Theories of Personality

Theories of Personality

  1. Module Title: Theories of Personality
  2. Module Prefix/Number: PSYC 465
  3. Credit Hours: Three (3)
  4. Description:
    This course introduces students to the theories and models of objective personality assessment. Emphasis is placed on defining personality, personality and culture, the theories involved, application, introduction to personality assessments, and the importance of research. Personality psychology is concerned with the differences among people. Through this course, students will learn about six general categories of personality, namely, psychoanalytic, trait, biological, humanistic, behavioral/social learning, and cognitive approaches. In addition to the theories, personality psychologists takes into consideration the culture from which an individual comes. Therefore, a thorough understanding of human personality requires the study of theory, application of practical concerns, personality assessment, and relevant research on issues and topics pertaining to the respective theories of personality.
  5. Student Learning Outcomes:
    Learning outcomes

    The learner will:

    Assessment criteria

    The learner can:

    1. Knowledge and understanding of personality with regards to: 1.1 Understanding the major concepts and theories that helps to define Personality.

    1.2 Understanding behavior patterns and intrapersonal processes originating within the individual.

    1.3 Examining how individual differences in social, cultural and historical context may influence one’s personality.

    2. Develop and apply critical-thinking skills within the domain of psychological assessments in personality, enabling students to: 2.1 Demonstrate an ability to utilise critical-thinking that includes open-mindedness and the scientific process.

    2.2 Demonstrate an attitude of receptivity to new knowledge and intellectual engagement.

    2.3 Identify cultural and situational factors that impact personality.

    3. Learn how research has supported current findings of personality, enabling students to: 3.1 Prioritize evidence-based approaches to understanding and explaining issues within Theories of Personality.
  6. Grading Scale:
    Your letter grade in this course will be determined by calculating your score on all assignments and exams as a percentage of the total possible score, on a standard grading scale:

    Your Letter Grade Your Score as % of Total
    A 90–100
    B 80-89
    C 70-79
    D 60-69
    F 0-59

    Assignments 40%

    As part of the requirements, students must complete short assignments based on these studies. There will be 2 assignments, each attracting 20% of total course grade.

    Assignment (Essay) 20%

    Students are also required to turn in an essay assignment.

    Guidelines for the essay assignment:

    • Word limit: 1500 – 2500
    • The assignment should be typed using Times New Roman, 12-point size, double spaced, and 1″ margins.
    • The assignment should be edited for spelling and grammar.
    • References to be provided using the APA guidelines.

    Exam 40%

    There will be a Final exam. The exam will be based on material covered in the textbook readings and lecture notes.

  7. Course Outline
    Topic
    • What is Personality?
    • Personality Research Methods
    • The Psychoanalytic Approach: Freudian Theory, Application, and Assessment
    • The Freudian Approach
    • The Psychoanalytic Approach: Neo-Freudian Theory, Application, and Assessment
    • The Neo-Freudian Theories: Relevant Research
    • The Trait Approach: Theory, Application, and Assessment
    • The Trait Approach: Relevant Research
    • The Biological Approach: Theory, Application, and Assessment
    • The Biological Approach – Relevant Research
    • The Humanistic Approach: Theory, Application, and Assessment
    • The Humanistic Approach: Relevant Research
    • The Behavioral/Social Learning Approach: Theory, Application, and Assessment
    • The Behavioral/Social Learning Approach: Relevant Research
    • The Cognitive Approach: Theory, Application, and Assessment
    • The Cognitive Approach: Relevant Research

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