12/18/12

The inside scoop on staying engaged and up-to-date with the Psychology major!

The psychology undergraduate newsletter provides a weekly update on the latest course information, upcoming events, and currently available job, internship, and research opportunities relating to your major! Find past issues here. If you would like to start receiving the Psych Scoop directly to your inbox, send a request to: psyadvis@umn.edu.
--------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE:
PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING ANNOUNCEMENTS
--1.REMINDER: Psychology Advising Finals & Break Office Availability
--2.Participate on Facebook and Win $20 to the University Bookstore!!!
COURSES OF INTEREST
--3.Seats Available! PSY 5960 -003 Environmental Decision Making: Lawns to Climate
--4.Need Relevant Upper-Division Outside Major Credits? Political Psych Classes!
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
--5.RAs Needed in After Deployment: Adaptive Parenting Tools Lab--Work Study/Credit
--6.Summer Undergrad Research Program in Health for Under-Represented Students
--7.Summer Research Experience at LearnLab in Pennsylvania
JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
--8.Part-Time PCA Opportunity - Gain experience in Applied Behavior Analysis!
LEARNING ABROAD
--9.Upcoming May Session 2013 Global Seminars
SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
--10.Apply for a Study Abroad Scholarship! Fund for Education Abroad
--11.Alfred I. Johnson Scholarship for Internship in Public Affairs/Public Service
--------------------------------------------
PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING ANNOUNCEMENTS
**********
1.REMINDER: Psychology Advising Finals & Break Office Availability
Psychology Undergraduate Advising began our winter break availability on Monday, December 17th. Because advisor availability fluctuates, we will not hold walk-in hours during this time period. We are available to meet with students through appointments only. If you would like to meet with an advisor, please submit an Appointment Request Form: http://psych.umn.edu/ugrad/appointment.html. With the exception of University Holidays (12/24, 12/25, 12/26, and 1/1), our office remains open during our usual operating hours. Our front desk is not always staffed, but we will still be checking and responding to emails frequently during our business hours, so feel free to contact us with your questions at psyadvis@umn.edu.

**********
2.Participate on Facebook and Win $20 to the University Bookstore!!!
Want a $20 gift card to the University Bookstore?? Participate on PsyAdvis' Facebook page and be entered in a drawing at the end of the semester! Any UMN-TC student will be entered in the drawing each time (up to a total of ten) he or she meaningfully contributes to our Facebook page in a given semester. This would include participating on a discussion board, sharing a link on our wall, asking a related question, etc. There will be a drawing for posts made on or before 12/21/12, after which we will begin a new list of entries. There is no limit to the number of times you can win, and each semester you can be entered up to ten more times! Sounds fun, right? Follow this link to participate.

--------------------------------------------
COURSES OF INTEREST
**********
3.Seats Available! PSY 5960 -003 Environmental Decision Making: Lawns to Climate
How do people comprehend, shape, and manage environments? How do people decide which dynamics of environmental controversies are important - and worthy of study and activism? How do scholars identify and apply appropriate analytic frameworks to illuminate the intertwined nature of social and environmental systems? This environmental psychology seminar uses interdisciplinary social science approaches to explore ways that people experience environments and make decisions about them, both as individuals and also in the social contexts where environmental decision making is institutionalized. The class will use case studies at contrasting scales to explore a range of environmental decision challenges--from the everyday experience of immediate environments (like lawns) to the abstract "global environment" (as encountered in climate change and energy decisions). Students will also engage with environmental decision projects underway around the university and state to consider the challenges involved in using a range of different knowledge systems to understand and manage society-environmental relationships. PSY 5960 -003 will meet spring semester 9:45 - 12:30pm Fridays. The course prerequisite is an Introductory Psychology course (PSY 1001 or equivalent). PSY 5960 may be usable toward the PSY Elective area of your major. Use the PSY requirements page or contact Psych Advising to see how this may fit into your major progress.

