Exploring Personality and Its Transformations

Aug 6, 2024

Psychology 230: Personality and Its Transformations

Course Overview

  • Focus on two key aspects of personality:
    • Stability over time (identity)
    • Change across time
  • Multiple perspectives will be examined throughout the course.

Course Resources

  • Main resources:
    • Textbook: "Introduction to Personality and Its Transformations" (1982)
      • Covers classic theorists but lacks recent developments.
    • Online Readings: Accessible via course webpage under lecture topics and readings.
  • Course webpage:
    • Not using Blackboard, all information is available online.

Class Structure

  • Current Schedule:
    • January 7th: Introduction and Overview
    • January 12th: Reading on "Three Forms of Meaning in the Management of Complexity" (click to access)
  • TA Information:
    • Vanessa Go: Thursday, 4:45 PM - 5:45 PM
    • Victor Swift: Tuesday, 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
  • Instructor Office Hours:
    • Wednesdays, 4:15 PM - 5:45 PM
    • Sign-up sheets posted outside office 446.

Assessment Structure

  • Exams:
    • 2 Midterms: 25% each
      • Midterm 1: February 6th
      • Midterm 2: March 13th
    • Final Exam: 25%
  • Assignments:
    • Writing Assignment 1: 750-word essay (15%)
      • Due dates after relevant course content.
    • Writing Assignment 2: Personality Self-Analysis (7.5%)
      • Based on the Big Five personality model.
      • Involves selecting adjectives describing personal traits.

Personality Self-Analysis Exercise

  • Aim: Increase self-awareness and academic performance.
  • Process:
    • Identify adjectives related to positive and negative traits.
    • Reflect on personal experiences related to these traits.
    • Discuss insights with TA post-completion.

The Big Five Personality Traits

  1. Extraversion: Positive emotions, social engagement
    • Can lead to impulsivity if excessive.
  2. Neuroticism: Negative emotions, vulnerability to stress
    • High neuroticism linked to anxiety disorders.
  3. Agreeableness: Warmth and empathy vs. coldness.
  4. Openness: Creativity and intelligence.
  5. Conscientiousness: Organization and dependability
    • Strong predictor of academic success.

Importance of Clarification and Articulation

  • Articulating thoughts and feelings can reduce stress and clarify personal goals.
  • Keeping environments organized (physically and emotionally) reduces anxiety.

Course Expectations

  • Heavy reading load:
    • Original papers and complex texts.
    • Reading helps in essay writing and exam preparation.
  • Successful students are those who enjoy ideas and are willing to engage with the material.

Summary of the Course Content

  • Scientific Foundations:
    • Research in personality psychology.
    • Trait theory and psychobiology.
  • Historical Perspectives:
    • Myths and religious influences on personality theories.
  • Clinical Psychology:
    • Focus on understanding individual potential and development.
  • Philosophical Contexts:
    • Exploration of existential questions regarding human existence and suffering.

Future Lectures

  • Topics will include human knowledge, existential dilemmas, and the role of the unconscious in behavior.
  • Discussions on prominent theorists (Freud, Jung) and their influence on modern psychology.

Conclusion

  • Engage with the course material for a richer understanding of personality.
  • Expect a challenging but rewarding experience as you explore the complexities of human personality.