Course Description
This course will focus on the development of personality theory, major models of personality, the major theorists, and their contributions to the field. Topics include personality development, personality structure, and the potential for change. (3 credits)
Prerequisites
- ENG 101: English Composition 1
- ENG 102: English Composition 2
- PSY 101: Psychology (Recommended)
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
- Identify the major theories of personality
- Describe the major contributions to each theoretical school.
- Describe the major structural elements of each personality model.
- Explain the process of how personality develops and the potential for personality change throughout the life cycle in each personality model.
- Explain the concept of how personality develops within each personality model.
- Be able to describe the strengths and weaknesses of each model of personality
Course Activities and Grading
| Assignments | Weight |
|---|---|
Group Discussions and Posts (10pts. X 8 weeks) | 35% |
Weekly paper on theories (10 pts. X 8 weeks) | 35% |
Term Research Paper | 30% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
Available through Charter Oak State College's Book Bundle
- Feist, J, and Robert T. Feist. (2021). Theories of Personality. 10th ed. McGraw-Hill: NYC, NY. ISBN-13: 978-1-260-83862-6 [Looseleaf version]
Additional Resources
- Various websites, readings and library (online) sources.
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
1 | 1-6 | Topics: Intro to Personality, Freud and Psychoanalysis
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2 | 1-6 | Topics: Adler: Individual Psychology & Jung: Analytical Psychology
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3 | 1-6 | Topics: Klein's Object Relations; Horney's Psychoanalytic Social Theory
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4 | 1-6 | Topics: Fromm's Humanistic Theory; Erikson's Post Freudian Theory
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5 | 1-6 | Topic: Maslow & Roger's Humanistic Theories & May's Existential Theories
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6 | 1-6 | Topics: Allport's Dispositional Theory & McCrae & Costa's 5 Factor Trait Theory
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7 | 1-6 | Topics: Eyenck & Buss' Biological Theory & Skinner's Behavioral Theory
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8 | 1-6 | Topic: Personality Development and Prejudice
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COSC Accessibility Statement
Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.
COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources
Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.