JPSP READINGS COURSE

(Psych 8790)

Fall 2002

Dr. W. Keith Campbell Class Time: T 3:30 – 6:15

Office: 413 Psychology Bldg Location: Psych 426

Phone: 542-1429

email: wkc@uga.edu

Office Hours: T 2-3, Th 10-11

Course Aims: In this class we will read a year’s worth of Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. JPSP is the premier journal in Social and Personality psychology. It is also a top journal in I/O, Health, OB, Clinical, Developmental, Political Psychology, etc. At the end of the semester, we will all have a solid understanding of the current state of Social and Personality Psychology as well as the most important emerging trends in the field. We will also have developed: (a) a better idea of what it takes to write a JPSP caliber manuscript (and this is THE big requirement for getting a good academic job), and (b) a boat-load of good research ideas.

Text: JPSP (2001) January-December.

Grading and course requirements:

Everyone will have two requirements for the class. 1. Read the abstract for every article in the issue of JPSP to be discussed during the class. This is not hard to do – just sit down with a cup of coffee for an hour. 2. Be prepared to informally describe and discuss with the class one article that resonated with you and that you read in detail. For each article you read in detail, think about the (a) strong points, (b) theoretical issues, (c) methodological advances, (d) any weaknesses, (e) potential for future research.

The second requirement is to write 3 very brief (1 page with bullet points) research proposals. These should make you (and me) think creatively about any topic of your choosing and ideally a topic linked to your own research interests.

I thought that I would use a “contract” style grading system in this class. If you (a) show up to class, (b) can discuss one article/day intelligently, and (c) write the short proposals you will get an A. If you skip several classes (i.e., 3), or do not write one proposal you will get a B. If you skip more than 3 classes and do not write 2 proposals you will get a C.

All students are responsible for maintaining the highest standards of honesty and integrity in every phase of their academic careers. The penalties for academic dishonesty are severe and ignorance is not an acceptable defense.

THIS SYLLABUS IS A WORKING DOCUMENT. CHANGES CAN BE MADE AT ANY TIME AT THE DISCRETION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.

Day Assignment

September 24 Proposal 1 due

October 22 Proposal 2 due

December 3 Proposal 3 due