PSYK 350- Summer 2015
1
Course Syllabus
PSYK 350
Texas A & M University —Central Texas
Department of Psychology & Counseling
Summer 2015
Course: Personality
Class Times: Online
Location: Online
Office Hours: As needed
1.0
Professor: Elizabeth K. Brown, BS, MS, MBA
Phone: 254-338-6058
Office: Virtual
E-mail: elizabeth.brown@tamuct.edu
Text Message alerts: Remind 101
Text the class code @psyk35 to the number 81010
Course Overview:
Personality. (3-0). This course provides an introduction to personality: the unique and relatively
stable patterns of behavior, thoughts, and feelings that make individual human beings. Different
theoretical approaches - psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic, and biological – will be
covered and will be related to personality and personality development. Prerequisites: PSY 101,
102, or approval of department head.
2.0
Course Objectives:
The general objectives for this course are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
3.0
Demonstrate their content-specific knowledge of multiple theories of personality and of the degree
to which these theories are supported by empirical research.
Critically evaluate empirical studies which serve as the basis for claims made about personality.
Articulate how the behavior of a particular individual can be understood from the perspectives of
theories of personality.
Gather and interpret information needed to begin the assessment of an individual’s personality
type.
Articulate an understanding of what factors influence the expression of personality.
Required Textbook:
Personality (9th ed.) Burger, J.M. (2011). ISBN: 9781285740225
Personality (8th ed.) Burger, J.M. (2011). ISBN: 9780495813965
A student of this institution is not under any obligation to purchase a textbook from a
university-affiliated bookstore. The same textbook may also be available from an
independent retailer, including an online retailer.
PSYK 350- Summer 2015
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4.0
Course Requirements:
ALL LATE WORK WILL START AT 70 POINTS AND NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER ONE WEEK.
4.1. Character Study Assignment: 50 Total Points
Character Study Assignment (50 pts total): This multi-step assignment is designed to
give you an opportunity to gather information about personality, to think creatively about
personality, and to apply your newly acquired knowledge of personality theory. Ultimately,
you will create a personality profile for a fictional character based on assessment data.
You will work in groups to gather assessment data regarding the personality of a fictional
character, and then you will individually construct a personality profile for that fictional
character.
Step 1—Nominating a character:
During our first week of class, we will brainstorm a list of fictional characters that you will
chose for your assessment. When thinking about possible characters try to come up with a
character who has a rich backstory and distinctive personality traits (Christian Grey,
Edward Cullen, Harry Potter, Homer Simpson, Eeyore, Piglet, Tigger….use your
imagination!! ANY TELEVISON, MOVIE, FANTASY, ETC., CHARACTER IS FAIR GAME
FOR NOMINATIONS.
Step 2—Choosing a character:
During WEEK 2, I will release the list of characters and we will vote on the top 12
characters. You will then choose a character (located in Blackboard) and self-enroll. Your
groups will be assigned based on like interest. Groups with less than 4 people will be
eliminated and forced to choose another group.
Step 3—Character assessment:
For your assigned character you will complete a set of personality scales found in your
textbook in the “Assessing Your Own Personality” sections based on how your assigned
character would answer the questions. There are eight “Character Assessments” that we
will use from the book. You must provide the mean and standard deviation (when
applicable) when writing the results. I have attached a sample of what it is to look like on
Blackboard.
Step 4—Character personality profile:
You will develop a personality profile for your assigned character using the data from the
assessments. You should calculate the average score for each scale based on all the data
for your character (the scores you provided and the scores provided by your colleagues
who were assigned the same character as yourself). You will submit a written paper that
PSYK 350- Summer 2015
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lists the results and what they mean for your character. USE APA WHEN WRITING THIS
PAPER. THAT MEANS COVER PAGE, IN-TEXT CITATIONS, REFERENCES, ETC.
4.2. Presentation: 50 Total Points
Each group will be required to create and post a PowerPoint presentation on Blackboard. Your
presentation will cover your Character Study. You are going to report the results of the personality
profile as well as a background on who your character is.
4.3 Group Evaluation: 50 Total Points
You will score each member in your group on how well they performed as a team member. IF they
were awesome, then rate them as so. If they failed to do their portion, were not timely in
responding to emails, or were constant procrastinators, then rate them as so. This is your chance
to anonymously rate your team members.
4.4 Discussion Posts: 140 Total Points
Students will write two paragraphs on what they thought was the most interesting or important
thing they learned about FOR EACH CHAPTER ASSIGNED and write a ONE PARAGRAPH
response to another student’s post. Deadlines for each are posted on the discussion board.
Students are required to submit their writings through the appropriate Discussion Post in
Blackboard prior to class. Each chapter’s homework assignment will be worth 10 points
4.5 Quizzes- 140 points
Quizzes are online, open book, multiple choice. They are all open and ready to be taken at your
leisure.
