Frequently Asked Questions About Psych 60T

What is this course about?

 

It is about three basic things.  1) What psychology is and is not.  2) How to be a successful psych major.  3) Graduate school and career options in psychology and related fields.

 

Who is this course for?

 

It is intended primarily for pre-psychology majors and new psych majors—usually sophomores and first semester juniors.  Second semester juniors and even seniors are welcome to take it, but of course they have less time to benefit from the material.  For example, giving advice on how to be a successful psych major to a graduating senior is a bit like shutting the barn door after the cow has run off.  

 

Why is it being taught online?

 

We are thinking about making it a required course in the major, but we can’t offer enough face-to-face sections to allow everyone to fit it into his or her schedule.  This is a kind of “test run” to see how well this course works online.  If it works well, we will probably make it a required course in the near future.

 

Do I need any special computer equipment or software?

 

The main thing you need is a reliable computer with a good Internet connection.  You also need iTunes (which you may already have) and the QuickTime player (which you probably already have).  Both of these programs can be downloaded for free.  A set of headphones would be useful if you don’t want to annoy those around you with my monotonous voice.

 

How will the course begin?  Is there an in-person organizational meeting?

 

On the first day of classes, it will become available on your Blackboard account.  At that time you will find a complete syllabus, an introductory PowerPoint presentation, and lots of other stuff.  There will not be an in-person organizational meeting.

 

Will I ever have to come to campus for this course?

 

Yes, you will have to come to the Testing Center for the midterm and final exams.  You will have a “window” of three or four days during which to schedule and take each of these exams.  You will also have to attend four relevant “real-time” events on campus.  I will provide a long list of conferences, talks, meetings, job fairs, workshops and the like from which you will have to choose four or five during the semester, attend them, and write about each one.

 

Is there a textbook?

 

Yes.  There is a regular textbook called The Psychology Major’s Handbook (2nd ed.) by Tara Kuther.  It will be available at the Kennel Bookstore.

 

What else will the course involve?

 

Right now it looks like there will be a weekly PowerPoint presentation, several informal audio podcasts (e.g., interviews with interesting people), and discussion boards for “talking” about the lectures, readings, and other activities.  There may be one or two additional short written assignments. 

 

How much work will it be?

 

This is hard to say.  It depends on whether you do all the work, how seriously you take it, how efficient you are, and whether you are trying for an A or would be satisfied with a C.  But I’m guessing that it will take about two to three hours per week—on average—for someone who is taking it fairly seriously.  This includes reading the textbook, doing the online activities, posting to the discussion boards, attending and writing about the real-time activities, and studying for and taking the exams.  

 

Have you ever taught an online course before?  Do you have any idea what you’re doing?

 

No.