Home
Classes My Research Background Links

THEORIES OF PERSONALITY

• 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. During the semester, we will cover six paradigms and five thematic domains (see below). I will begin by reviewing key ideas. Then, I will become a group facilitator, with one or two students presenting an article of their choosing.

Six Paradigms:

1. Psychoanalytic Paradigm
2. Trait Paradigm
3. Behaviorist Paradigm
4. Existential-Humanistic Paradigm & Positive Psychology
5. Social-Cognitive Paradigm
6. Biological/Evolutionary Paradigm

Five Thematic Domains:

1. Personality and Culture
2. Personality Disorders and Cultural Syndromes
3. Personality Development: Stability and Change
4. Special Issues in Personality Assessment
5. The Dark Side of Personality
• 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).

---