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.