**********
4.Need Relevant Upper-Division Outside Major Credits? Political Psych Classes!
POL 3310 Topics in American Politics: Personality and Politics--For more than half a century, psychologists and political scientists have sought to understand why some people gravitate toward political conservatism and others toward moderate or liberal ideologies. This course will examine classic and contemporary literature on the relationship between psychological dispositions (including traits, needs, physiological processes, and genes) and political preference and orientation. We will begin the course by examining the nature and influence of authoritarianism, a psychological disposition that launched the study of personality and politics in the 1950s and that continues to fuel debate about the underpinnings of political orientation. We will then examine how a wide variety of individual differences in personality, genes, and physiological functioning are responsible for producing differences in political ideology. The course will rely on both books and articles, and will require a 7-page term paper.*
POL 3766 Political Psychology of Mass Behavior--This course will provide an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology. It will use theories and findings from both political science (particularly in the areas of public opinion and political behavior) and psychology (particularly in the areas of social psychology and personality) to better understand politics, with a special focus on understanding ordinary citizens' political attitudes and behaviors. Students do not have to have prior coursework in both political science and psychology for this class. However, prior coursework in one of the two fields (especially in the areas mentioned above) is recommended. Work Load: 100 pages reading per week, 15 pages writing per term, 2 exams, 1 paper. In addition to working toward upper-division outside the major requirements, this course also meets the Liberal Education requirement of Social Sciences. For more details and to register for these courses, please visit the online registration system. *These courses do not count toward PSY major requirements, but may be great supplements to your studies.

--------------------------------------------
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
**********
5.RAs Needed in After Deployment: Adaptive Parenting Tools Lab--Work Study/Credit
The After Deployment: Adaptive Parenting Tools (ADAPT) study is looking for students to assist with research. Opportunities include data entry, data cleaning, and off-site childcare, preferably as work study or for credit (may enroll as PSY 4/5993). Students interested in childcare must have availability in the evenings and/or weekends and be willing to complete a background check. To learn more about ADAPT, please visit the website. Positions could start in spring semester or immediately. If interested, please send your resume or description of educational background and relevant experience to Stephanie Morris (skmorris@umn.edu).

**********
6.Summer Undergrad Research Program in Health for Under-Represented Students
The Center for Health Equity (CHE) and the Clinical &Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) are requesting applicants for the 2013 Summer Undergraduate Research Program. The purpose of the Undergraduate Research Program (URP) is to provide promising students from populations under-represented in research with knowledge, skills, and experience in health care research. This summer program provides research training through a structured core curriculum, closely supervised research projects, clinical research seminars and participation in selected additional symposia and scientific meetings. The cornerstone of the research training program is the trainee's participation in a research project. This will be under the direct supervision of faculty mentors who represent a cross-section of ongoing clinical and translational research in areas such as lab sciences, community health, survey, qualitative, and clinical. URP scholars will have opportunities to present at local, regional and possibly national meetings, and receive a $424/week stipend between 6/1/13 and 8/30/13. Applicants must be University of Minnesota - Twin Cities undergraduate students who are from an under-represented population (regardless of citizenship or immigration status). Applicants are encouraged to send a Letter of Interest - brief email stating your interest in the program - to Shane Smith at ctsieduc@umn.edu. Application due by noon on Tuesday, January 29th, 2013. Visit the website for more information and application (view the complete "Request for Applications" document link provided on the website).

