UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Module Specification
1
The title of the module
Personality (SP529)
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The School which will be responsible for management of the module
Psychology
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The Start Date of the Module
This is not a new module. The next term in which it will be taught starts on 5/1/04.
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The number of students expected to take the module
200
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Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and
consultation with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
None
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The level of the module (eg Certificate [C], Intermediate [I], Honours [H] or
Postgraduate [M])
H (FHEQ Level: 6)
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The number of credits which the module represents
15
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Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Lent
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Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
SP302 Introduction to Social Psychology
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The programmes of study to which the module contributes
BSc in: Psychology, Social Psychology, European Social Psychology, Psychology (with studies in
Europe), Social Psychology with Clinical Psychology, Psychology with Clinical Psychology, Applied
Psychology, Applied Social Psychology, Applied Psychology with Clinical Psychology, Applied Social
Psychology with Clinical Psychology, Psychology and Law, Psychology and Social Anthropology,
Psychology and Sociology, Social Psychology with Computing. Also available as a ‘wild’ module in
years two and three subject to the prerequisite above.
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The intended subject specific learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their
relationship to programme learning outcomes
 Knowledge of personality theories.
 Knowledge and understanding of the research methods used in the measurement
personality and in the prediction of behaviour from personality.
 Integrative understanding of personality theories.
All three learning outcomes directly relate to the programme’s learning outcome of knowledge and
understanding of personality and individual differences (A5 in the programme specification).
Learning outcome 2 also relates to the programme’s learning outcome of knowledge and
understanding of psychological research (A1).
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The intended generic learning outcomes and, as appropriate, their relationship to
programme learning outcomes
 Critical thinking
 Development of writing skills, such as clarity
 Development of reading skills
 Time management and preparation
 Organization of information in a clear way
All these learning outcomes are included in the programme’s learning outcomes in the
programme’s specification.
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A synopsis of the curriculum
There will be 11 lectures of 2 hours each, one per week of term except for reading week.
Students will be required to prepare for each lecture by reading 1-2 chapters from a textbook
and/or an article on the topic of the lecture.
Below is the outline of specific lecture topics.
Lecture 1: Introduction to the Scientific Study of Personality
Lectures 2-3: A Psychodynamic Theory
Lecture 4: A Phenomenological Theory
Lecture 5: Motivational Theories
Lecture 6: Trait Approaches
Lectures 7-8: Social Cognitive Theory
Lecture 9: A Cognitive Theory
Lecture 10: Cognitive and Biological Approaches
Lecture 11: An Integrative Summary
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Indicative Reading List
Pervin, L. A, & John, O. P. (2001). Personality: Theory and Research. (8th ed.). Wiley.
McAdams, D. P. (2001). The Person: An Integrated Introduction to Personality Psychology (3rd ed.).
Harcourt.
Schwartz, S. H. (1994). Are there universal aspects in the content and structure of values? Journal
of Social Issues, 50, 19-45.
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Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours
and the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended learning outcomes
2 contact hours per week for lectures, and an associated seminar adding a further 1.5 contact
hours. In addition, reading material should take approximately 2 hours for each piece of reading
material, and writing coursework essay should take approximately 2 hours. The total number of
study hours, including staff contact hours, for students for all modules, is 40 hours per week.
Lectures should help achieve the learning outcomes of knowledge and understanding of personality
theories, integrative understanding of personality theories, experience in integrating material,
critical thinking, and time management.
Seminars should help achieve the learning outcomes of knowledge of personality theories,
integrative understanding of personality theories, integrating materials, time management, critical
thinking, and experience in critically examining original research papers.
Reading should help achieve the learning outcomes of knowledge of personality theories,
organization of material in a clear way, development of reading skills, and time management and
preparation.
Writing an essay should help achieve the learning outcomes of organization of material in a clear
way, critical thinking, integrative understanding of personality theories, experience in integrating
materials, development of writing skills, and time management.
16
Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
learning outcomes
The mark will be composed as follows:
20% coursework essay
80% unseen exam
There will be three alternative deadlines for essays. Students will be asked to discuss one or more
of the readings in light of themes covered in the lectures. Essays will be of maximum 2,500 words.
The exam will take place in Trinity term. It will last 2 hours -- one hour (50% of the exam mark)
will be of multiple-choice questions, and one hour (50% of the exam mark) will contain an essay
(with choice). The part of multiple-choice questions will serve to ensure coverage of the learned
material, thereby assessing breadth of knowledge. The essay will serve to assess deep learning, such
as critical thinking.
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Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
One or two staff members contribute lectures to the module. An additional staff member will be
needed for seminars. Reserve articles will need to be placed with the library in multiple copies (20).
There is a need for availability of power point in the lecture hall. No further IT resources are
required. The lecture will occupy a large lecture hall for 2 hours weekly, and smaller lecture halls
once during term for seminars.
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A statement confirming that, as far as can be reasonably anticipated, the
curriculum, learning and teaching methods and forms of assessment do not present
any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with disabilities
As far as can be reasonably anticipated, the curriculum, learning and teaching methods and
forms of assessment do not present any non-justifiable disadvantage to students with
disabilities.
Statement by the Director of Learning and Teaching: "I confirm I have been consulted on the
above module proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module
proposals"
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Director of Learning and Teaching
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Date
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction of the
module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
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Head of School
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Date