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SYLLABUS
PSYC 354: CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY
Spring 2015 INSTRUCTOR:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
Susan Lee, Ph.D.
BPS 4149 Monday & Wednesday 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. and by appointment
[email protected] EMAIL:
TEACHING ASSISTANT:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
EMAIL:
Bonnie Brett
BPS 0147 Tuesday 1-2
[email protected]
TEACHING ASSISTANT:
OFFICE:
OFFICE HOURS:
EMAIL:
Jacquelyn Gross
BPS 0147 by appointment
[email protected]
ADMINSTRATOR:
OFFICE:
EMAIL:
Julia Coldren
Cole Field House [email protected]
BLACKBOARDCOURSE WEBSITE:
http://www.elms.umd.edu REQUIRED TEXT:
Shiraev, E. & Levy, D. (2013) Cross Cultural Psychology: Critical
Thinking and Contemporary Applications. New York: Allyn &
Bacon. Fifth Edition
COURSE OVERVIEW:
This course provides an introduction to cross-cultural psychology. Cross-cultural psychology
offers an opportunity to develop an appreciation of the interplay of individual, ethnic, and
cultural contributions to personal and group growth and well-being and their role in
psychotherapy and cross-cultural interactions. We will focus on both within culture variability
as well as between culture variability. The objectives of this course include the mastery of the
content areas which will be assessed through your ability to communicate effectively during
discussions. In addition, the course objectives will also include your critical thinking skills
demonstrated through your performance on the examinations and papers. The course will also
look at empirical research findings. Therefore, I expect students to have the basic understanding
of research methods and the ability to interpret results.
COURSE FORMAT:
LECTURE
The lectures will be conducted mainly by your instructor. Some topics may be taught by invited
lecturers. The lectures will be designed to provide you with the understanding of major
theoretical ideas in cross-cultural psychology. The lectures will also provide research that helps
supports these major theories.
ATTENDANCE
Lecture attendance will not be taken but is expected and strongly encouraged. You are
responsible for all material covered in class, including notes and announcements (including
changes in deadlines and the list of topics).
GRADING
The final grade will be based on a percentage of 600 points accumulated from 2 reaction papers
(worth 25 points each), 2 exams (worth 100 points each), a final exam (worth 150 points) and 2
papers (worth 100 points each).
Grading Scale Cutoffs:
97%
94%
90%
87%
84%
80%
77%
74%
70%
67%
64%
60%
Below 60%
= A+
=A
= A= B+
=B
= B= C+
=C
= C= D+
=D
= D=F
(582 points)
(564 points)
(540 points)
(522 points)
(504 points)
(480 points)
(462 points)
(444 points)
(420 points)
(402 points)
(384 points)
(360 points)
(below 360 points)
1. Examinations
You will have 3 exams this semester. The first two exams will consist of 50 multiple
choice items (100 points each). The final exam will consist of 75 questions (150 points)
and will be CUMULATIVE. Chapters that will be included on each exam are listed in
the syllabus; however, the schedule may be subject to change.
Be on time for all exams. If you arrive late (without a documented excuse) and students
have already completed the exam, you will not be allowed to take the exam.
We will make announcements in class about any changes in the examination schedule.
All exams must be taken during the regularly scheduled time period. Exceptions are
permitted only under extreme circumstances and with appropriate documentation.
FINAL EXAM is scheduled for Saturday May 16 @ 8:00-10:00 am in HJ Patterson
0226 2. Papers
You will be asked to write two papers for this class. Papers must be submitted by
Canvas. You may submit a hardcopy to the instructor at the beginning of class if there
are any issues with uploading the assignment on Canvas. Papers are due at 11 a.m. and
are late at 11:15 a.m. A full grade with be deducted for each 24 hour period the
paper is late. The first paper will be worth 100 points and the second paper will be
worth 100 points.
3. Reaction Papers
You will be asked to write two short reaction papers for this class (3 page maximum for
each reaction paper). Papers must be submitted on Canvas. You may submit a hardcopy
to the instructor at the beginning of class if there are any issues with uploading the
assignment on Canvas. Papers are due at 11 a.m. and are late at 11:15 a.m. A full
grade with be deducted for each 24 hour period the paper is late.
