This course presents an in-depth coverage of personality psychology. The main aims of the course are to critically review and discuss major theoretical and empirical approaches to personality. A specific emphasis will be on the development of in-depth critical thinking and scholarly appraisal of significant trends in the field. This course will review the main theoretical approaches to personality: trait approach (why people have traits and whether traits cause behaviour), evolutionary-biological approach (how evolutionary and biological factors shape personality), psychodynamic approach (what dynamic unconscious processes operate within personality), phenomenological approach (how humanistic, existential, and cultural factors influence personality), and social-cognitive approach (how learning, cognitions, and affect shape personality). Students are expected to read and be familiar with all the material in the lectures, textbook, and labs.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
At the end of this course, the students will be expected to:
- Have a broad understanding of major approaches and research methods of personality psychology. (LO1)
- Successfully and proficiently discuss the main aspects, advantages, and disadvantages of theories within personality psychology. (LO2)
- Have the ability to think critically about theoretical and empirical issues within the field of personality psychology. (LO3)
- Write analytically in the form of essays about a fundamental issue within personality psychology, such as personality testing or person-by-situation controversy. (LO4)
- Have effective skills to verbally communicate a critical analysis of a personality topic. (LO5)
Indicative Assessment
- Quizzes (Worth 10% of the final mark; Each quiz is worth 5%.) (LO 1-3)
- Individual Presentations (Worth 15% of the final mark. A critical analysis of a topic from the textbook.) (LO 1-3, 5)
- Essay (Worth 30% of the final mark) (LO 1-4)
- Final Exam (Worth 45% of the final mark.) (LO1-3)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
Two hours of lectures per week and 18 hours of laboratories spread across the semester.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
Funder, D. C. (2013). The personality puzzle: International student edition (6th ed.). New York: W. W. Norton. ISBN: 978-0-393-92079-6
Majors
Minors
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Students continuing in their current program of study will have their tuition fees indexed annually from the year in which you commenced your program. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 1
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $1650 | |
| 2014 | $2946 | |
| 2013 | $2946 | |
| 2012 | $2946 | |
| 2011 | $2946 | |
| 2010 | $2916 | |
| 2009 | $2916 | |
| 2008 | $2916 | |
| 2007 | $2520 | |
| 2006 | $2520 | |
| 2005 | $2298 | |
| 2004 | $1926 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1994-2003 | $3390 |
| 2014 | $3762 |
| 2013 | $3756 |
| 2012 | $3756 |
| 2011 | $3756 |
| 2010 | $3750 |
| 2009 | $3618 |
| 2008 | $3618 |
| 2007 | $3618 |
| 2006 | $3618 |
| 2005 | $3450 |
| 2004 | $3450 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8979 | 21 Jul 2014 | 01 Aug 2014 | 31 Aug 2014 | 30 Oct 2014 | In Person | N/A |
