COURSE DESCRIPTION & TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
As stated in the catalog, Theories of Personality is an “analysis of major theoretical formulations concerning personality with an emphasis upon their current status and evidential bases.”
This course takes a meta-theoretical approach by focusing on personality paradigms and their contemporary study. We will examine them from several viewpoints, with some attention being given to historical models that have guided current thinking about personality. However, the focus will be on contemporary thought. We will also emphasize the role of personality in human development, the application of personality in different contexts (e.g., clinical and work settings), and the importance of culture. At the end of the semester, students will have met the following objectives:
- Understand the dominant meta-theoretical approaches to personality, including their strengths and limitations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of classic and contemporary empirical research articles in the field of personality.
- Integrate concepts and research representing divergent approaches to personality.
- Show creative conceptual and methodological thought through written work that focuses on future use of personality theories.
My teaching philosophy is that we build knowledge by thinking, talking, writing, and evaluating current knowledge. I will have a dual role. For each section of the assigned readings, I will begin by reviewing key points. Then, I will become a group facilitator, with the class as a whole being in charge of the discussions.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment of students’ work will be based on how they organize relevant information (e.g., understanding the readings) and communicate such understanding in a coherent way. Specifically, the final grade will be based on the following components:
- Short writing assignments (quizzes): In order to motivate students to read the assigned material prior to class, there will be six short writing assignments to be completed during class time. They will not be announced in advance. The lowest score will be dropped. Each in-class assignment is worth 10 points. The combined in-class assignments will be worth a total of 50 points (again the lowest score will be dropped), accounting for about 17% of the final grade.
- Research proposal: Students will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular area of personality theory and show creative methodological thought by writing a research proposal. This assignment is worth 50 points, accounting for about 17% of the final grade.
- Exams: Students will have the opportunity to communicate their understanding of the material by taking two closed-book, non-cumulative exams (mid-term and final). Each exam is worth 100 points and consists of 5-10 short essay questions in order to test students’ ability to integrate and apply the material in novel situations. Both exams account for about 67% of the final grade.
Assessment of students’ work will be based on how they organize relevant information (e.g., understanding the readings) and communicate such understanding in a coherent way. Specifically, the final grade will be based on the following components:
- Short writing assignments (quizzes): In order to motivate students to read the assigned material prior to class, there will be six short writing assignments to be completed during class time. They will not be announced in advance. The lowest score will be dropped. Each in-class assignment is worth 10 points. The combined in-class assignments will be worth a total of 50 points (again the lowest score will be dropped), accounting for about 17% of the final grade.
- Research proposal: Students will have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular area of personality theory and show creative methodological thought by writing a research proposal. This assignment is worth 50 points, accounting for about 17% of the final grade.
- Exams: Students will have the opportunity to communicate their understanding of the material by taking two closed-book, non-cumulative exams (mid-term and final). Each exam is worth 100 points and consists of 5-10 short essay questions in order to test students’ ability to integrate and apply the material in novel situations. Both exams account for about 67% of the final grade.
CURRENT STUDENTS
Students currently enrolled in this course can find the syllabus, calendar for assignments and due dates, and grades by going through the REGGIENET (log in with your ULID and PASSWORD).