GRADE DISPUTE POLICY
Grade disputes for all assignments and exams must be in writing and turned in no later than one
week (7 days) after the grades are returned. After seven days have passed, grade changes will no
longer be considered. Please note that the instructor is always willing to discuss grades;
however, grades are rarely changed unless there is a mistake in the scoring of the exam or paper.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY EXPECTATIONS
You are expected to do your own work on exams and assignments and to adhere to the
University of Maryland Honor Pledge (http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/code.html).
The Honor Pledge is a statement undergraduate and graduate students are asked to write by hand
and sign on examinations, papers, or other academic assignments not specifically exempted by
the instructor. The Pledge reads:
“I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on
this assignment/examination.”
Acts of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated in this course. Any behavior that appears to be
academic dishonesty will be referred immediately to the Honor Council and may results in a
grade of XF for the course.
ACCOMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Students requesting academic accommodations because of a physical, learning, or emotional
disability should be registered with Disability Support Services (DSS) in Shoemaker Hall, 301314-7682. The instructor should be given a Disability Support Services (DSS) accommodation
form early in the semester (at least by February 23, 2015). The accommodation form is proof of
the student’s eligibility for services. The form indicates the specific accommodations as
determined by DSS. The instructor is not able to accommodate students who are not registered
with DSS or who provide with documentation which has not been reviewed and approved by
UMCP’s DSS Office.
MEDICAL EXCUSES
Campus Senate policy requires students who are absent due to illness/injury to furnish
documentary support to the instructor. The instructor requires students to contact her by email or
phone PRIOR to class time in which you are indicate you have an illness/injury. You must
present written documentation verifying your illness/injury on the first day of class that you
return to class. You will not be allowed to turn in missed assignments or tests, papers, etc. if
you have not provided this documentation. In addition, if it is found that you have falsified
the documentation provided, the instructor will refer you to the University’s Office of Student
Conduct.
University of Maryland policy dictates that a single absence during the semester due to illness or
injury will be excused with a signed letter attesting to the date of the illness and acknowledging
that the information is true and correct. You are required to contact me by email prior to the class
meeting if you expect to be absent for any reason, especially due to illness or injury, and to
provide this form by the next class meeting that you are present for:
http://www.health.umd.edu/sites/default/files/ClassExcuse1011.pdf
Multiple absences, and those occurring on a major scheduled grading event
(http://president.umd.edu/policies/docs/V-100G.pdf), require written documentation of the
illness or injury from the Health Center or an outside health care provider. The letter must verify
the dates of treatment and the time period during which you were unable to meet academic
responsibilities. Accommodations will be arranged on a case-by-case basis.
A grade of zero will be assigned for any assessment missed with an unexcused or undocumented
absence.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
University policy “provides that students should not be penalized because of observance of their
religious beliefs; students shall be given an opportunity, whenever feasible, to make up within a
reasonable time any academic assignment that is missed due to individual participation in
religious observances…..It is the student’s responsibility to inform the instructor of any intended
absences for religious observances in advance. Notice should be provided as soon as possible
but no later than the end of the schedule adjustment period.” If you plan to miss class for a
religious holiday, notify the instructor at the beginning of the semester.
COPYRIGHT
My lectures and course materials, including worksheets, presentation slides, tests, outlines, and
similar materials, are protected by copyright. You may take notes and make copies of course
materials for your own use. You may not and may not allow others to reproduce or distribute
lecture notes and course materials publicly whether or not a fee is charged without my express
written consent. Similarly, you own copyright in any papers you write for this course and in your
exam essays. If I am interested in posting your answers or papers on the course web site, I will
ask for your written permission.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
I will not prohibit the use of computers during our class meetings. However, in my experience
(and based on the research evidence) the reality is that they present an irresistible distraction and
detract from the cooperative learning environment. Researchers have found that these
distractions do in fact interfere with learning and active participation. For that reason I would ask
that you try to refrain from the use of computers during class meetings (except when required for
DSS accommodations).
I expect you to make the responsible and respectful decision to refrain from the temptation to use
your cell phone in class. If you have critical communication to attend to, please excuse yourself
from the room and return when you are finished. If I find myself or other students to be
distracted by your behavior I will ask you to leave the room.
WAITLIST/HOLD FILES
The waitlist allows students to enter a course in the order in which they attempted to register as
additional seats become available. In order to have a chance to get into a section, students must
remain on the waitlist and check-in daily - www.testudo.umd.edu. The waitlist will remain active
until the last day of schedule adjustment. If a student does not get in off the waitlist by the end of
schedule adjustment then they should not be attending the class.
