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 Cambro. 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

Both written and oral examination will occur. Examination will be performed both individual and in group.

Individual examination using a written exam
The student will be asked to give account for and explain central personality theories and their key concepts as well as relevant critique of personality theories through an individual written exam. In this written exam the student will also be asked to analyze cases using central personality theories. Re-examination will be given with an equivalent task within two months of ordinary examination.

In group examination
The student will be asked to convey research on personality psychology orally and in written and to use critical perspectives to problematize personality theories through group work that is being presented in a seminar format. The ability to compare personality theories and discuss different personality theories with regards to strenghts and weaknesses will also be tested in seminar format. Re-examination is given with an equivalent task within two months of ordinary 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 Director of undergraduate studies.

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.

Crediting
The student has the right to have previous educations or comparable knowledge and occupational skills tried for crediting of a similar education at Umeå University. The application is sent to Studentcentrum/Examina. Further information on crediting is available at www.student.umu.se and regulated by law in the Higher Education Ordinance (chapter 6). A rejection of such an application can be appealed (Higher Education Ordinance, chapter 12) to the Higher Education Appeals Board (Överklagandenämnden för högskolan). This applies to rejection of the entire application as well as to parts of it.