**********
7.Summer Research Experience at LearnLab in Pennsylvania
A summer research experience for undergraduates (REU) program, sponsored by LearnLab--a Science of Learning Center funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is accepting applicants. Applications are encouraged from students who would like to conduct research in the fields of psychology, education, computer science, human-computer interfaces and language technologies. LearnLab's REU program allows talented undergrads to spend 8 weeks during the summer in a research laboratory at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, or one of our research partners. The REU teaches students how to conduct research in a modern academic research lab under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers, and experiment in real classroom environments. Students will conduct research in an area matched to the interests expressed in the student's application. Guidance and supervision of the research project will be provided by the faculty member. Seminars specific to those participating in the REU program will be held weekly, topics including graduate admissions and career opportunities in science, education, and computer science and engineering. In addition, LearnLab seminars and other held by the institution will be open to the students. Each student will receive a fellowship stipend of $4000. Food, housing, and travel will also be provided. Although students from other years may apply, this opportunity is most fitting for undergrads finishing their junior year. Students should have a minimum of 3.5 GPA, although students who show by other measures that they are exceptional and who have GPAs over 3.2 will be considered. Class standing and grades in specific subjects that are close to the field of research will also be considered, as are recommendations. Students will begin their research experience on Sunday, June 2, 2013 with a welcoming reception and info session. The REU program will end on Friday July 26, 2013 with a poster session in the afternoon. Deadline for applications is February 15, 2013. Students will be informed of a decision by March 1, 2013. The additional details and application can be found here.

--------------------------------------------
JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
**********
IMPORTANT: Organizations listed below are not necessarily affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Psychology or Psychology Undergraduate Advising. Please exercise the same discretion you would in viewing any other source.
**********
8.Part-Time PCA Opportunity - Gain experience in Applied Behavior Analysis!
Do you enjoy working with children or want to gain experience with behavior therapy? Work as a personal care assistant with a wonderful, easygoing, 5-year-old boy with high-functioning autism in Shoreview! This fun position would include training with the child's home-based Applied Behavior Analysis team. You would assist the child when he is not actively engaged in therapy sessions - playing and implementing self-care targets in his natural environment. While the therapists are working with the child you would be free to observe therapy sessions or work on your own activities, school work, etc. We are primarily looking for someone to come on Mondays from 7:15am to 5:30pm (therapist present from 8:30am-2:10pm), Tuesdays from 7:15am until 5:30pm (therapist present from 8:30am-4:10pm), and Friday from 7:15am-12:30pm (therapist present from 8:30am-12:30pm). If you are interested but can only commit to one day or mornings/afternoons, please still contact us with your availability. If interested, please e-mail Cheri at cschoon4@fairview.org.

--------------------------------------------
LEARNING ABROAD
**********
9.Upcoming May Session 2013 Global Seminars
What better thing to do over Winter Break than plan your May term abroad experience?! The Learning Abroad Center is excited to offer nine Global Seminars during May Session 2013, including six that are brand new programs. Spend May Session abroad and earn 3 credits while exploring a unique destination and topic. All Global Seminars have been evaluated to fulfill Liberal Education requirements. Priority application deadline is February 1; final deadline is March 1. Visit the website to learn more.

--------------------------------------------
SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
**********
10.Apply for a Study Abroad Scholarship! Fund for Education Abroad
Application deadlines for scholarships through the Fund for Education Abroad are being accepted until January 18, 2013. FEA provides awards up to $10,000 to students going abroad the fall 2013, academic year 2013/14, spring 2014 or summer 2014 terms. Awards are open to US citizens of all majors, studying in any country, on any program four weeks or longer. Application details and forms are available online.

**********
11.Alfred I. Johnson Scholarship for Internship in Public Affairs/Public Service
This scholarship was created to honor Alfred I. Johnson who was a Regent of the University and Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. The selected students commit to completing 400 hours in a public service internship. This scholarship provides students with a demonstrated interest in public affairs a stipend for their internships. In 2012-2013, six students received scholarships of up to $15,000 (although scholarship amounts may vary from year to year. Applicants must show evidence of a strong interest in public affairs, with an intention to pursue a career or vocational activities in public affairs, including any kind of community volunteer activity, organizing to affect public policy, service on government advisory committees, and service in elective offices. Applications are due on March 18, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year. Applications are available on the Political Science's department website.


