WEA Course Information Sheet 2014-15
Course title: Psychology: Who Are You? - The Psychology of Personality
Course reference: C2417516
Tutor(s): Jonathan Smith
Venue: Scouts HQ, Harrow
Fee: £86.90
Concession: free on proof of Income Related Benefit
End date: March 31st
Day(s)/time(s):
2014
Tues 10.00am to 12.00pm
Hours per session: 2
Level: 3
Start date: January 13th 2015
Number of sessions: 11
Title of qualification to be gained (if any): This is a non-accredited course. On 80% attendance
you can request a WEA Certificate of Achievement
Awarding body (if any): N/A
Essential materials
Pen & Paper.
Course aims:
The course is open to anyone with an open mind and a curiosity about human nature. Its purpose
is to introduce some of the main theories of human personality and assess how far they can help
us understand our own characters.
Course description:
As our personalities grow and change with time, what are the key influences on us? Are we mainly
the product of genres or does the environment shape who we become? Are parents the major
influence or does wider culture affect us too? Are there distinctive stages of the lifespan. How far
can we change and develop different habits and different attitudes to life?
Any prior knowledge or entry requirements?
No prior knowledge is required for this course; but curiosity and a willingness to explore ideas will
be very beneficial
Course content: what topics will the course cover?
This course will look at Human Personality; what is it? Where does it come from? How can
Psychological Theories help us understand ourselves and our relationships?
What is Human personality
Development over the lifespan
The importance of family and parents
What are the possibilities for development and growth of our personalities?
How can psychology guide us in becoming more of what we may be?
Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used 
Demonstration
Discussion
Project work
Question and
answer
Presentation
Research
Activity outside
Y
class time
Field trip
Y
Group work
Y
Role play
Y
Observation
Other (state)
Y
Individual
work
Written work
Practical work
Y
Y
How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?
Feedback from class tutor and peers, completing tests and questionnaires, completion of any
suggested essay or other assignments; self-assessment and self-monitoring.
Your Learning Record will ask you to consider how far you feel you have progressed.
Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the
class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Describe the meaning of the terms ‘personality’ and ‘character’
2. Describe and evaluate the major theories of personality, including contemporary approaches.
3. Apply some of the theoretical concepts within personality theory to their own experience
4. Discuss the importance of cultural considerations in the evaluation of theory and research.
5. Think critically and take nothing at face value.
Reading and information sources:
Not essential.
‘INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN PERSONALITY’ by Jerry Burger is a nice textbook covering all the
main theories.
‘WHY LOVE MATTERS’ by Sue Gerhardt is a nice book on the importance of early life.
You will not be expected to have read these before the class
Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:
You should feel more confident to undertake further study, either with the WEA or with another
provider. Details of further opportunities will be discussed in class.
GCSE or A level psychology; Birkbeck certificates in higher education or part-time degrees; other
WEA classes in psychology.
You can read about your entitlements and responsibilities as a WEA student in our leaflet, Services for
Students here http://www.wea.org.uk/courses/information This includes information on fees, learning
support and financial support.
As part of your first course you accept a learning agreement. This applies to all courses you take in this
academic year. You should have a copy of the learning agreement (the tear-off portion of your enrolment
form), but if not please ask for a copy from your tutor.
You can enrol online for some courses http://www.wea.org.uk/courses or contact London & Southern
Regions Support Centre: Email: london&southernrsc@wea.org.uk Tel: Freephone 0800 328 1060
S:\WEAMISdata\LN\Outlines\C2417516_outline.doc
The Workers’ Educational Association is a charity registered in England and Wales, number
1112775, and in Scotland, number SC039239, and a company limited by guarantee registered in
England and Wales, number 2806910. Our Registered Office address is 4 Luke Street, London,
EC2A 4XW. www.wea.org.uk