HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY
DEVELOPMENT
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYC. I : PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
U. T. PERMIAN BASIN
EDUC. 6303/PSYC. 6341
SPRING 2005
Meets in MB 3251
Instructor: Spencer Thompson. Office: MB 304. Phone: 552-2350; email
thompson_s@utpb.edu
Office Hours: M-TH 11-12 AM, W 6:00-7 PM, or by appointment.
Date Week
Jan 12
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Topic
Philosophies of human nature
Chapter
1
19
Theories, Science; introduction to Freud 2
26
Freud; Introduction to Social Learning 3, 4
2
Social Learning Theory
9
Cognitive-Developmental Theory
16
Oral of Applied Analysis Paper
23
Oral of Applied Analysis Paper
Theory Application Paper Due
2
The effects of early experience
Hand in analysis of original theorists.
5, 6
9
Independence and achievement
7
14-16
SPRING BREAK (Catch more bass than I do!)
23
Gender-role development
8
30
Aggression
9
Altruism and Moral Behavior
10
13
Family
11
20
Peers and Extrafamilial influences
12,13
27
Papers on Special Topics
14
6
4
Final: Papers on Special Topics
7:05-9:45 PM (Time to be changed possibly)
Purpose of the Course:
In this course we will study the life-span socialization processes that form
the foundation for personality development in humans. Students will
study the original theorists of social and personality development and
examine the specific areas of social and personality development explored
in recent research. Life-span and cross-cultural issues will be emphasized.
Grades determined by: Applied Classical Theory Paper
80
Oral presentation
40
Personal analysis of original theorists; 30
Special topic of Personality;
80
Oral Presentation
40
Quizzes on chpts 5-15
40
Class participation.
20
In order to receive an A a student must be within 92 % of the top 10% of the
class; within 80% for B; within 60% for C.
Text: Schaffer, D. , (2005). Social and Personality Development, 5th ed.
Wadsworrth.
Assignments:
1. Personal Analysis of Writings of Original Theorists.
To demonstrate to students that the textbook and my lectures are
drastic over-simplifications of the principles the original theorists
presented in their writings, each student is required to read some of the
original works of the theorists presented in class. Each student will find a
book or series of articles written by one early theorist in each of the 3
major socialization theories presented in Class-Psychoanalytic, SocialLearning, and Cognitive-Developmental. For example, read works by
theorists such as Freud, Erikson, Skinner, Bandura, Piaget, or Kohlberg.
Each student will be required to read at least 200 pages by each of the 3
authors chosen. If articles are read, fewer pages will be required. You
must receive instructor's approval before you read your selections (not all
books are of equal value to helping you understand the theorists). After
reading each selection, you will prepare a brief ( 1-2 type-written page)
personal summary of what you think of the theorist's presentation. Write
what book etc. you read, but do not review the theory. Tell how the
writings affected you in terms of their persuasiveness, interest, and
clarity. The assignment is not graded, but satisfactory completion of the
assignment is required for passing the course.
2. Applied Analysis of Classical Socialization and Personality Theories.
Each student will analyze the application of socialization theories to
their own lives or in society as a whole. A paper that is less than 7 type
written pages and an oral presentation will be completed. This
assignment is designed to demonstrate the practical veracity of each of
the socialization theories we examine in the first segment of the class.
Specific methods for doing this may include an autobiographical account
of childhood upbringing, analysis of own parenting practices, historical
overview of childrearing, survey of public attitudes, or analysis of a
childrearing advice book.
3. Special Topic Literature Review.
Students will write a literature review of books and journal articles
on a limited socialization topic of their own choosing. Example topics
include: Child’s development of humor; Divorce effect on different age or
sexes; Effect of wealth on personality; Sibling rivalry; Achievement in
adolescents; Religious training and morality; Attachment with fathers;
Television effects; etc. A paper less than 10 pages and an oral presentation
on the topic will be made. Any topics may be used by the students as long
as topics are interesting to the students and deal with socialization and
personality areas and not purely clinical or educational issues. The
format to follow will be that used by our textbook when reviewing the
various developmental topics. You will follow the APA format for citations
and references. Usually the students have between 10 and 20 references
for this paper. Try to find the most recent research on your topic with
primary use of scholarly journals (e.g. APA, Education, Sociology) and
books. Web sites and popular press articles are not acceptable.