Theories of Personality
Syllabus for Psychology 314 Spring 2016
Kinard 119 (Section 02), CRN 22821, 3 credit hours
Instructor:
Office Hours:
Mobile:
Email:
Giancarlo Anselmo Ed.D. , NCSP
Tuesday and Thursday 15 minutes before and after class & by appt.
704-974-9530
Anselmog@winthrop.edu
Course Goals: This course will discuss how personalities form, develop, and change over the
course of a lifetime. We will analyze personality from the lens of several different theories.
Most importantly you will gain an understanding of your own view on human personality.
Student Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
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Use the concepts, language, and major theories of personality to explain psychological experiences
Explain various research methods used in personality research
Use critical thinking to evaluate the quality of research
Apply personality concepts, theories, and research findings to everyday life
Reflect on their own personality and experiences to find meaning in them
Evaluate new ideas with an open but critical mind
*Required Text: Miserandino, M. Personality Psychology: Foundations and Findings.
Grading Overview
Element
Points Possible
Test 1
100
Test 2
100
Test 3
100
Test 4
100
1 paper
100
Journal entry for each class (20 @ 5 points each)
100
Quizzes (10 @ 10 points each)
100
Attendance/Engagement/Homework
100
TOTAL:
800
Grading
A : = 93-100%
A-: = 89-92%
B+: = 86-88%
B: = 82-85%
B-: = 79-81%
C+: = 76-78%
C: = 72-75%
C-: = 69-71%
D+: = 66-68%
D: = 63-65%
D-: = 60-62%
F: = Below 60%
Student Code of Conduct: Students are expected to adhere to Winthrop University policies regarding
academic discipline stated in the undergraduate catalog. Responsibility for good conduct rests with
students as adult individuals. The policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the “Student
Conduct Code Academic Misconduct Policy” found at:
www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/student handbook.pdf
Tests: Tests will consist of the following types of questions: multiple choice and essay questions. The
last test is over information from the last three chapters.
Quizzes: Throughout the semester 10 quizzes will be given. These quizzes will each have 10 questions
presented orally by yours truly. These quizzes will be based on information from the textbook and
information from lecture.
Journal Entries: During the semester each student will be required to write and turn in a journal entry
for each class during the semester. This will be a short entry reflecting on readings, lecture, and content
as it pertains to personal connections.
Paper: Students will be required to write one short paper during the semester. This paper will be
explained in detail during class.
Attendance/Engagement/Homework: Students will earn 4 points each day they attend class, are
engaged in class discussions, and have completed assigned homework /journal entries. Students are
expected to attend all classes however, because of special circumstances (sickness, emergency’s, etc.)
should miss no more than 3 lectures.
Test Make-ups: Given a legitimate reason for missing an exam, students can make-up a test. To justify
your reason, you must contact me as soon as humanly possible (calling me at home is fine) and provide
written documentation (e.g., a doctor’s letter.) YOU MUST CONTACT ME BEFORE THE TEST.
Students with Disabilities: If you have a disability and need classroom accommodations, please contact
Office of Disability Services (ODS), at 323-3290, as soon as possible. Once you have your professor
notification letter, please notify me so that I am aware of your accommodations well before the first test.
Tentative Entertainment Schedule
Ch.
Quiz scheduled for days
marked with a smiley
face
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Topic
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Jan-14
Jan-19
Jan-21
Jan-26
Jan-28
Feb-2
Feb-4
Feb-9
Feb-11
Feb-16
Feb-18
Feb-23
Feb-25
Mar-1
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Mar-8
Mar-10
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Mar-22
Mar-24
Mar-29
Mar-31
April-5
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April-12
April-14
April-19
April-21
April-29
Introduction to Personality
Building Blocks of Personality
Personality Traits: A Good Theory
Personality Traits: A Good Theory
Personality Traits: Practical Matters
Personality Traits: Practical Matters
Test #1
Personality Assessment
Personality Assessment
No Class
Self and Identity
Self and Identity
Genetics
Genetics
Test #2
Neuroscience of Personality
Neuroscience of Personality
Intrapsychic Foundations
Spring Break - No Class
Spring Break - No Class
Intrapsychic Foundations
Gender and Personality
Gender and Personality
No Class
Test #3
Regulation and Motivation
Regulation and Motivation
Cognitive Foundations
Cognitive Foundations
Resilience
Test #4
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7
8
8
11
11
9
9
10
10
13
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Work on Paper
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Paper Due
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6:30pm