The inside scoop on staying engaged and up-to-date with the Psychology major!
The psychology undergraduate newsletter provides a weekly update on the latest course information, upcoming events, and currently available job, internship, and research opportunities relating to your major! Find past issues here. If you would like to start receiving the Psych Scoop directly to your inbox, send a request to: psyadvis@umn.edu.
--------------------------------------------
IN THIS ISSUE:
PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING ANNOUNCEMENTS
--1.REMINDER: Psychology Advising Finals & Break Office Availability
--2.Participate on Facebook and Win $20 to the University Bookstore!!!
COURSES OF INTEREST
--3.Seats Available! PSY 5960 -003 Environmental Decision Making: Lawns to Climate
--4.Need Relevant Upper-Division Outside Major Credits? Political Psych Classes!
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
--5.RAs Needed in After Deployment: Adaptive Parenting Tools Lab--Work Study/Credit
--6.Summer Undergrad Research Program in Health for Under-Represented Students
--7.Summer Research Experience at LearnLab in Pennsylvania
JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
--8.Part-Time PCA Opportunity - Gain experience in Applied Behavior Analysis!
LEARNING ABROAD
--9.Upcoming May Session 2013 Global Seminars
SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
--10.Apply for a Study Abroad Scholarship! Fund for Education Abroad
--11.Alfred I. Johnson Scholarship for Internship in Public Affairs/Public Service
--------------------------------------------
PSYCHOLOGY ADVISING ANNOUNCEMENTS
**********
1.REMINDER: Psychology Advising Finals & Break Office Availability
Psychology Undergraduate Advising began our winter break availability on Monday, December 17th. Because advisor availability fluctuates, we will not hold walk-in hours during this time period. We are available to meet with students through appointments only. If you would like to meet with an advisor, please submit an Appointment Request Form: http://psych.umn.edu/ugrad/appointment.html. With the exception of University Holidays (12/24, 12/25, 12/26, and 1/1), our office remains open during our usual operating hours. Our front desk is not always staffed, but we will still be checking and responding to emails frequently during our business hours, so feel free to contact us with your questions at psyadvis@umn.edu.
**********
2.Participate on Facebook and Win $20 to the University Bookstore!!!
Want a $20 gift card to the University Bookstore?? Participate on PsyAdvis' Facebook page and be entered in a drawing at the end of the semester! Any UMN-TC student will be entered in the drawing each time (up to a total of ten) he or she meaningfully contributes to our Facebook page in a given semester. This would include participating on a discussion board, sharing a link on our wall, asking a related question, etc. There will be a drawing for posts made on or before 12/21/12, after which we will begin a new list of entries. There is no limit to the number of times you can win, and each semester you can be entered up to ten more times! Sounds fun, right? Follow this link to participate.
--------------------------------------------
COURSES OF INTEREST
**********
3.Seats Available! PSY 5960 -003 Environmental Decision Making: Lawns to Climate
How do people comprehend, shape, and manage environments? How do people decide which dynamics of environmental controversies are important - and worthy of study and activism? How do scholars identify and apply appropriate analytic frameworks to illuminate the intertwined nature of social and environmental systems? This environmental psychology seminar uses interdisciplinary social science approaches to explore ways that people experience environments and make decisions about them, both as individuals and also in the social contexts where environmental decision making is institutionalized. The class will use case studies at contrasting scales to explore a range of environmental decision challenges--from the everyday experience of immediate environments (like lawns) to the abstract "global environment" (as encountered in climate change and energy decisions). Students will also engage with environmental decision projects underway around the university and state to consider the challenges involved in using a range of different knowledge systems to understand and manage society-environmental relationships. PSY 5960 -003 will meet spring semester 9:45 - 12:30pm Fridays. The course prerequisite is an Introductory Psychology course (PSY 1001 or equivalent). PSY 5960 may be usable toward the PSY Elective area of your major. Use the PSY requirements page or contact Psych Advising to see how this may fit into your major progress.
**********
4.Need Relevant Upper-Division Outside Major Credits? Political Psych Classes!
