Kristyn L. Karl - Teaching

The quality of teaching that I received as an undergraduate led me to pursue a career in academia. I care a lot about teaching engagingly and effectively. In 2014, I earned a U-M Graduate Teacher Certificate from the University of Michigan's Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT). Since then, I have continued to remain actively engaged in the science of teaching and learning. All of my courses emphasize student-centric outcomes and focus on active learning, critical thinking, real-world application of skills, and effective communication in writing and speaking.

Descriptions of the courses I have recently taught are available below. Please contact me if you'd like additional information and/or syllabi from any of the courses listed - I am happy to share resources.

Political Psychology

& the Media

This seminar course (400-level) examines the psychology behind our media consumption and its impact on our political behavior and attitudes. The political landscape in the United States is increasingly polarized, including both the media environment and the mass public. In what ways do our psychological similarities and differences influence our preference for particular styles of communication? Research shows that the psychology of the left and the right favor different styles of political media. Specific topics covered include: the history of political (and partisan) media, psychological theories of media consumption, biological foundations of political attitudes and behavior, the role of the media environment and choice, partisan polarization, and the impacts of media psychology on political behavior.

Introduction to

Science Communication

This course (100-level) teaches students the basic skills required for researching, analyzing, and communicating science-related topics to the public. Substantive topics vary by week and include genetic engineering, military technology, the coronavirus pandemic, and space exploration, among others. In addition, weekly workshops designed to foster verbal and written communication skills will provide students practical, hands-on experience. Overall, the course will help students become more astute consumers of scientific information and better prepare them to communicate the value of their work to their peers and the public. Ultimately, your ability to communicate effectively is essential to your success in this class and in the real world.

U.S. Campaigns

& Elections

Offered every-other Fall semester to align with U.S. federal campaign cycles, this course (300-level) provides students an opportunity to examine current and ongoing political campaigns and elections in the United States. You will closely follow the twists and turns of the election season with an eye toward understanding how campaigns have come to take their current form and in what ways they impact citizens, particularly the behavior of voters. Topics covered include: the electoral system, political parties and polarization, campaign strategy and finance, public opinion, media effects, political advertising, and participation.

Research Design

& Methodology

This course (300-level) is an intensive introduction to research design and methods for the disciplines of the Social Sciences. It will prepare students to develop their own research projects with a focus on understanding sound research design and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of various methodological approaches. Topics covered include: identifying a research topic, formulating theoretically-motivated questions of inquiry, organizing and writing your literature review, and selecting an appropriate research design and methodology. Students will gain hands-on experience with a variety of qualitative and quantitative approaches. You will emerge from this course better equipped to undertake research of your own and better able to evaluate the work of others.

STEM Law and Public Policy

(Pre-College Program)

A one-week intensive course offered as part of Stevens' Pre-College program. This was co-taught with Lindsey Cormack and provided advanced high school students a deeper understanding of U.S. foreign policy at the intersection of STEM. Students worked in teams and individually on a real-world STEM problem, the use of drones in Pakistan. Students reviewed current policy, conducted topic-specific research, deliberated and developed a response to an ongoing real-world policy issue. The program included a site visit to the UN and culminated in a Mock National Security Council meeting, in which I played the role of National Security Advisor to the President (and moderated the meeting).

Seminar in

Leadership Studies

What is leadership? Are leaders born or made? What motivations and characteristics lead to success (or failure) as a leader? This seminar course (400-level) provides students an opportunity to examine leadership motivations and behaviors across varying contexts. You will read, analyze and discuss theories of leadership, current debates, and best practices, before turning to a case study approach. Examples include contemporary and historical figures such as Robert Moses (The Power Broker), Martin Luther King, Jr., Harry Truman, and Serena Williams, among others. Through critical analyses and application of key concepts, you are encouraged to understand leaders as imperfect human beings: while they may possess great skill, they also have limitations.

Additional Courses Taught

Introduction to American Government
Political Psychology
American Political Parties
Political Strategy & Debate
Modern U.S. Presidency
Persuasion & Communication Strategy

Learn more about the U-M Graduate Teacher Certificate

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Kristyn L. Karl, Ph.D.