Personality Theories La Salle University

PSY 425 Department of Psychology

Fall, 2002 David J. Falcone, Ph.D.

Holroyd Hall 11-C 951-1684 falcone@lasalle.edu http://www.lasalle.edu/~falcone

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

There are two approaches generally taken to studying Personality. The first is to consider the specific phenomena studied by Personality Psychologists (e.g., public self-awareness, the nature of the self, and the Need for Power). This approach is heavy on the empirical and lighter on the historical/theoretical. The second approach, the one this course is taking, considers the major theorists and their work. For each theorist we will critically analyze his or her solutions to questions like: “What is personality?” “How does personality work?” Does personality change, and if so, how?” “Why are personalities so different?” As psychology's answers to the most general questions of human nature, Personality Theorists expose us to the broadest levels of integrated psychological discussion. We shall see the special insights and problems faced when taking such a broad based look at such a complicated being. We shall also discover how programs of research have begun to unravel some of the most important questions of human behavior and meaning.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. Understand the philosophical contexts and principle content of theoretical perspectives that have supported and/or continue to support the study of personality.

2. Understand the research strategies and outcomes associated with the important questions that represent the work of contemporary researchers of Personality.

3. Use the knowledge of personality theories to better understand our selves and the complexity of the human condition.

FORMAT:

The majority of class time will involve lecture and discussion. You will get the most out of each our meetings if you come prepared. This requires at least two activities. First, complete the readings for each class. There will be classes that make no sense if you arrived and have not read the material. Second, contemplate the previous class and determine what remains unclear or confusing. I will start each class by asking if have questions concerning previously covered material. This will be a good opportunity to tell where you need assistance.

REQUIREMENTS:

Text: Theories of Personality (4^th Ed.), Hall, Lindzey and Campbell

You are responsible for lecture, discussion and textbook content. Grades will be awarded based on scores received on four exams. Each exam is worth 25% of the final grade. Finally, additional short projects may be assigned which are not graded but must be judged as satisfactory and completed to meet the objectives of the course. Failure to meet this aspect of the course requirement could result in a reduction of a letter grade (e.g. and A to a B).

Personality Theories, PSY 425

Holroyd Hall 117 951-1270 falcone@lasalle.edu http://www.lasalle.edu/~falcone

Dates:	Topic	Chapters
AUG 26	Overview and Foundation	1
28
30	Psychoanalytic Theory:Freud	2
SEP 4
6
9	Jung	3
11
13
16	Test 1
18	Early Social Theorists: Adler	4
20
23	Fromm	4
25
27	Horney	4
30
Oct 2	Neo-Psychoanalytic: Erikson	5
4
7
9
11	Test 2
14	Trait Theory: Allport	7
16
18
23	Eysenck	9
25
28
30	Test 3
Nov 1	Cognitive Theory: Kelly	10
4
6
8	O.J. Harvey
11
13	Humanistic/Existential: Rogers	11
15
18
20	Learning and Social Learning Theory: Skinner	12
22
25	Dollard & Miller, Rotter and Bandura	13 &14
Dec 2
4
6
Finals	Test 4