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School of Medicine and Psychology · ANU College of Science and Medicine
This course presents both in-depth and broad coverage of personality psychology. The main aims of the course are to critically review and discuss key theoretical and empirical approaches to personality. A special emphasis is placed on developing scholarly appraisals of significant trends in the field. This course will cover the main theoretical approaches to personality: the trait approach (examining why people have traits and whether traits cause behaviour), the biological approach (exploring how biological factors shape personality), the psychodynamic approach (investigating the dynamic unconscious processes within personality), the phenomenological approach (assessing how humanistic, existential, and cultural factors influence personality), and the social-cognitive approach (studying how learning, cognitions, and affect shape personality).
Course Participation
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 5
Student Conference Presentation
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Mid-Semester Case Study Report
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4
Final Exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hour lecture per week and 7 x 2 hours of laboratories spread across the semester. - Approximately 94 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks. Students are expected to actively participate and contribute towards discussions. Other Information Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) required competencies: As part of the mandatory requirements from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), students must demonstrate the specific competencies listed in the learning outcomes for this course. For example, participation and presentations assess the required demonstration of teamwork and oral communication skills. Some students may be eligible to have recommended reasonable adjustments applied to materials, activities or assessment tasks provided the integrity of the course, and the competencies being assessed, are maintained. For more information, please contact the Course Convenor.
There is no specific textbook for this course. Relevant journal articles and other readings will be provided on the Learning Management System.