There is a hold file for all other students who are trying to get into PSYC courses. Students on a
hold file are added to the end of the waitlist on the first day of classes. I cannot promise a
student a seat in my class. The student must be on the waitlist in order to be admitted if a seat
becomes available. I cannot add students into courses ahead of others that are on the waitlist.
WITHDRAWAL FROM THE COURSE
Last Day to Withdraw "W" from a class is Monday April 13, 2015. Please come see the
instructor to ensure that you have a good sense of their academic status in this class prior to that
date so you can make informed decisions. EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS IN CLASS
Students are expected to attend and actively participate in the class, be prepared for class, and to
treat the instructor, teaching assistants, and each other with respect. Disruptive behavior of any
kind will not be tolerated. Students who are unable to demonstrate appropriate behaviors with
one another, the instructor, or the teaching assistants will be subject to referral to the Office of
Student Conduct or the University Campus Police. You are expected to adhere to the Code of
Student Conduct.
EXPECTATIONS OF INSTRUCTOR AND TEACHING ASSISTANTS
As a student, you can expect that the instructor and the teaching assistants will treat students with
respect, be prepared for class, respond to students’ concerns in a timely manner, demonstrate
current knowledge, and communicate clear expectations for students.
COURSE EVALUATION Your feedback about this course is very important to the instructor and therefore we do several
forms of evaluations throughout the semester. Our important campus-wide evaluation is the
online evaluation at the end of the semester. Students can go directly to the website
(www.courseevaluum.umd.edu). Feedback from students about the course is also very important
to us and will help us improve the educational experience of this course. Date
1/26/15
TOPIC
Assignments/Exams
Review syllabus Understanding Culture
1/28/15
Chapter 1
1/30/15
Chapter 1
2/2/15
Chapter 1 Cross Cultural Research Methods and Thinking
2/4/15
Chapter 2 2/6/15
Chapter 2 2/9/15
Chapter 2
2/11/15
Chapter 3
2/13/15
Chapter 3
2/16/15
Chapter 3 Human Development and Socialization
2/18/15
Chapter 8
2/20/15
Chapter 8 2/23/15
Chapter 8 2/25/15
Review 2/27/15
Psychopathology and Health
3/2/15
Presentations
3/4/15
Presentations
3/6/15
Presentations
3/9/15
Presentations
3/11/15
Presentations 3/13/15
Presentations 3/16/15
Presentations
3/16/15 - 3/22/15 SPRING BREAK-NO CLASSES 3/23/15
Chapter 9 3/25/15
Chapter 9 3/27/15
Chapter 9 3/30/15
No class
4/1/15
Health Psychology 4/3/15
Health Psychology Intelligence/Cognition/Perception
4/6/15
Chapter 4
4/8/15
Chapter 4 4/10/15
Chapter 4 4/13/15
Chapter 4
4/15/15
4/17/15
Chapter 5
4/20/15
Chapter 5 4/22/15
Chapter 5
Motivation/Social Perception and Cognition
4/24/15
Chapter 6
4/27/15
Chapter 6
4/29/15
Chapter 7
5/1/15
Chapter 7
5/4/15
Chapter 7
Nisbett (2003) Reaction Paper #1 Chapter: Living Across Cultures Exam 1 New York Times Articles Kim et al (2011) PAPER #1 DUE Watch TED TALK: Renee Brown Listening to Shame Nisbett Chapter (2009) Lost In Translation
The Wall Street Journal
(July 2010) EXAM 2 PAPER #2 DUE Watch Ted Talk Angela Lee Duckworth : Key to Success? Grit
5/6/15
5/8/15
5/11/15
5/16/15
Chapter 10
Chapter 10
Chapter 10 Cottam et al (2010) Reaction Paper 2
FINAL EXAM (Scheduled exam time is
8:00-10-:00 a.m.) Paper Assignment #1 for Cross Cultural Psychology (Spring 2015)
Assignments must be submitted on Canvas or hardcopy in the beginning of class. Please do not exceed
the 10 page limit. The font needs to be no larger than 12 point. Poorly written papers will receive lower
grades regardless of content. Please be advised that you will need to check your grammar, spelling, and
punctuation. Please contact the Writing Center or Learning Assistance Service if you feel you need
additional help with your writing. All papers should be written in APA style in accordance with the latest
edition of the publication manual of the American Psychological Association (2009).