5.0
Grading Criteria: Running Total
Character Paper
Character Powerpoint
Team Evaluation
Discussion Posts
Quizzes
Total
(50 points)
(50 points)
(50 points)
(140 points)
(140 points)
(430 points)
%
%
%
%
points = A
points = B
points = C
points = D
points = F
90 – 100%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
59% and below
PSYK 350- Summer 2015
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6. 0
Course Calendar*
**** Discussion posts have DEADLINES. Quizzes are self paced****
Assignment
Chapter T/Th
Topic
1/2 Quiz and DP
1&2
Personality
3/4 Quiz and DP
3 &4
Psychoanalytical Approach-It’s Mother Fault
5/6 Quiz and DP
5&6
7/8 Quiz and DP
7& 8
Trait Approach- Nurture/Blame your Parents
9/10 Quiz and DP
9 & 10
Biological Approach-Nature/ You can’t help it
11/12 Quiz and DP
11 & 12
Humanistic Approach-Basic Needs
13/14 Quiz and DP
13 & 14
Behavioral/Social Approach- Monkey See, Monkey Do
15/16 Quiz and DP
15 & 16
Cognitive Approach- In Your Head
* Professor reserves the right to amend this syllabus at any time. Assignment dates and times subject to
change. Please check for current dates/times in Blackboard assignment/assessment links
7.0
Drop Policy
If you discover that you need to drop this class, you must go to the Records Office and ask for the
necessary paperwork. Professors cannot drop students; this is always the responsibility of the
student. The record’s office will give a deadline for which the form must be completed, signed, and
returned. Once you return the signed form to the records office and wait 24 hours, you must go into
Warrior Web and confirm that you are no longer enrolled. If you are still enrolled FOLLOW-UP with
the records office immediately. You are to attend class until the procedure is complete to avoid
penalty for absence. Should you miss the deadline or fail to follow the procedure, you will receive
an “F” in the course.
8.0 Academic Integrity
Texas A&M University -Central Texas values the integrity of the
academic enterprise and strives for the highest standards of academic conduct. A&M-Central
Texas expects its students, faculty, and staff to support the adherence to high standards of
personal and scholarly conduct to preserve the honor and integrity of the creative
community. Academic integrity is defined as a commitment to honesty, trust, fairness,
respect, and responsibility. Any deviation by students from this expectation may result in a
failing grade for the assignment and potentially a failing grade for the course. Academic
misconduct is any act that improperly affects a true and honest evaluation of a student’s
academic performance and includes, but is not limited to, cheating on an examination or
other academic work, plagiarism and improper citation of sources, using another student’s
work, collusion, and the abuse of resource materials. All academic misconduct concerns will
be reported to the university’s Office of Student Conduct. Ignorance of the university’s
standards and expectations is never an excuse to act with a lack of integrity. When in doubt
on collaboration, citation, or any issue, please contact your instructor before taking a course
of action.
PSYK 350- Summer 2015
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9.0. Disability Services
At Texas A&M University – Central Texas, we value an inclusive learning environment where every
student has an equal chance to succeed and has the right to an education that is barrier-free. The
Office of Disability Support and Access is responsible for ensuring that students with a disability
enjoy equal access to the University's programs, services and activities. Some aspects of this
course or the way the course is taught may present barriers to learning due to a disability. If you
feel this is the case, please contact Disability Support and Access at (254) 501-5831 in Warrior
Hall, Ste. 212. For more information, please visit their website at www.tamuct/disabilitysupport. Any
information you provide is private and confidential and will be treated as such.
10. Library Services
The University Library provides many services in support of research across campus and at a
distance. We offer over 200 electronic databases containing approximately 250,000 eBooks and
82,000 journals, in addition to the 72,000 items in our print collection, which can be mailed to
students who live more than 50 miles from campus. Research guides for each subject taught at
TAMUCT are available through our website to help students navigate these resources. Oncampus, the library offers technology including cameras, laptops, microphones, webcams, and
digital sound recorders. Research assistance from a librarian is also available twenty-four hours a
day through our online chat service, and at the reference desk when the library is open. Research
sessions can be scheduled for more comprehensive assistance, and may take place on Skype or
in-person at the library. Assistance may cover many topics, including how to find articles in peer
reviewed journals, how to cite resources, and how to piece together research for written
assignments. Our 27,000-square-foot facility on the TAMUCT main campus includes student
lounges, private study rooms, group work spaces, computer labs, family areas suitable for all ages,
and many other features. Services such as interlibrary loan, TexShare, binding, and laminating are
available. The library frequently offers workshops, tours, readings, and other events. For more
information, please visit our homepage:
http://www.tamuct.edu/departments/library/index.php
11. Resources/Expectations.
Students are expected to read the assigned materials prior to each class and be prepared to
discuss those reading. Open, active discussion and questions related to course concepts are
strongly encouraged. Such discussion fosters a critical evaluation and understanding of concepts.
Students are responsible for meeting the course requirements on assigned dates as outlined in this
syllabus. Students who are absent from class are responsible for that day’s material, as outlined in
the syllabus. Students are responsible for reviewing the course calendar included with this syllabus
and in Blackboard for all assignment deadlines so they can plan to complete the assignment in a
timely manner and/or before the deadline. It is the student’s responsibility to plan accordingly so
that all deadlines are met. Please note that all requirements are outlined in the syllabus and in the
Blackboard course section.
12. Technology Requirement/ Support.
PSYK 350- Summer 2015
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Technology Requirements. Include a statement on the technology requirements for the successful
completion of the course and when applicable, information on how to access these resources (for
example, how to obtain a certain software through University site license). This course will use the
TAMUCT Blackboard Learn learning management system. Username: Your MyCT username
(xx123 or everything before the "@" in your MyCT e-mail address) Initial password: Your MyCT
password Course Abbreviation (e.g. ENGL 999)—Fall 2014 Check browser and computer
compatibility by using the “Test Your Browser” button, found in the “Check Your Browser” module
on your Blackboard dashboard, once you have logged in. Technology Support. For technology
issues, students should contact Help Desk Central.
24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
Email: helpdesk@tamu.edu
Phone: (254) 519-5466
Web Chat: http://hdc.tamu.edu
When calling for support please let your support technician know you are a TAMUCT student. For
issues related to course content and requirements, contact your instructor. Technology issues are
not an excuse for missing a course requirement – make sure your computer is configured correctly
and address issues well in advance of deadlines.