APSY A330: PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY

Professor: Dr. Laura N. May (LauraM@usca.edu)

Meeting Times: Tuesday & Thursday 10:50am - 12:05pm

Class Location: 235 Penland Administration Building

Office: 237-O Penland Administration Bldg.; 641-3217

Office Hours: MWF 11:00-11:50am; Thursday 12:30-2:00pm; or by appointment

Psych. Dept. Office: 226 Penland Admin. Bldg.; 641- 3579

Required Text: Derlega, V. J., Winstead, B. A., & Jones, W. H. (2005). Personality: Contemporary Theory and Research, 3^rd Ed.

Credit Hours: 3 Credit Hours

COURSE STRUCTURE

DEPARTMENTAL MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the USCA Department of Psychology undergraduate program is to educate students in the knowledge, research techniques, basic and applied perspectives of the various subfields of psychology, and the appreciation of psychological values, in an individualized learning environment, involving classroom, laboratory, and applied experiences.

COURSE OBJECTIVES: This course is designed to compare and contrast classic and contemporary theories of personality. The goals of this course are to:

(1) Introduce basic concepts, theories, and research in personality psychology

(2) Learn to think critically about personality traits and theories

(3) Understand the development and continuity of personality

(4) Present personality research methods and ethical concerns therein, and

(5) Apply understanding of personality (e.g., concepts, theories, and research findings), especially the trait perspective, to oneself and one’s behavioral tendencies in everyday life.

COURSE GRADING: Course grades are comprised of the following components:

1. TESTS (375 points): Tests will cover the information presented in both the lectures and the text. Each of the three tests (2 tests regularly scheduled during the course of the class and one scheduled during the final exam period) will cover the unique section of material outlined in the syllabus. Each test will be worth 100 points and consist of a combination of the following: multiple choice questions, short answer essays, and long answer essays. Item content will focus on central concepts, research, and theories of personality psychology.

a) TESTS 1 & 2 (125 points each)

b) FINAL EXAM (125 points): The final exam is simply Test #3 and not comprehensive in nature. It will cover the last section of material outlined in the syllabus and is worth 100 points.

2. Personality Profile Paper (200 points): The personality profile paper requirement of the course will consist of a 15-20 page document delineating your unique set of personality traits/characteristics will be due during the course of the semester. In order to complete this assignment, you will be asked to fill out personality surveys in class, which will enable you to have a sense of where you lie on several continuums of personality. Moreover, you will be asked to discuss each trait that you choose to identify in terms of existing theory and its impact on individual functioning in every day life. More specific details regarding the paper will be distributed in class. Papers are to be written in APA format, typed in a standard 12-point font, and double-spaced.

3. Class Attendance (25 points): It is strongly recommended that you attend every class session as learning is an interactive process and cannot be adequately achieved by simply reading a given textbook. As a professor, I value class participation and require students to participate in class activities, which may be formal (assigned group and/or individual activities) or informal (answering questions posed in class). Each scheduled day of class, an attendance sheet will be passed around the classroom. It is your daily responsibility to sign the roll sheet in order to indicate your attendance. During the course of the semester, you will be allowed two absences without point penalty. Any absence (for any reason whatsoever) after those initial two will result in a one point penalty (i.e., reduction in class attendance points) for each additional absence incurred.

COURSE GRADING

Final grade distribution will be as follows:

A = 537-600 points

B+ = 519-536 points

B = 477-518 points

C+ = 459-476 points

C = 417-458 points

D+ = 399-416 points

D = 357-398 points

F = 000-356 points

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

(1) Your instructor values good writing in this course. Please remember that the written work that you produce in this class can be included in your rising junior writing portfolio. For further information on the portfolio requirement, please consult your USCA Undergraduate and Graduate Studies Bulletin or visit Dr. Lynne Rhodes, Director of Writing Assessment, or Karl Fornes, Director of the Writing Room.

(2) It is the policy of the Psychology Department that work submitted for completion of the requirements of this course must not have been previously submitted for the completion of requirements in any other course. Simultaneous submissions are also disallowed.

(3) Academic Responsibility: Please note that the University Honor Code is in effect in this class (see the USCA Student Handbook for a full version) and all students must adhere to this honor code. Any breach of this code can result in a failing grade. All instances of academic misconduct will be treated in accordance with relevant University policies as outlined in the USCA Student Handbook and other pertinent documents.

· The following statement should appear on all major examinations and assignment: "On my honor as a USCA student, I have neither given nor received any unauthorized aid on this assignment/exam. To the best of my knowledge, I am not in violation of academic honesty." _____________________________ Signature

(4) If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability which might affect your performance in this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, 126-A B&E, (803) 641-3609, as soon as possible. The Disability Services Office will determine appropriate accommodations based on medical documentation.

(5) Please take an active role in your own education…ask questions, suggest topics for discussion, make relevant/appropriate comments, etc. Do NOT wait until the end of the semester to discuss course difficulties with the professor as very little can be accomplished at the point.

COURSE SYLLABUS

January 10 - February 9^th: Basic Issues & Major Theories of Personality: Defining Personality Psychology; Methods, Measurement & Issues in Personality Measurement; Genetic & Environmental Influences in Personality Development; and Major Theoretical Perspectives of Personality

Readings: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5

February 14^th: TEST #1 (Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5) [ Test #1 Grade: ________ ]

February 16-March 21^st: Topics in Personality Research (Part 1): Personality Structure & Processes; The Unconscious; Motives; Identity, Self-Concept, & Self- Esteem; and Self-Awareness & Self-Consciousness

Readings: Chapters 7, 8, 6, 9, & 10

March 6-10^th: Spring Break (No Classes)

March 23^rd: TEST #2 (Chapters 6, 7, 8, 9, & 11) [Test #2 Grade: ________ ]

April 3-20^th: Topics in Personality Research (Part 2): Personality and Issues of Control; Self-Efficacy & Well-Being; Emotions; Personality and Relationships; Dimensions of Culture related to Personality; and Sex & Gender Issues in Personality Research

Readings: Chapters 11, 13, 17, 12, & 15

April 13^th : PERSONALITY PROFILE PAPER DUE [ Profile Grade: ________ ]

April 20^th: LAST DAY OF CLASS (FINAL REVIEW)

April 27^th (11:00am): FINAL EXAM (Ch. 11, 13, 17, 12, & 15) [ Final Grade: ________ ]