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
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:
- Describe and explain the major theories in personality, along with information on
the theorists themselves.
- 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.
- Evaluate each of the major personality theories in terms of its comprehensiveness,
theoretical soundness, and demonstrated empirical validity.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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