Psychology 450 - 450G

Introduction to Personality Theories

Spring, 2002: online section

Dr. Retta E. Poe, Professor of Psychology

256 Tate Page Hall, Western Kentucky University, 1 Big Red Way, Bowling Green, Ky. 42101

(270) 745-4405

retta.poe@wku.edu

Homepage at: http://edtech.wku.edu/~rpoe/

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Pre-requisites: Junior standing; six hours of psychology (including Psy. 100)

"An overview of the major theoretical approaches to the study of personality. This will include theorists of historical note as well as contemporary theorists. The course will serve as a survey of major names, avenues of analysis and concepts in the field of personality."

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students will learn:

1. The terms, concepts, and systems of the major theories of personality.
2. What personality is, how it is measured, and how it develops.
3. To use APA publication style in writing an analysis of personality.
4. To describe three methods of doing research on personality, and to determine which method is appropriate to answer a given question about personality.
5. To apply personality theories in describing, explaining, and predicting the behavior of a given person.
6. Psychological principles which may lead to self-insight.
7. To develop and clarify a personal theory of personality.
8. The rationale for various systems of psychotherapy.
9. A foundation for understanding abnormal personality development.
10. Psychological information that may be helpful in various occupations.
11. Criteria for and skills in evaluating the theories of personality, including skills in comparing and contrasting the theories with each other.
12. Ways in which human diversity issues (e.g., gender, ethnicity, etc.) have been addressed in personality study.

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

Liebert, R.M., & Liebert, L.L. (1998). Personality: Strategies and issues (8^th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (undergraduate students)
 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS (graduate students)
 

****NOTE: The above requirements and policies are subject to change due to extenuating circumstances.