE AND READINGS

WEEK TOPIC COVERED IN CLASS READINGS ASSIGNMENTS

Week 1 Introduction to the course Reader: Ch.1 *If considering service-learning,

1/11 The Psychological Contract contact agencies
*Log in to WebCT webct.utdallas.edu
*Submit Week1 reflection on WebCT
due 1/18

Week 2 Managing Diversity, Part I Reader: Ch.12 *Submit Week2 reflection on WebCT
1/18 due 1/25

Week 3 Managing Diversity, Part II Reader: Ch. 8 *DEADLINE FOR CHOOSING

1/25 SERVICE-LEARNING 1/25
*Submit Week3 reflection on WebCT
due 2/1

Week 4 Leadership Reader: Ch.13 *Submit Week4 reflection on WebCT

2/1 Gender Issues in Leadership due 2/8

Week 5 Work-Family Balance WEBCT: WEEK5 *Buy blue book

2/8 *No Week5 Reflection paper

STUDY FOR EXAM1

Week 6 *Exam1 covers Weeks 1-5.

2/15 2/15 *Part 1 is a closed book short
answer section
EXAM 1 *Part 2 is an essay section. You
may bring one 8.5x11 sheet of notes
(front and back ok). This sheet
must be handwritten (no typed
sheets allowed!) and original (no
photocopies or duplicates allowed).
I will be checking and approving
each sheet on test day and you will
turn it in with your exam.
*No Week6 Reflection paper

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Week 7 Communication at Work Reader: Ch. 7 *Be prepared to turn in Consultant

2/22 project next week
*No Week 7 Reflection paper

Week 8 The Psychology of Marketing WEBCT: WEEK8 *CONSULTANT

3/1 PROJECT DUE 3/1
*Submit Week8 reflection on WebCT
due 3/15

Week 9 Stress and Work Reader: Ch. 6 *Submit Week9 reflection on WebCT
3/15 due 3/22

Week 10 Individual and Organizational Reader: Ch. 4 *Submit Week10 reflection on WebCT
3/22 Motivation due 3/29
-Selection, Training, and Burnout

Week 11 Power, Influence, and Social Roles Reader: Ch. 16 *Submit Week11 reflection on WebCT
3/29 --Total situations due 4/5

Week 12 Intergroup Relations—Teams, Reader: Ch. 9 and *Submit Week12 reflection on WebCT
4/5 Negotiation Ch. 11 due 4/12

Week 13 Performance Appraisal Reader: Ch. 18 *Submit Week13 reflection on WebCT

4/12 due 4/19

Week 14 Presentations *Study for Exam2

4/19 *GROUP PROJECT DUE
*Submit Group project reflection due
4/26

Week 15
4/26 4/26
EXAM2, 7pm