GORDON-CONWELL THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
CO 611 THEORIES OF PERSONALITY
Professor: Pablo Polischuk, Ph.D.
Spring Semester 2016
Thursdays, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objective of the course is to provide the student with meaningful opportunities to:
1. Develop knowledge and understanding of the major approaches to personality
theory.
2. Become acquainted with major issues within the realm of personality theory
which prompted research and applications to clinical situations. To develop a
theoretical basis for practical therapeutic purposes.
3. Integrate such knowledge and understanding with biblical anthropological data,
theological postulates, and personal reflection.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
I. Textbook
John, O. P., Robins, R. W., & Pervin, L. A. (2010) Handbook of Personality: Theory & Research, 3rd Ed.); Guilford Press. ISBN# 978‐160980591.
Journals articles and other sources listed in the bibliography are also recommended to
supplement the research for the course.
II. Readings
The first aspect consists in researching and reading the available literature on the
different theories to be covered, beyond the specific aspects of preparedness for the
class presentation. Such readings will be annotated in a log. The student is expected to
read 2000 pages for the course. Readings may be chosen from:
1. The bibliography attached
2. Journals in the field
3. Materials of applicable and functional value, provided that these represent an
adequate level of significance to the subject matter.
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To account for this requirement, the student will keep a log of readings, with the
following entries:
1. Date
2. Author(s) and source
3. Title of the book, chapter or journal article
4. Number of pages - individual entries per reading and total number of pages
at the end.
Due: May 2, 2016
III. Final Take Home Exam
Based upon content drawn from readings, class presentations, and interaction. The
format includes short answers, essay-type. Given to students on April 21, 2016.
Due: April 28, 2016
IV. Final Paper
A research paper is required, dealing with the choice of an approach to personality
theory. The content could be focused on one of the following:
Psychoanalytical
Factor theory
Social cognitive
Cognitive-affective
Humanistic-existential
Holistic interactionism
Evolutionary theory of personality
The student is expected to demonstrate an adequate grasp of the formulations,
premises, and investigation in the area of personality theory, and write a critical
presentation, including personal interaction with the subject matter.
1. Format: Twelve (12) pages, plus a bibliography in APA style.
2. Due: May 2, 2016.
Plus: Integrative Appendix - The student is also expected to attach an appendix to the
paper, in which notions or ideas about an integrated theory of personality may be
sketched with a personal and creative expression. Notions of "personhood" may add to
such personal reflection or version, integrating theological reflection, biblical
anthropology, and psychological theory and research. The length of such appendix is
expected to be four to five (4-5) single-spaced pages.
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Class Format
The class will meet as scheduled. The first hour will focus on the textbook/additional
readings and the instructor will be the main presenter. Following such introduction,
the relevant portions of the text and recommended readings must be read before class
so that the material can be discussed in small groups.
Attendance
The student is expected to attend all classes and participate in the classroom experience.
There will be two breaks each class period.
Grade
The final grade will reflect the combined efforts of the student, as gathered from the
results of the term paper/integrative personal take on personality (40%), the final exam
(40%), and the reading log (20%).
Office Hours:
The instructor is available for students to consult with; the hours will be posted and
arrangements can be made through Shiri or Diane to that effect. The professor’s
extension is 4116; his e mail is Pablo@gordonconwell.edu.
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CO 611 Theories of Personality Course Outline
Session:
Topic:
1.
Introduction. A framework to study personality.
Philosophical roots: Kantian, Lockean, mixed models
History of modern personality theory.
The basic sources of data and research methods
Text: Chapters 1, 2
2.
Psychodynamic theory: Freud and the psychoanalytic view
Text: Chapter 3
3.
Ego psychology; psychosocial aspects (Erikson, Hartmann)
Object relations position
4.
Psychodynamic aspects-Continued
Issues: The psychological unconscious ; implicit motives
Adlerian thoughts on personality
Jung and analytical psychology
Chapter 23, 24
5.
Humanistic and existential considerations
Rogers’s position.
Maslow’s model. Allport’s notions
6.
Learning and cognitive approaches to personality
Social cognitive theory: Bandura
Cognitive-affective personality systems
Kelly’s constructivism. Mischel’s notions
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Chapter 7
7.
Factor and typological theories: Using personality traits to understand behavior
Catell, Eynseck, McCrae, Costa
Assessment of personality
Issues: Temperament, a new paradigm for trait psychology
Chapters 4, 5. 14
8.
Interface with other fields:
Behavior genetics, biological aspects
Neuroscience and personality
Chapters 9, 19, 11
9.
Personality and the narrative approach (McAdams)
The dialogical self (Hermans)
The Trialogical Self
Chapter 8; Herman’s article
10.
Executive functions, top-down agency
Motivation and personality
Emotion and self-regulatory processes
Chapters 16, 17, 18, 19, 28, 29
11.
Personality and personhood. Integration of psychology and theology
12.
Course Review
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