Singapore University of Social Sciences

Psychology of Personality Development

Psychology of Personality Development (COU105)

Synopsis

This course provides an overview of classical theories on personality development from a perspective that encourages critical thinking and fosters intellectual insights with respect to human nature. It shows the relevance of classical theories to culture, evolution, ego development, gender and person-situation interactions.

Level: 1
Credit Units: 5
Presentation Pattern: Every July
E-Learning: BLENDED - Learning is done MAINLY online using interactive study materials in Canvas. Students receive guidance and support from online instructors via discussion forums and emails. This is supplemented with SOME face-to-face sessions. If the course has an exam component, this will be administered on-campus.

Topics

  • What is personality?
  • Psychoanalytic aspects of personality development
  • Biological aspects of personality development
  • Behavioural aspects of personality development
  • Cognitive and learning aspects of personality development
  • Social aspects of personality development
  • Humanistic and existential aspects of personality development
  • Person-situation aspects of personality development
  • Intellectual aspects of personality development
  • Contemporary research studies on personality and their findings
  • Application of personality theories to individual differences
  • Influences of gender, culture, ethnicity and religion on personality development

Learning Outcome

  • Present an overview of classical theories of personality development (B2)
  • Compare and contrast the different classical theories in a critical manner (B4)
  • Interpret human behaviours based on a knowledge of personality development (B3)
  • Explain the influences of culture, gender, ethnicity and religions on personality (B2)
  • Discuss the findings of modern research on personality development (B2)
  • Apply personality theories to understand observed behaviours of individuals (B3)
  • Appraise the relevance of personality theories to the helping profession ((B4)
  • Defend the use of personality theories in understanding clients (B5)
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