PSYC 361

I. Course Title: Psychology of Personality

II. Course Number: PSYC 361

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits 

IV. Prerequisites: PSYC 121

V. Course Description: 

Introduction to descriptions, dynamics and determinants of personality. The major approaches to the study of personality and influences are discussed.

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

Major topics to be covered in a typical semester will include: 

1. What is personality?

2. Assessment and measurement in personality research

3. Personality as disposition

• a. Traits and taxonomies
• b. Measurement of traits 
• c. Stability and coherence of traits over time

4. Biological approaches to personality

• a. Genetics and personality
• b. Physiology and personality
• c. Evolutionary perspectives on personality

5. Psychoanalytic approaches to personality

• a. Current issues

6. Cognitive approaches to personality

• a. Cognition and personality
• b. Emotion and personality

7. Social and cultural approaches to personality

• a. Personality and social interaction
• b. Sex, gender, and personality
• c. Culture and personality

8. Adjustment and personality

• a. Stress, coping, adjustment, and health
• b. Disorders of personality

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

A number of instructional strategies will be employed to enhance student engagement, and may include any or all of the following general strategies.

• Lecture
• Online content, activities, and assignments
• Individual and group presentations 
• Individual and collaborative research activities
• Community-based projects
• Video instruction
• Instructor-led class discussions
• Small-group discussions
• Informal writing activities
• Written and critical thinking assignments
• Group activities
• Case studies
• Guest speakers
• Journals or class blogs 

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

Having successfully completed this course, the student will be able to:

1. Describe and explain the major theories in personality, along with information on the theorists themselves.
2. Recognize, compare, and contrast the key ideas that have been generated by each of the theories, and evaluate the impact these ideas have had on our understanding of people and the study of personality.
3. Evaluate each of the major personality theories in terms of its comprehensiveness, theoretical soundness, and demonstrated empirical validity.
4. Recognize, describe, and explain the practical applications each of these theories have provided for describing and measuring personality, and for treating people with psychological problems.
5. Recognize and describe major areas of research in the field of personality that go beyond any one theory, such as sex-role identification, self-concept, and anxiety.
6. Apply topics in personality psychology directly to a practical aspect of the student's life.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Assessment measures may include any combination of the following strategies:

• Examinations (Objective and essay questions)
• In-class or out-of-class quizzes
• Student presentations
• In-class discussion and participation
• Written assignments/projects
• Evaluation of research
• In-class application assignments
• Online assignments
• Group participation
• Class attendance

 

Other Course Information: None

 

Review and Approval

September 2001 Updated and put in new format Dr. Alastair V. E. Harris

March 01, 2021