International Psychology

(Fall 2023)

Course:

PSYC 3475: International Psychology


Professor:

Dr. Linda M. Woolf

Office Hours:

Text:

Assigned Readings available on Canvas and as selected by the class.

Catalog Description

Assumptions, theories, methods, and interventions of traditional western psychology are critically examined for relevance to people outside the Western world. Recommendations for training global psychologists are reviewed

Expanded Course Description:

Too often, psychology is studied as "truth," which applies to all individuals and communities around the globe. Although there are clear elements which cut across cultures, nations, and peoples (e.g., fundamentals of biological psychology), other elements and life experiences are shaped by the culture and context within which they live. Much of what you may have learned in other courses is based on research focusing on Western, educated, industrialized, rich, and democratic (WEIRD) populations. In this course, we will look beyond what we often assume to be normative and true and explore psychology around the globe. In August of 2023, the American Psychological Association passed the 2023 Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major (VERSION 3.0): Empowering People to Make a Difference in Their Lives and Communities.. The new Guidelines stress the importance of internationalizing all psychology course, inclusive of two key elements:

In this course, we will examine the new and emerging field of international/global psychology. We will explore the role of cultural, social, economic, religious, ethnic, or political contexts on human development, thought, behavior and cognition through an examination of current research on some of these topics. We will evaluate the assumptions, theories, methods, and interventions of traditional Western psychology in relation to relation to relevance for people outside the Western world. We will examine the role of psychology in addressing both international development and international issues, affecting us all.

Course Objectives:

  1. Objectives: To become familiar with the scope of international/global psychology and major ideas relevant to this field of study and practice.

  2. Objective: To explore the practical and ethical challenges associated with studying psychology across cultures, nations, and states.

  3. Objective: To analyze psychological research, practice, and teaching with an eye towards reflection as to how it varies across cultures, nations, and states. We we challenge our own assumptions about the discipline and practice of psychology.

  4. Objective: To explore global and International issues and the role that psychology can play in addressing these issues.

  5. Objective: To examine the role that psychology can play in addressing issues relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

  6. Objective: To develop a few new skills aimed at communicating psychological concepts to others

  7. Objective: To learn more about the various roles that psychologists can play in meeting the needs of a global community.

  8. Objective: To explore the professional organizations and resources related to International global psychology.

Incoming Competencies/Prerequisites:

PSYC 1100 Introduction to Psychology. Students should be capable of integrating and evaluating information, critical thinking, and writing at the college level.

Class Meetings:

The class will meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00 - 10:50. Attendance is strongly recommended as material as this course is being taught in a seminar format (less lecture, more student presentations and led discussion). We will be working as a team and the interaction and learning will be more fun if everyone shows up and is prepared to engage in dialogue.

Course Requirements:

Two exams (Midterm and Final), an article presentation/discussion, a "Going Global" presentation/discussion, a op-ed assignment, an infographic, a self-reflection paper, and class participation/discussion.

All grades will be assigned on a scale of 0 - 10 with:

90 - 100A-, ASuperior Work
80 - 89B-, B, B+Good Work
70 - 79C-, C, C+Satisfactory Work
60 - 69D, D+Passing, but less than Satisfactory (not passing if a requirement for the major or general education)
Less than 60FFailing

Percent of Grade:

Examinations40%
Article Presentation10%
Going Global Presentation10%
Op-Ed Assignment10%
InfoGraphic10%
Reflection Paper10%
Class Participation/Discussion10%

Examinations:A midterm and final exam will be given (in class), which will cover the basic terms, concepts, and information discussed in class, readings, videos. Exams will be multiple choice and short answer.

Article Presentation: Students will select a recent article from International Perspectives in Psychology or other international psychology journal. You will be responsible individually or in pairs to present the article and lead a discussion. All articles must be approved by the instructor. Dates for presentations to be assigned during the first two weeks of class.

Going Global Presentation: Students will be assigned a chapter from the book, Going global: How psychologists can meet a world of need to present to the class and to lead a discussion. Chapters and dates of presentation will be assigned during the first two weeks of class.

Op-Ed Assignment: Learning how to write an effective op-ed article is a good skill to learn! In a short space, one must learn to effectively communicate information to share with a general audience. More details will be presented in class.

InfoGraphic Assignment: Learning how to write an effective infographic is another good skill to learn! Oee must condense ideas related to a specific topic to inform, education, persuade, and create interest/action. More details will be presented in class.

