2009 Course Handbook
PSY305: Personality
We consider theories and contemporary research addressing both the shared features and uniqueness of an individual's personality. We look at what underpins personality from the start and shapes its development, as well as the joys and costs of the dynamic system of adaptation it represents. Just how adaptive it is to deceive others and deceive ourselves (via self-enhancement) is explored from a variety of perspectives. Special emphasis is given to the ways that early deficits in the experience of emotions and attachment to others can have knock-on consequences for the development of empathy and morality - as well as for the capacities to love, forgive and continue to change. The knock-on effects of early deficits are illustrated by exploring personality styles like narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Forms of personality change are considered in addition to how such change can be promoted, researched and assessed. The role of memory, narrative and contextual influences on personality are addressed. Separate seminar topics permit specialisation in practical clinical, theoretical and research issues according to student interest.
| Credit Points: | 4 |
| Contact Hours: | 4 |
| When Offered: | D2 - Day; Offered in the second half-year |
| Staff Contact: | Dr Doris McIlwain |
| Prerequisites: | PSY234(P) |
| Corequisites: | PSY222 or PSY248 |
| NCCWs: | |
| Unit Designations: | Science |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Department of Psychology |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.