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Perspectives of Self and Identity (Psy 95)
Syllabus (open
as Word document)
Class Description
Class Format
Miscellaneous Info
Course Objectives
Course
Description
This course will expose you to theory and research that addresses the
self, particularly how people maintain positive self-views. We will focus
on how people’s perceptions, thoughts, and behaviors serve goals
associated with the self. We will discuss the biases inherent in attributions,
memories, and self-assessments, how people use others to maintain positive
self-views, what the outcomes of these biases and behaviors are, and what
limitations and boundaries exist for such self-processes.
Class
Format
My intention is to create a true seminar environment. Class periods
will involve discussions led by students. These discussions may include
demonstrations, debates, movies, and any other teaching tool that students
feel will contribute to understanding and digesting the material. Therefore,
there will not be formal lectures in this class, which means your interests
will determine much of the direction of the class. This also implies that
you must do the reading and be ready to discuss it at an IN-DEPTH level
in class. Simply put, the nature of the class and its assignments (i.e.,
no exams) make it so that the structure of the class is flexible, yet
it is your responsibility to keep up with readings and writing assignments.
Miscellaneous
Information
1. To facilitate communication between fellow classmates and
myself, it is imperative that you check your email regularly.
2. Although we do not have exams in this course, if for any reason you will need special accommodations for assignments due to a disability, please contact Ms. Susan Clark, Coordinator of Disability Services (x2322). After contacting her, then touch base with me. Please do this EARLY in the term.
3. Realize that my grading system uses a “C” grade as the starting point for what is adequate work. In other words, acceptable work does not necessarily imply you will receive a B grade on the assignment. Average or acceptable work will be given a C. Grades for work that is more than acceptable or average will be graded from the C point.
Course
Objectives
• To become familiar with research and theory associated with the
self, particularly how the “self” is a dynamic entity that
influences thoughts and behavior.
• To
think critically about research and theory concerning the self. Specifically:
Pick out themes in the readings.
Identify important points and conclusions from the readings.
Find inconsistencies and contradictions in research and theory.
Identify methodological flaws in research.
Integrate readings from different topics.
• To be comfortable with reading primary literature and with gleaning
from it important points.
• To be able, both verbally and in writing, to articulate your viewpoints on research and theory, to express your reactions from the readings, and comment on and integrate social psychological theory and research.
• To consider how the social psychological perspective on the self might differ from other psychological perspectives, or differ from other disciplines’ views on the self.
• To apply concepts, theory, and research to your daily life, including current events and personal interests.
• To encourage open discussion about controversial topics.
• To think independently about the phenomena we discuss, including developing support for your opinions about the field.
• To take advantage of the flexibility of the course to create a learning experience that you value.
• ***To approach class with the goal of learning and digesting the material rather than “getting a grade.”