Self-Reflection Paper: At the end of the term, you will be asked to write a reflection paper concerning what you have learned in the class including an analysis of how the class has shaped your view of psychology and influenced your thinking about how you will use this information in the future.

Policy Statements:

Use of Electronic Devices in the Classroom: Please respect others in the class by turning off all cell phones before entering the room. Text messaging during class is not acceptable. Laptops may be used in class but are only to be utilized for class related activities (e.g., taking notes). If it becomes apparent you are using the computer for non-class activities (e.g., checking your email, Facebook, playing games) then you may be asked to turn off your computer and refrain from bringing it into class in the future. Laptop use is restricted to the back or sides of the classroom so that other students are not distracted during lecture. Please be aware that according to research published in Psychological Science has demonstrated that taking hand-written notes leads to better processing of information and higher exam scores!

Plagiarism (attempting to pass off the work of another as one's own) is not acceptable. Plagiarism includes copying all or part of another's writings (even a single sentence), inappropriate paraphrasing, using another student's paper as your own, submitting a paper for more than one class. All papers will be submitted to the university's plagiarism database for review. Plagiarism, either intentional or unintentional, will result in a grade of 0 for that assignment but also may be turned over to the appropriate university source for disciplinary action and a grade of F for the course. In addition, cheating on exams will also result in the same fate.

Here are some Web sites that will help you avoid the problem of plagiarism particularly plagiarism resulting from paraphrasing too closely to the original source. -

AI Use Restricted

All work submitted in this course must be your own. Contributions from non-academic sources (such as AI tools) are prohibited. Contributions from approved sources must be fully acknowledged and properly quoted or paraphrased by you every time they are used. Failure to follow this policy constitutes a violation of academic integrity and may result in disciplinary action.

Additional Policy Statements

It should be noted that, as is common in many university courses, little time will be spent lecturing on topics adequately addressed by the text. Students are expected to arrive at class meetings having already read the material assigned, and to ask questions to clarify any areas that remain unclear. While every attempt will be made to explain or expand upon particularly difficult areas, the primary purpose of classroom lecture is to enhance, rather than to duplicate, the textbook material.

Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this class are encouraged to contact me or the Director of the Academic Resource Center, as soon as possible to ensure that such accommodations can be implemented in a timely fashion.

Late withdraws from this class will not be approved by the instructor except in cases of emergency discussed with the instructor. No late withdraws will be approved on the basis of poor class performance.

This syllabus is subject to change at the instructor's discretion. All changes concerning course requirements will be provided in writing. Changes concerning exam dates may be made at the instructor's discretion and communicated verbally to the class.

It is understood that remaining in this course (not dropping or withdrawing from this course) constitutes an agreement to abide by the terms outlined in this syllabus and an acceptance of the requirements outlined in this document.


COURSE OUTLINE


Week Ending


Topic and Readings

August 26 Introduction to the Class
What is International/Global Psychology?

Readings:

  • How to Understand and Utilize the Principles of International Psychology
  • Psychological Science Needs the Entire Globe (Parts 1 & 2)
  • International Psychology: An Overview
  • Introduction to Going Global: Why psychologists should meet a world of need
September 2 Understanding Culture

Readings:
  • Theoretical Concepts for Understanding Culture
  • Multicultural Guidelines
September 9International/Intercultural Research

Readings:
  • Infusing Diversity Into Research Methods = Good Science
  • Some Methodological Concerns in Research
September 16 Poverty

Readings:
  • SDG 1 - APA Psychological Contributions

September 23 Health and Well Being

Readings:
  • SDG 3 - APA Psychological Contributions

September 30 Education

Readings:
  • SDG 4 - APA Psychological Contributions
October 7 Gender Equality

Readings:
  • SDG 5 - APA Psychological Contributions
October 14 Economic Development - Work

Midterm Exam October 13

Readings:
  • SDG8 - APA Psychological Contributions

October 28 Inequality

Readings:
  • SDG 10 - APA Psychological Contributions

November 5Safe and Sustainable Communities

Readings:
  • SDG 11 - APA Psychological Contributions


November 11
 Climate

Readings:
  • SDG 13 - APA Psychological Contributions

November 18Peace

InfoGraphic Due

Readings:
  • SDG 16 - APA Psychological Contributions
November 23Refugees and immigrants: Psychological vulnerabilities and resilience

Readings:
December 2Gender & Sexually Marginalized Individuals and Communities

Op-Ed Due

Readings:
December 9Indigenous Persons and Peoples

Self-Reflection Paper Due

Readings:
See Final Exam Schedule

 See the final exam schedule

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