Personality Theories

Understanding Theories of Personality

Dr. Deborah Bergman Deitcher

Short description

Various theorists conceived of personality from different focal points – e.g., genetics, environment, traits, etc. This course will examine a variety of these theories. We will learn to compare and contrast between them, and reflect on how they can be applied to ourselves and to others. Some of the theories we will cover include: Psychoanalytic, Humanistic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Social Learning, Evolutionary.

Course Policy

Cell phones must be turned off or in your bag during class.

Course Requirements

Readings: Assigned readings must be complete prior to class. This will facilitate your participation and make the classes more interesting for everyone. You will be provided with a schedule of classes and readings at the beginning of the semester.

Weekly assignments: At the beginning of each week I will provide a short assignment relating to that weeks’ readings/discussion. Responses are short – a few paragraphs to a page typed. You are required to respond each week. Responses will be graded on a scale of 0-5. These questions are an assessment of your understanding of the readings as well as a way to jump-start class discussions. The top 8 out of 10 assignment grades will count towards your final grade.

Midterm Exam: Halfway through the semester there will be a midterm exam. The exam will consist of multiple choice questions based on the material we have covered and their application.

Final paper: The final assignment requires watching a movie and writing an 8-10 page paper that analyzes the behaviors of the characters from the perspective of a personality psychologist. The paper is described more fully in a separate document.

 Submission dates are set by the University and the Liberal Arts program and must be respected.

Grades: Your final course grade will be calculated as follows:

Attendance: 10%

Participation: 5%

Weekly assignments (top 8 out of 10): 30%

Mid-term exam: 15%

Final paper: 40%

Attendance and Participation:

Class attendance is mandatory. According to school policy, you are allowed up to 3 absences. Class discussions surrounding the issues of personality can enhance the course and make it more interesting. The more you participate, the better the discussions can be! Both of these elements are part of your final course grade.