Course Syllabus The Self Psychology 475 Spring, 2007 Day/Time: Location: Call #: M/W: 3:30 – 4:48 UH 14 17764-1 Instructor: Office: Phone: e-mail: Office hrs.: Robert M. Arkin 100a/b Lazenby Hall 292-2726 Arkin.2@osu.edu Friday, 11:30 – 12:30, and by appointment Objective: To introduce the social psychology literature on the self; to explore the controversial questions and research problems addressed in the contemporary literature and historically. There is an emphasis on diverse approaches, and various gender, ethnic, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary perspectives are explored. Class Format: Class meetings are lecture format, but discussions will occur as well and students are expected to be active participants. A range of individual difference inventories and other questionnaires will be available for students to complete, and discussions of these measures are integrated into the class meetings. Readings: Two texts are read in their entirety: Brown, J.D. (1998). The Self. Boston, MA.: McGraw-Hill. [0-07-008306-1] Leary, M.R. (1995). Self-presentation. Madison, WI.: Brown and Benchmark. [0-81333004-1] Additionally, three primary source readings written for the scientific community are included (plus one commentary). These readings exemplify the literature review in one case, contemporary empirical research in the other two articles (and a commentary on a citation classic is included, too). These readings are listed later in this syllabus. 2 Expectations: 1) Students are expected to complete the reading for each and every meeting, prior to the meeting; 2) Two mid-term exams and one comprehensive final exam will focus on specific aspects of theory and research about the self, and will also assess integration of the course material; all three exams include a mixture of question formats; 3) One brief paper (500 words, i.e., 2 double-spaced, typed pages) will require an in-depth exploration of one topic, or problem, concerning the social psychological approach to the self (see below); 4) Students are also expected to participate actively in class discussions when they occur, and participation actually contributes to the final grade (despite the size of the class). Grading: Examinations: Mid-term 1: 25% Mid-term 2: 25% Final Exam: 30% Paper: 15% Participation: 5% Paper: The brief paper is intended to provide the opportunity to expand on some topic of particular interest. A topic will be assigned to you. However, you may petition (Due: April 30, in class) to write on a paper topic of your own choice. If you do, you can suggest some reconciliation to a conflict in the literature, suggest some research to address a problem, link points of view to other theories in social psychology or to applied problems in everyday life, etc. Only thorough, well-conceived petitions will be approved. There will be opportunities to consult with the instructor. Students must use the library in writing this paper; a minimum of five references from the literature (written for the scientific community) must be included, not to include your textbook or web-based resources. The bibliography is not included within the strict two-page limit. Reminder: the page limit is fixed, at two pages; this means that you must take great care with every word you commit to paper! Rules regarding academic misconduct (i.e., plagiarism) will be strictly enforced (see below). Paper due dates are staggered, based on the first letter of your Last Name: A – G: H – P: R – Z: Due on May 7, 2006 Due on May 14, 2006 Due on May 21, 2006 It is not possible to change your due date. Early papers will be accepted. However, no late papers will be accepted. Papers must be turned in during class (not electronically, or otherwise) on the day it is due. Only severe illness or other extreme circumstances can be considered for an exception, and documentation will be required. If this occurs, you must contact the instructor immediately to make a special arrangement; any such arrangements can only be made in advance of your personal paper due date. 3 Week 1 Course Introduction and Overview M: March 26 Course Overview W: March 28 Introduction to the Self L: 1,2; B: 1 Week 2 The Public Self Self-Presentation M: April 2 Styles, strategies, tactics L: 3,4 W: April 4 Getting along and getting ahead L: 5,6,7; B: 7 Week 3 The Private Self Nature of the Self: Content, structure, process, function M: April 9 Information and Understanding L: 8,9 W: April 11 Self-centered motives B: 2 Week 4 Self-concept M: April 16 Search for the self B: 3 W: April 18 Self-development B: 4 Week 5 M: April 23 Mid-term Exam # 1 Paper Petitions Due W: April 25 Knowing oneself B: 5 Week 6 Self-regulation M: April 30 Autonomy, efficacy, agency, flow B: 6 W: May 2 Self-regulation failure Week 7 The Emotional Self Self-esteem M: May 7 What is self esteem? Paper Due: A - G W: May 9 Self-esteem in thoughts and actions B: 8 Week 8 Emotional Life M: May 14 Depression B: 9 Paper Due: H - P W: May 16 Well-being and Happiness B:10 Week 9 The Connected Self Relationships M: May 21 Mid-term Exam # 2 Paper Due: R - Z W: May 23 Self and social life: relationships Week 10 Groups, Culture and Identity M: May 28 Memorial Day—No Class Reserve Readings: W: May 30 Ethnic/Cultural/Historical context See list below. Final Examination: Wednesday, June 6, 2007 3:30 – 5:18 p.m.; UH 14 4 Reserve Reading List: Hermann, A.D., Leonardelli, G.J., & Arkin, R.M. (2002). Self-doubt and self-esteem: A threat from within. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28, 395-408. Markus, H.R., & Kitayama, S (2003). Culture, self, and the reality of the social. Psychological Inquiry, 14, 277-283. Markus, H.R., & Kitayama, S. (1991). Culture and the self: Implications for cognition, emotion, and motivation. Psychological Review, 98224-253. Pelham, B.W., Mirenberg, M.C., & Jones, J.T. (2002). Why Susie sells seashells by the seashore: Implicit egotism and major life decisions. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82, 469-487. Academic Misconduct It is the responsibility of the Committee on Academic Misconduct to investigate or establish procedures for the investigation of all reported cases of student academic misconduct. The term “academic misconduct” includes all forms of student academic misconduct wherever committed; illustrated by, but not limited to, cases of plagiarism and dishonest practices in connection with examinations. Instructors shall report all instances of alleged academic misconduct to the committee (Faculty Rule 3335-5-487). For additional information, see the Code of Student Conduct (http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/info_for_students/csc.asp). Disability Students with disabilities that have been certified by the Office for Disability Services will be appropriately accommodated, and should inform the instructor as soon as possible of their needs.