Personality Psychology, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course provides basic knowledge on personality psychology. In focus of the course content are central theories within personality psychology and how these theories can be used to understand human behavior. The course deepens the knowledge on key concepts within the area of personality theories, but also aims to highlight critique that has been placed towards the field. To understand this critique, scientific theory, methods and measures are discussed. Focus is also put on relevant themes such as genes and environment. Strengths and weaknesses of different personality theories are discussed. The course content will be problematized from critical perspectives such as for example gender- and cultural perspectives.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course, the student will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding

• Give account for and explain central personality theories and their key concepts
• Give account for and explain relevant critique of personality theories

Skills and ability

• Analyze cases using central personality theories.
• Convey research on personality psychology orally and in written.
• In English, demonstrate ability to communicate knowledge in the scope of the scientific field.

Evaluation ability and approach

• Be able to compare personality theories and discuss different personality theories with regards to strenghts and weaknesses
• Use critical perspectives to problematize personality theories.

Required Knowledge

Form of instruction

The teaching requires high student activity and participation and includes lectures, seminars, and group work. Some of the resources and communication will be provided through the internet based course platform. Teaching could occur digitally. This requires specific demands on technical equipment and competence. Examination is compulsory.

The right to teaching is only given during the time period that the student is registered on the course. The course will be given in English.

Examination modes

The course goals will be examined both through a written individual examination and through group work that will be reported in written form and presented orally in a seminar format. Orall examinations could occur digitally. Re-examination is given with an equivalent task within two months after the regular examination.

Examination is specified in the schedule. All aspects of teaching can be subject to examination. Decision of deviation from type of examination is made by the examiner.

The course grade will be established when the written exam/exams and all mandatory parts have been completed. The grades are Pass with distinction, Pass, or Fail. The student has the right to 5 examination occasions (at least two occasions if the testing is practical, clinical or similar). For students who have failed the first exam occasion, additional exam occasions are arranged according to Umeå University´s  "Regler för betyg och examination på grund- och avancerad nivå." A student who has not passed an exam on two exam occasions in a course or part of a course has the right to a new examiner, unless particular reasons speak against it (Higher Education Ordinance, Högskoleförordningen 6 kap. 22 §). Request for a new examiner is handed in to the Head of the Department of Psychology. The student has the right to be examined according to the same syllabus on at least two occasions up to two years after the first registration.

Deviations from the form of examination in the syllabus can be made for a student who has pedagogical support due to disabilities. Individual adjustments of the examination form is determined based on the student's needs. The examination form is adjusted within the framework of the expected learning outcomes of the syllabus. After a request from the student the examiner shall, in consultation with the course coordinator and study counselor, promptly decide on the adjusted form of examination. The decision is then to be announced to the student.