Spring 2018 - PSYC 370 J100
Introduction to Theories of Personality (3)
Class Number: 10256
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Mon, 5:30–8:20 p.m.
Vancouver -
Exam Times + Location:
Apr 16, 2018
Mon, 7:00–10:00 p.m.
Vancouver
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Instructor:
Nora Hope
nhope@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
PSYC 201.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Focuses on classic and contemporary theories, conceptual debates, and empirical research in the area of personality. Students with credit for PSYC 270 may not complete this course for further credit
COURSE DETAILS:
How can we measure and describe enduring differences in personality characteristics between people? Why are two siblings raised in the same family often so different? The answers to these questions and more will be explored. As we will uncover, the answers depend on which personality theorist you ask. This course provides an overview of theory and research on personality. Through lecture and readings, the course will examine the major theories of personality, including psychodynamic, humanistic, behaviourist and social learning, biological, and trait theories. In parallel with learning the major theories of personality, we will explore how the life events in the biographies of the theorists (e.g., Freud, Adler, Skinner) contributed to their view of the world. The biographies are intricately linked with development of the theories, and give clues to biases in each of the theories.
In addition to covering the major theories of personality, the course will also cover the history and cultural climate of theory development, empirical evidence for the major theories of personality, and methods of studying individual differences. Additional topics include using big data analytics (e.g., social media data) in personality research and normative change in personality over the lifespan.
Grading
- *Midterm exam: *25 or 40%
- Participation: 10%
- Final exam: 50%
- Optional paper: 15%
- *If students choose to write the optional paper, midterm will account for 25% instead of 40% of final grade
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Schultz, D. & Schultz, S. (2017). Theories of Personality (11th Edition). Cengage Learning
Students can purchase a handheld device directly from the SFU bookstore. https://www.sfu.ca/tlc/technology/student_response_systems.html
Registrar Notes:
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS