Heartland Community College
Course Syllabus: Spring, 2011
Division: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Course Prefix and Number: PSY 220/01
Course Title: Personality
Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours:
Lecture Hours: 3; Laboratory Hours: 0
CATALOG DESCRIPTION
A study of contemporary theories of personality. An examination of the origins, development,
assumptions, implications, and current issues surrounding each theory will be emphasized.
Prerequisite: PSY 101
Class Schedule: T/TR 9:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Room:
ICB 2703
Textbook:
Required:
Online Resources:
Larsen, Randy J. and Buss, David M. (2010) Personality
Psychology Domains of Knowledge About Human Nature, 4th
edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
http:www.mhhe.com/larsen4e
Instructor Information:
Professor:
Office Phone Number:
E-mail address:
Office:
Office Hours:
Joni Jecklin
(309) 268-8573
Joni.Jecklin@heartland.edu
ICB 2108 (inside 2100 – dept. office)
M/W 8-9a.m.
T 12:30-3:30 p.m.
INTRODUCTION:
The purpose of this course is to provide the opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge of
the many theories of personality. You will begin to formulate and apply your own theory of
personality as a result of studying the research and theories of leading psychologists in the field.
COURSE POLICIES:
The course policies for this class are specific and detailed. The reason for this is you! In an
effort to be fair to all students in this class, my policies are stated clearly and applied faithfully.
You will find that the policies allow for possible emergencies but do not exempt you from
following the requirements of the course. The requirements are applicable to ALL students,
regardless of personal circumstances!
METHOD OF EVALUATION (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
EXAMS: 80% of semester grade
You will be given four unit exams throughout the semester, followed by a cumulative
final at the end. Exam questions will be comprised of multiple-choice, short answer,
matching and essay questions. No, you will not have True/False questions on my exams!
Material covered will be available through your textbook, lectures, videos, or additional
assigned readings. I will not put notes online and some material may be available only in
the text or only in lectures. All tests will be discussed briefly in class when returned. If
you believe your test was scored incorrectly, you may submit a written explanation of
why you believe your response is better than that of the correct response. Documentation
from your textbook or your lecture notes must be included. Your argument (in paragraph
format) must be received by the next class date. There will be NO exceptions to the time
constraint! Upon further review, if I agree with your argument, your grade will be
changed.
If you complete ALL course requirements (projects, papers, exams – no make-ups!) and
your class average at the end of the semester prior to the final exam is 93% or above, you
will not be required to take the final exam. It has been done! Good luck!
MISSING AN EXAM
For one occurrence, if personal circumstances cause you to miss a unit exam, you will be
given the option of taking a make-up exam in the Testing Center. Students with an
emergency can miss ONE exam without having their grade suffer. For Unit Exams 1 – 3,
you MUST request and complete the make-up exam within one week of the missed
exam, or forfeit the opportunity. (An exam scheduled for a Monday would be available
for make-up by the end of testing center hours on the following Sunday.) There is less
time available for the Unit 4 Exam. Contact me on the day of the Unit 4 Exam if you
need this option. This option can only be taken once!
You will not need to provide me with an excuse for missing the exam. However, because
this option will be allowed only once, students should consider carefully whether they
choose to take the make-up exam instead of taking the in-class unit exam. In addition,
you can NOT work your way out of the final exam without taking all four in-class
unit exams and doing all course work as assigned. Therefore, taking advantage of the
make-up option should be considered carefully.
QUIZZES: 0% of your grade
Yay! I don’t give quizzes. I trust you are reading your book. 
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS: 20% of your grade
1. You will be given four unit projects. Some will be completed in class and others will
require work outside of class. No make-ups or late papers accepted; be in your seat
when I start class in order to submit this assignment. No exceptions will be made.
2. You will complete text journal entries for a total of 10 pts. each. Each journal will
contain information you found interesting from the modules in that unit, as well as
one personal example related to a concept in the module.
ATTENDANCE
HCC requires instructors to take attendance. Please make every attempt to arrive to class on time
so that you are not a distraction to your fellow students. In addition, most class related
announcements are made at the beginning of class, and all students are responsible for this
information. No points are awarded for attendance but please take into consideration that it is
extremely difficult for students to pass this course without attending class. This course requires
considerable effort; we cover a great deal of material in class, some of which is not in the
textbook. I will not provide notes to students who miss class.
EXTRA CREDIT
Any extra credit available in this section will be offered to the class as a whole. I may, without
notice, provide extra credit opportunities on any given class day. In an effort to be fair to those
students who work hard, attend class, and participate in the learning process, no individual extra
credit will be offered.
GRADING SYSTEM:
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS:
4 Unit Exams – 125 pts each
Final Exam - 100 pts
4 Unit Assignments – 3 at 25 pts each
1 at 35
4 Text Journals – 10 pts each
750 pts
500
100
75
35
40
LETTER GRADES AND PERCENTAGES:
A = 100% - 90%
B = 89% - 80%
C = 79% - 70%
D = 69% - 60%
F = Less than 60%
REQUIRED WRITING AND READING:
Every instructor will require a minimum of 10 pages (equivalent to 10 typed, double spaced,
pages) of writing from each student. This may be accomplished through a combination of
various writing requirements such as: term papers, essay questions on exams, journaling
assignments, writing within projects, reflective papers, or other written assignments.
PHILOSOPHY OF GRADES
The Heartland Community College grading philosophy grows out of our vision of educational
excellence. This common philosophy provides a framework for each academic division and
instructor as they establish their own individual course grading system, evaluation methods, and
course policies using the shared general rubrics for letter grades given below.
Letter grades serve as a vehicle to promote meaningful evaluation of student achievement, to
inform students of academic progress, and, as necessary, to improve student performance, habits,
and practices. Using a letter grade as a prerequisite for subsequent courses means we believe that
the grade was assigned through a conscious judgment about a student’s readiness to proceed to
more advanced study.
At Heartland, students’ academic achievement is measured by their mastery of course objectives
and content. We challenge students to meet these recognized standards of achievement and we
assign grades based on their success in doing so. Simply stated, we believe that the responsibility
for academic achievement rests with the student and that holding students responsible for their
learning promotes their academic growth.
Letter Grade Rubrics
“A” This grade represents consistently outstanding performance that demonstrates superior
understanding and skillful use of important course concepts. Performance at this level signifies
that the student is extremely well prepared to continue with more advanced study of the subject.
“B” This grade represents performance significantly beyond the level necessary to achieve the
course objectives. Work is of high quality but not consistently at an outstanding level.
Performance at this level signifies that the student is well prepared to continue with more
advanced study of the subject.
“C” This grade represents an acceptable achievement of the course objectives. Performance at
this level signifies that the student is reasonably well prepared to continue with more advanced
study of the subject.
“D” This grade represents less than adequate performance. It signifies questionable readiness to
proceed with more advanced study of the subject.
“F” This grade reflects unacceptable performance. The student is not yet ready to proceed with
more advanced study of the subject, and must repeat the course successfully to receive credit.
DROPPING: Regular attendance is expected, and I reserve the right to withdraw students who
fail to come to class. Students who miss 15% of classes may be dropped. However, if you
choose to withdraw, you are responsible for dropping. Never assume I will drop you from this
course.
INCOMPLETES:
A grade of Incomplete will only be assigned in the case of an emergency (such as a death in the
immediate family or illness which requires hospitalization) which occurs after the deadline to
withdraw from the class. The student must currently have a passing grade and official
documentation will be required to verify the student’s need for an Incomplete. Incompletes are
given to students who have an end of the semester emergency and are not given early in the
semester when the student may still withdraw from the course. Incompletes will NOT be given
in the case of vacation plans, job conflicts, apartment lease problems, social engagements, or
forgetting when the final is!
DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR:
I believe that everyone in this class will treat others with respect at all times. However, in the
unlikely event that a student’s behavior is disruptive, they will receive one verbal warning to let
them know their conduct is unacceptable. If the problem continues they will receive a written
warning. If a third occurrence takes place, the student’s grade may be lowered one full grade, or
they may be withdrawn from the course at the discretion of this instructor. Behavior which is
extremely inappropriate will result in immediate withdrawal from the course and possible
suspension or expulsion from the college.
1. Students will refrain from talking privately during class time. Talking while the instructor or
your fellow students are talking is distracting and evidence of disrespect. This behavior will not
be tolerated in this class room.
2. Coming late to class or coming and going throughout class are disruptive behaviors.
3. Students should at all times be respectful of other’s opinions.
CELL PHONE POLICY
Cell phones should be turned OFF (not vibrate or silent) at all times in the classroom. This
means that your cell phone is NOT available for texting or phone calls during class time. I
expect your attention without distractions for the 75 minute class period. Be sure that you have
made appropriate arrangements so that distractions do not occur. I view the use of your cell
phone as extremely disrespectful behavior. Those of you with no cell phone violations will be
rewarded by allowing you exemption from the final Journal assignment. If two violations occur,
you will be dismissed from this class permanently.
LAPTOP POLICY
Students using laptops for note taking will refrain from all other computer uses while in the
classroom. No internet use allowed at any time, even prior to class. Any use other than note
taking will result in a forfeit of the use of the laptop for the remainder of the semester.
CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOM:
Heartland Community College has a policy which restricts all children from attending any class
at Heartland. If there is a conflict between family and academic responsibilities, other
arrangements outside of class will have to be made.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
All students are expected to maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. I make the
assumption that each of you maintains these standards at all times. However, if any form of
dishonesty is discovered, there will be no excuse accepted. Dishonesty includes behavior such as
plagiarism, cheating, presenting false information, or any other acts which suggest a student has
not fulfilled their academic responsibilities in this course. Anyone guilty of plagiarism, cheating
on exams, or cheating on course work will, at the least, receive a 0 on that assignment. They
may also be given a failing grade for the course or be suspended or expelled from the college.
Students who misrepresent their academic work violate the rights of their fellow students.
PLAGIARISM:
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper,
create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work,
except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. You must properly
paraphrase and cite every fact and idea that you get from another source. Plagiarism is
considered a serious academic offense and may take the following forms:
1. Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
2. Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
3. Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own.
4. Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source.
5. Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were
your own.
6. Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using a project as if it were your
own.
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism.
The penalties for plagiarism may be severe, ranging from failure on the particular piece of work,
failure in the course, or expulsion from school in extreme cases.
[Adapted from the Modern Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers. New York: MLA, 1995: 26]
On-Line Course Evaluations
On-line course evaluations are completed during the last three weeks of class by selecting the
link in your myHeartland account.
ACADEMIC DISCIPLINE:
The study of psychology involves understanding human behavior and the mental processes
which help determine our behavior. Psychology is one of the few disciplines in which a
student’s interests can range from a love of laboratory science to one of understanding
someone’s psyche. Regardless of your reason for embarking on the study of psychology, be
prepared for an adventure which will take you from the physical to the emotional processes that
are involved in shaping the person you are today. This is not inherently a course of selfdiscovery, but it is a course designed to help you understand what factors best predict and
ultimately, influence a person’s personality.
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC PROGRAMS AND TRANSFER:
This course fulfills 3 semester hours of credit in Social Sciences required for the A.A. or A.S.
degree as emphasis/concentration/electives. This course should transfer as part of the General
Education Core Curriculum described in the Illinois Articulation Initiative to other Illinois
colleges and universities participating in the IAI. However, students should consult an academic
advisor for transfer information regarding particular institutions. Refer to the IAI web page at
www.itransfer.org for more information.
Academic Support Center Services:
Library
The Library, located in the Student Commons Buildings at the Raab Road campus, provides
Heartland students with a full range of resources including books, online journal databases,
videos, newspapers, periodicals, reserves, and interlibrary loan. Librarians are available to assist
in locating information. For more information, please call the Library (309) 268-8200 or (309)
268-8292
Tutoring Services
Heartland Community College offers tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students at
the Tutoring and Testing Center in Normal and at the Pontiac and Lincoln Centers. Tutors are
available at convenient times throughout the week. Study groups are also available by request.
For more information about services available at each location, please call the Tutoring and
Testing Center in Normal (309) at 268-8231, the Pontiac Center at (815) 842-6777, or the
Lincoln Center at (217) 735-1731.
Testing Services
The Tutoring and Testing Center provides a secure testing environment for students who are
enrolled in online, hybrid, and other distance learning courses; have a documented disability; or
need to take a make-up exam. Testing accommodations for students having documented
disabilities must be arranged by the student through the Office of Disability Services, and
Testing Services will only administer make-up exams at the request of the instructor. Contact
Testing Services at (309) 268-8231 for more information.
Open Computing Lab
The Open Computing Lab provides free computing for HCC students at convenient times
throughout the week. The computer lab is staffed by trained Lab Assistants and offers the use of
approximately 70 computers, a scanner, a laser printer, and an electric typewriter.
Disability Support Services
Heartland Community College offers Disability Support Services (DSS) with offices located in
the Academic Support Center. DSS ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to
the college’s programs, services and activities through the provision of reasonable
accommodations as outlined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with
Disabilities Act. DSS offers a wide range of services to support students with disabilities,
including: assistive technology, document conversion services, personnel, classroom and testing
accommodations. Students with a documented disability who wish to discuss academic
accommodations can contact disability support services at (309)268-8259.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (LEARNING OUTCOMES):
Upon the completion of this course, students will:
1.
Define the basis and importance of genetic determinants of personality.
2.
3.
Analyze critically the physical, social, and cultural determinants of personality.
Be able to apply and communicate the major theoretical perspectives of psychology to
personality; including biological, psychodynamic, social behavioral, and cognitive theories.
4. Be able to discuss aspects of social development and how they relate to child rearing and
adult personality.
5. Identify and appraise the development and evolution of personality through the life span.
6. Know various methods of personality assessment and classification.
7. Be able to discuss selected topics in the study of personality dynamics, including conflict,
impulse control, and frustration.
8. Be able to examine the role of emotion and stress in everyday experience.
9. Be able to explain what achievements needs are, and how they relate to personality
structure and motivation.
10. Be able to integrate the concepts discussed in class into a multidimensional model of
personality.
11. Be able to apply the theories of personality to real life.
COURSE OUTLINE:
This outline is a brief representation of what the instructor will include while teaching this class.
There may be additional material that is included; each instructor may vary the presentation of
the topics as well as how much time is spent on each topic.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Introduction to Personality Theory
a. Assessment, measurement, and research design
The Dispositional Domain
a.
Traits and Trait Taxonomies
b.
Personality Disposition
The Biological Domain
a.
Genetics and personality
b.
Physiological approaches
c.
Evolutionary perspectives
The Intrapsychic Domain
a.
Psychoanalytic approaches
b.
Freud
c.
Neo-Freudian approaches
d.
Carl Jung, Karen Horney, Alfred Adler, Erik Erikson
e.
Humanistic approaches
f.
Maslow, Rogers
g.
Attachment Theory
The Cognitive/Experiential Domain
a.
Kelly, Bandura, Beck, Ellis
b.
Emotion and Personality
c.
Approaches to the Self
Buddhist Psychology
a.
Basic Principles and application to psychotherapy
b.
Rick Hanson
The Social and Cultural Domain
8.
a.
Personality and Social Interaction
b.
Sex, gender and personality
c.
Culture and Personality
The Adjustment Domain
a.
Stress, coping, adjustment, and health
b.
Disorders of personality
SYLLABUS DISCLAIMER:
This syllabus is considered an agreement between the student and instructor. Your continued
enrollment in this course is considered an indication of your knowledge and acceptance of the
course policies as outlined. If the contents of the syllabus must be changed at any time, the
instructor will notify the students with an announcement at the beginning of class. The changes
will apply to all students, and each student is responsible for being in class at the time of the
announced change.
CLASS CALENDAR/ASSIGNMENTS:
Please read the assigned modules before class whenever possible.
DATE
TOPIC
T
1/11
Introduction/ Syllabus/What are we studying?
Text: Chapter 1
TR
1/13
What are we studying, “exactly”?
Text: Chapters 1
T
1/18
Can we really prove anything in this specialty? Measurement and Research
Design
Text: Chapter 2
TR
1/20
Personality Assessments: so much fun!
Text: Chapter 2
Last day to drop with refund
T
1/25
“I’m not that type!” Trait Theory
Unit 1 Project provided in class!
Text: Chapter 3
TR
1/27
Are you shy for life? Personality disposition over time.
Text: Chapter 5
Unit 1 Project Due before class begins today! No late projects accepted!
T
2/1
Unit 1 Exam
Covering: all assigned chapters, hand-outs, and lecture materials
Journal 1 Due
TR
2/3
Thanks, Mom and Dad! Physiological Approaches to Personality
Text: Chapter 6
T
2/8
Survival of the Emotionally Fittest: Evolutionary Psychology
Text: Chapter 8
TR
2/10
Psychoanalytic Approaches: Beginning with Freud. Make room on the couch!
Text: Chapter 9
T
2/15
“Ahhhh”…. can we manage without defense mechanisms? Do dreams reveal all?
Text: Chapter 9
TR 2/17
Carl Jung: a spiritual neo-Freudian? Karen Horney: on narcissism? Alfred
Adler: birth order?
Text: Chapter 10
T
2/22
Erik Erikson: A class exercise in understanding the 8 Psychosocial Stages.
Text: Chapter 10
Project 2: In and Out of class: Be there!
TR 2/24
Attachment Theory and Sternberg: are we set for life?
Text: Chapter 10
Project 2: Due before class begins!
T
No class. Schedule teacher conference if desired.
TR
3/1
3/3
Unit 2 Exam
Covering: all assigned chapters, handouts, and lecture materials
Journal 2 Due
NO SCHOOL 3/5 to 3/13. SPRING BREAK. Be safe, be peaceful, have fun!
T
3/15
Why does your professor feel so good about the “feel good” approach?
Humanistic theories of personality.
Text: Chapter 11
Text: Developing through the Life Span: Modules 13 and 14.3-14.6
TR
3/17
Empathic listening….. how did Rogers do it? Can you?
Text: Chapter 11
T
3/22
Buddhist Psychology as Humanism….. yes, it’s being done!
Text: additional readings to be provided
TR
3/24
“It’s all about how you think.” Cognitive theory with Kelly and Bandura.
Text: Chapter 12
Unit 3 Project provided in class!
T
3/29
Don’t worry; be happy now! ;) And the tendency to do just that, worry, that
is….. the words of Rick Hanson, Beck, and Ellis.
Text: Chapter 13 and CD
TR
3/31
Identity and self-esteem. Me, me, me……
Text: Chapter 14
Unit 3 Project due before class begins!
T
4/5
Unit 3 Exam
Covering: all assigned chapters, handouts, and lecture material.
Journal 3 Due
TR
4/7
Ick…… manipulation and control as social influence. Go deeper. What is your
intention?
Text: Chapter 15
April 7: final day to withdraw with a w
T
4/12
Searching for androgyny….. will the world catch on? And what part does the
world play?
Text: Chapter 16
Unit 4 Project Provided in class.
TR
4/14
Does your personality type make you prone to illness?
Text: Chapter 18
T
4/19
How would Cinderella explain her life of servitude? How do you explain what
happens in yours? CAVE
Text: Chapter 19
TR
4/21
When things go wrong……..Personality Disorders and their effects on the world
around them.
Text: Chapter 19
Unit 4 Project Due when class begins! No late projects accepted.
T
4/26
Run! Run! Narcissistic and borderline personalities.
Text: Chapter 19
TR
4/28
Unit 4 Exam
Covering: All assigned chapters, handouts, and lecture materials.
Journal 4 Due: unless, hopefully, you are rewarded for good cell phone
behavior!
T
5/3
Did you work your way out of the final exam? You’re done if you did! Woohoo!
Final Exam Review guide.
TR
5/5
No class. HCC Optional review day.
Final Exam:
You must be present at exam time (no later than 10 minutes late)
to sit for this exam.