POL 3310 Topics in American Politics: Personality and Politics--For more than half a century, psychologists and political scientists have sought to understand why some people gravitate toward political conservatism and others toward moderate or liberal ideologies. This course will examine classic and contemporary literature on the relationship between psychological dispositions (including traits, needs, physiological processes, and genes) and political preference and orientation. We will begin the course by examining the nature and influence of authoritarianism, a psychological disposition that launched the study of personality and politics in the 1950s and that continues to fuel debate about the underpinnings of political orientation. We will then examine how a wide variety of individual differences in personality, genes, and physiological functioning are responsible for producing differences in political ideology. The course will rely on both books and articles, and will require a 7-page term paper.*
POL 3766 Political Psychology of Mass Behavior--This course will provide an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology. It will use theories and findings from both political science (particularly in the areas of public opinion and political behavior) and psychology (particularly in the areas of social psychology and personality) to better understand politics, with a special focus on understanding ordinary citizens' political attitudes and behaviors. Students do not have to have prior coursework in both political science and psychology for this class. However, prior coursework in one of the two fields (especially in the areas mentioned above) is recommended. Work Load: 100 pages reading per week, 15 pages writing per term, 2 exams, 1 paper. In addition to working toward upper-division outside the major requirements, this course also meets the Liberal Education requirement of Social Sciences. For more details and to register for these courses, please visit the online registration system. *These courses do not count toward PSY major requirements, but may be great supplements to your studies.
--------------------------------------------
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
**********
5.RAs Needed in After Deployment: Adaptive Parenting Tools Lab--Work Study/Credit
The After Deployment: Adaptive Parenting Tools (ADAPT) study is looking for students to assist with research. Opportunities include data entry, data cleaning, and off-site childcare, preferably as work study or for credit (may enroll as PSY 4/5993). Students interested in childcare must have availability in the evenings and/or weekends and be willing to complete a background check. To learn more about ADAPT, please visit the website. Positions could start in spring semester or immediately. If interested, please send your resume or description of educational background and relevant experience to Stephanie Morris (skmorris@umn.edu).
**********
6.Summer Undergrad Research Program in Health for Under-Represented Students
The Center for Health Equity (CHE) and the Clinical &Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI) are requesting applicants for the 2013 Summer Undergraduate Research Program. The purpose of the Undergraduate Research Program (URP) is to provide promising students from populations under-represented in research with knowledge, skills, and experience in health care research. This summer program provides research training through a structured core curriculum, closely supervised research projects, clinical research seminars and participation in selected additional symposia and scientific meetings. The cornerstone of the research training program is the trainee's participation in a research project. This will be under the direct supervision of faculty mentors who represent a cross-section of ongoing clinical and translational research in areas such as lab sciences, community health, survey, qualitative, and clinical. URP scholars will have opportunities to present at local, regional and possibly national meetings, and receive a $424/week stipend between 6/1/13 and 8/30/13. Applicants must be University of Minnesota - Twin Cities undergraduate students who are from an under-represented population (regardless of citizenship or immigration status). Applicants are encouraged to send a Letter of Interest - brief email stating your interest in the program - to Shane Smith at ctsieduc@umn.edu. Application due by noon on Tuesday, January 29th, 2013. Visit the website for more information and application (view the complete "Request for Applications" document link provided on the website).
**********
7.Summer Research Experience at LearnLab in Pennsylvania
