PSY 344: Psychology and Culture
Fall, 2014, Schedule # 60143
W 4:10pm – 6:50pm, Room N-101
Instructor:
Dr. Linda Abarbanell
Office: Faculty Offices East 137
Office Hours: W 2pm – 4pm and by appointment
E-mail: labarbanell@mail.sdsu.edu
Phone: (760) 768-xxxx
Course Description and Learning Objectives:
This course will explore the impact of culture in each of psychology’s major areas, theories, and empirical
findings. We will address basic questions about the nature of culture – and more far-reaching questions
about the profoundly cultural nature of human behavior – by drawing from the most up-to-date and
scientifically sound research in cultural psychology.
You will learn how cross-cultural research has challenged traditional findings in psychology across a
variety of topics. You will also learn to analyze and critique psychological research from a cross-cultural
perspective. As a major goal of the course, you will gain a better understanding of intercultural
differences and similarities as they apply to your personal and professional lives.
Meetings and Format:
We will meet on Wednesdays in room N-101 from 4:10pm – 6:50pm. Course meetings will consist of
lectures, in-class demonstrations and exercises, and guided discussion. Lectures and the textbook are
intended to supplement each other. Material will be discussed in class that is not in the textbook, and
some topics will be covered in the text that we will not have an opportunity to discuss in class. All
material may be included in the exams. In order to perform well, you will need to do all of the readings,
attend all class sessions, and take thorough notes to aid in your studying.
Required Reading:
Heine, S.J. (2012). Cultural psychology (2nd Edition). New York: Norton.
Prerequisite:
Psychology 101
1
Class Requirements and Grading:
Your final grade in this course will be based on two in-class exams, a group project, and a cumulative
final exam. All exams will be a combination of multiple choice and short essay questions. All exams will
be closed-book and closed-notes. Laptops, cell phones, and electronic devices must be off and stowed
during the exam.
1. In-class exams (40% of final grade). There will be two in-class exams. Each will focus on
material from one third of the class (see schedule). Each of these exams is worth 20% of your
final grade.
2. Group Projects (20% of final grade). There will be one group project. You will work together in
groups of 5-6 students to interview each other about how your particular culture(s) have and have
not influenced your development in the different areas covered in the course. Students will
present their findings in class. Specific instructions will be given in class.
3. Final exam (40% of final grade). The final exam is cumulative, covering the entire content of the
course (all chapters and lectures), and is scheduled for December 17th, 2014. The final exam is
mandatory and cannot be rescheduled.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities:
If you are a student with a disability and believe you will need accommodations for this class, it is your
responsibility to contact Norma Aguilar at (760) 768-5637 and Student Affairs (760) 768-5502). To avoid
any delay in the receipt of your accommodations, you should contact Student Disability Services as soon
as possible. Please note that accommodations are not retroactive, and that accommodations based upon
disability cannot be provided until you have presented your instructor with an accommodation letter from
Student Disability Services. Your cooperation is appreciated.
Plagiarism and Cheating:
Plagiarism is defined at SDSU as “the act of incorporating ideas, words, or specific substance of another,
whether purchased, borrowed, or otherwise obtained, and submitting same to the University as one’s own
work to fulfill academic requirements without giving credit to the appropriate source.” If you plagiarize or
cheat on an exam, you will receive zero points for that exam and your case will be sent to the appropriate
administrative body for review. Disciplinary action may be taken that my result in failure of this course
and/or suspension or expulsion from the university.
Course Schedule:
Week
Date
Topic
Reading
Unit 1: Foundations of Cultural Psychology
1
8/27
Introduction
What is culture? Perspectives on culture in psychology
Chapter 1
2
2
9/3
Culture and Human Nature
Cultural Evolution
3
9/10
Research methods: How do we study culture?
Chapter 4
4
9/17
Development and socialization: Culture’s early impact
Chapter 5
5
9/24
Exam 1
Chapters 2 & 3
Chapters 1-5
Unit 2: Personal Experiences in Cultural Contexts
6
10/1
Self and identity as cultural products
Chapter 6
7
10/8
Motivation
Chapter 7
8
10/15
Cultural construction of emotion
Chapter 14
9
10/22
Culture and cognition
Chapter 8
10
10/29
Exam 2
Chapters 6,7,14, & 8
Unit 3: Interpersonal Experiences in Multicultural Contexts
11
11/5
Interpersonal attraction
Close relationships and group processes
12
11/12
Physical health
Mental health
13
11/19
Morality, religion and justice
14
11/26
NO CLASS – Group projects
15
12/3
NO CLASS – Group projects
16
12/10
Living in multicultural worlds
Class presentations of group projects
Chapter 10
FINAL EXAM
Cumulative
Chapter 9
Chapters 11 & 12
Chapter 13
Final Exam
17
12/17
3