Culture and psychological disorders (group assignments)
1. Choose a disorder to research
2. Select 9 other people (10 ppl) in each group
3. Pick a cultural group to examine
4. Provide information about the cultural, social, ecological factors related to the prevalence, symptoms,
treatment, or diagnosis of the disorder within this cultural group
5. Research the disorder within this culture including diagnostic issues (misdiagnosis,etc.) and also
treatment issues
6. Identify universal or relativist features
7. Identify the role of culture in the experience and recovery from this disorder
8. Identify the values or considerations related to help seeking
In addition to the paper, you will be asked to present this information orally with the rest of the class. No
handouts or summaries are necessary, but you should practice to be sure that you are able to speak about
your experience no more than 15 minutes. Papers are due on March 16, 2015 at the beginning of class.
The Writing Center:
1205 Tawes Hall
Phone: (301) 405-3785
Learning Assistance Service:
2202 Shoemaker Building
Phone: (301) 314-7693 Paper Assignment #2 for Cross Cultural Psychology (Spring 2015)
Please interview a person who is outside of your culture with whom you are relatively unfamiliar and
about whom you would like to learn more about. You are to read two psychological research articles that
illuminate the role of culture or social variables in the life experiences of the interviewee in your chosen
cultural group.
1. The paper should focus on providing a detailed history of the traditions, customs, and practices for this
particular individual.
2. Identify whether of not the individual’s culture is a traditional or nontraditional culture and provide
specific information that supports your argument.
3. The paper should also examine the concepts of power distance, uncertainty orientation, and
collectivism/individualism paradigms. When describing these concepts, please provide specific examples
from the person you interview.
4. The paper should also examine one other concept either motivation for behavior or the socialization
process for that particular individual (chapters7 or 8) As you describe these concepts, make sure you are
able to explore these ideas with the person you are interviewing and provide concrete examples that
highlight these ideas.
The paper needs to be 10 pages long (in APA style). Please do not exceed the 10 page limit. The font
needs to be no larger than 12 point. The paper needs to be turned at the beginning of lecture on April
27,2015. Papers turned in after that point will be considered late. Each day it is late, the paper will be
deducted a whole letter grade.
Tips for Paper Assignment 2
Here are some tips on questions to ask to help you write your paper:
•
•
•
•
Do a profile of the person with their cultural identity and how they define themselves.
Get an idea of what they do, why they do it – kind of a basic overview or snapshot of
their life.
Ask about traditions, customs and practices
o Ask about examples of traditions and customs, what it was like growing up with
them
o If applicable, ask about how the traditions they observe or practice fall into place
on a traditional/nontraditional scale – for example there could be a difference as
to how things in the USA are celebrated versus their cultural origin
Learn about the power distance, uncertainty orientation, and collectivism/individualism
paradigms by asking about how their families are set up and the dynamics, how people
interact with each other, class systems, etc.
Another facet of the paper is to ”examine one other concept either motivation for
behavior or the socialization process for that particular individual”
o Basically try to get some insight as to how people socialize within this culture or
what motivates their behavior, as far as their career/personal aspirations go or
even principles they base their actions on (as a culture and at their individual
level), by asking for examples
Examples are definitely key so make sure you have plenty to work from when interviewing your person,
even if you get too many you can trim out extra information when writing your paper.
Also remember these tips are just tips not necessarily a checklist, and even though they definitely help
you fulfill the paper requirements you can still be creative.
If you have any questions or concerns – feel free to email me!
Reaction Paper #1
Select a commercial, advertisement, children’s book, magazine, television show, or movie. Evaluate the
messages about the cultural group. Identify the cultural norms that are emphasized, stereotypes, and
expectations that are presented in these messages. Write a 2-3 page reaction paper detailing the popular
culture and the evaluation of the cultural messages.
Reaction Paper #2
Please review the assigned reading (Cottam et al.) and provide a quick summary. Highlight the main
points of the reading assignment and relate it to a current ethnic conflict happening in the world. Provide
some details of the current ethnic conflict that you wish to explore. Also, provide some personal
reflection on the topic (maximum 3 pages)