A summer research experience for undergraduates (REU) program, sponsored by LearnLab--a Science of Learning Center funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is accepting applicants. Applications are encouraged from students who would like to conduct research in the fields of psychology, education, computer science, human-computer interfaces and language technologies. LearnLab's REU program allows talented undergrads to spend 8 weeks during the summer in a research laboratory at Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, or one of our research partners. The REU teaches students how to conduct research in a modern academic research lab under the guidance of experienced scientists and engineers, and experiment in real classroom environments. Students will conduct research in an area matched to the interests expressed in the student's application. Guidance and supervision of the research project will be provided by the faculty member. Seminars specific to those participating in the REU program will be held weekly, topics including graduate admissions and career opportunities in science, education, and computer science and engineering. In addition, LearnLab seminars and other held by the institution will be open to the students. Each student will receive a fellowship stipend of $4000. Food, housing, and travel will also be provided. Although students from other years may apply, this opportunity is most fitting for undergrads finishing their junior year. Students should have a minimum of 3.5 GPA, although students who show by other measures that they are exceptional and who have GPAs over 3.2 will be considered. Class standing and grades in specific subjects that are close to the field of research will also be considered, as are recommendations. Students will begin their research experience on Sunday, June 2, 2013 with a welcoming reception and info session. The REU program will end on Friday July 26, 2013 with a poster session in the afternoon. Deadline for applications is February 15, 2013. Students will be informed of a decision by March 1, 2013. The additional details and application can be found here.
--------------------------------------------
JOB/INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
**********
IMPORTANT: Organizations listed below are not necessarily affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Psychology or Psychology Undergraduate Advising. Please exercise the same discretion you would in viewing any other source.
**********
8.Part-Time PCA Opportunity - Gain experience in Applied Behavior Analysis!
Do you enjoy working with children or want to gain experience with behavior therapy? Work as a personal care assistant with a wonderful, easygoing, 5-year-old boy with high-functioning autism in Shoreview! This fun position would include training with the child's home-based Applied Behavior Analysis team. You would assist the child when he is not actively engaged in therapy sessions - playing and implementing self-care targets in his natural environment. While the therapists are working with the child you would be free to observe therapy sessions or work on your own activities, school work, etc. We are primarily looking for someone to come on Mondays from 7:15am to 5:30pm (therapist present from 8:30am-2:10pm), Tuesdays from 7:15am until 5:30pm (therapist present from 8:30am-4:10pm), and Friday from 7:15am-12:30pm (therapist present from 8:30am-12:30pm). If you are interested but can only commit to one day or mornings/afternoons, please still contact us with your availability. If interested, please e-mail Cheri at cschoon4@fairview.org.
--------------------------------------------
LEARNING ABROAD
**********
9.Upcoming May Session 2013 Global Seminars
What better thing to do over Winter Break than plan your May term abroad experience?! The Learning Abroad Center is excited to offer nine Global Seminars during May Session 2013, including six that are brand new programs. Spend May Session abroad and earn 3 credits while exploring a unique destination and topic. All Global Seminars have been evaluated to fulfill Liberal Education requirements. Priority application deadline is February 1; final deadline is March 1. Visit the website to learn more.
--------------------------------------------
SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
**********
10.Apply for a Study Abroad Scholarship! Fund for Education Abroad
Application deadlines for scholarships through the Fund for Education Abroad are being accepted until January 18, 2013. FEA provides awards up to $10,000 to students going abroad the fall 2013, academic year 2013/14, spring 2014 or summer 2014 terms. Awards are open to US citizens of all majors, studying in any country, on any program four weeks or longer. Application details and forms are available online.
**********
11.Alfred I. Johnson Scholarship for Internship in Public Affairs/Public Service
This scholarship was created to honor Alfred I. Johnson who was a Regent of the University and Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives. The selected students commit to completing 400 hours in a public service internship. This scholarship provides students with a demonstrated interest in public affairs a stipend for their internships. In 2012-2013, six students received scholarships of up to $15,000 (although scholarship amounts may vary from year to year. Applicants must show evidence of a strong interest in public affairs, with an intention to pursue a career or vocational activities in public affairs, including any kind of community volunteer activity, organizing to affect public policy, service on government advisory committees, and service in elective offices. Applications are due on March 18, 2013 for the 2013-2014 school year. Applications are available on the Political Science's department website.