BHS3711 - Personality: Beyond the Persona

Leader: Francesca Collins

Offered

Caulfield First semester 2007 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2007 (Day)

Synopsis

This unit will introduce students to the development of personality theory from the late 19th century to the present time. A range of theories and theorists will be examined reflecting the dominant analytic, phenomenological, humanistic and cognitive paradigms. Each theory will be explored in relation to the historical, cultural and social context from which it emerged and the personal history of the originating theorist. No theory will be viewed in isolation, rather each will be evaluated and compared in relation to the others.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate:

1. familiarity with the major theoretical approaches to personality and individual differences.
2. an understanding of the historical and social contexts in which these theoretical approaches emerged.
3. an in-depth knowledge of one of the major theoretical approaches to personality and individual differences.

Assessment

Theoretical essay (2500 words) : 55%
Two 1-hour tests (2000 words) : 45%

Contact hours

One x 2-hour seminar per week

Prerequisites

BHS1711 and BHS1712, or permission

Prohibitions

BHS2711, GSC3711