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HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT: SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENTAL PSYC. I : PERSONALITY AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

U. T. PERMIAN BASIN
EDUC. 6303/PSYC. 6341

SPRING 2005

Meets in MB 3251

Instructor: Spencer Thompson. Office: MB 304. Phone: 552-2350; email thompson_s@utpb.edu

Office Hours: M-TH 11-12 AM, W 6:00-7 PM, or by appointment.

Date Week Topic Chapter
Jan 12 Philosophies of human nature 1
19 Theories, Science; introduction to Freud 2
26 Freud; Introduction to Social Learning 3, 4
Feb. 2 Social Learning Theory  
9 Cognitive-Developmental Theory  
16 Oral of Applied Analysis Paper  
23

Oral of Applied Analysis Paper
Theory Application Paper Due

  
Mar. 2 The effects of early experience
Hand in analysis of original theorists.		 5, 6
9 Independence and achievement 7
14-16 SPRING BREAK (Catch more bass than I do!)  
23 Gender-role development 8
30 Aggression 9
Apr. 6 Altruism and Moral Behavior 10
13 Family 11
20 Peers and Extrafamilial influences 12,13
27 Papers on Special Topics 14
May 4

Final: Papers on Special Topics
7:05-9:45 PM (Time to be changed possibly)

  

Purpose of the Course:

In this course we will study the life-span socialization processes that form the foundation for personality development in humans. Students will study the original theorists of social and personality development and examine the specific areas of social and personality development explored in recent research. Life-span and cross-cultural issues will be emphasized.

Grades determined by: Applied Classical Theory Paper 80
  Oral presentation 40
  Personal analysis of original theorists 30
  Special topic of Personality 80
  Oral Presentation 40
  Quizzes on chpts 5-15 40
  Class participation. 20
In order to receive an A a student must be within 92 % of the top 10% of the class; within 80% for B; within 60% for C.

Text: Schaffer, D. , (2005). Social and Personality Development, 5th ed. Wadsworrth.

Assignments:

1. Personal Analysis of Writings of Original Theorists.

To demonstrate to students that the textbook and my lectures are drastic over-simplifications of the principles the original theorists presented in their writings, each student is required to read some of the original works of the theorists presented in class. Each student will find a book or series of articles written by one early theorist in each of the 3 major socialization theories presented in Class-Psychoanalytic, Social-Learning, and Cognitive-Developmental. For example, read works by theorists such as Freud, Erikson, Skinner, Bandura, Piaget, or Kohlberg. Each student will be required to read at least 200 pages by each of the 3 authors chosen. If articles are read, fewer pages will be required. You must receive instructor's approval before you read your selections (not all books are of equal value to helping you understand the theorists). After reading each selection, you will prepare a brief ( 1-2 type-written page) personal summary of what you think of the theorist's presentation. Write what book etc. you read, but do not review the theory. Tell how the writings affected you in terms of their persuasiveness, interest, and clarity. The assignment is not graded, but satisfactory completion of the assignment is required for passing the course.

2. Applied Analysis of Classical Socialization and Personality Theories.

Each student will analyze the application of socialization theories to their own lives or in society as a whole. A paper that is less than 7 type written pages and an oral presentation will be completed. This assignment is designed to demonstrate the practical veracity of each of the socialization theories we examine in the first segment of the class. Specific methods for doing this may include an autobiographical account of childhood upbringing, analysis of own parenting practices, historical overview of childrearing, survey of public attitudes, or analysis of a childrearing advice book.

3. Special Topic Literature Review.

Students will write a literature review of books and journal articles on a limited socialization topic of their own choosing. Example topics include: Child’s development of humor; Divorce effect on different age or sexes; Effect of wealth on personality; Sibling rivalry; Achievement in adolescents; Religious training and morality; Attachment with fathers; Television effects; etc. A paper less than 10 pages and an oral presentation on the topic will be made. Any topics may be used by the students as long as topics are interesting to the students and deal with socialization and personality areas and not purely clinical or educational issues. The format to follow will be that used by our textbook when reviewing the various developmental topics. You will follow the APA format for citations and references. Usually the students have between 10 and 20 references for this paper. Try to find the most recent research on your topic with primary use of scholarly journals (e.g. APA, Education, Sociology) and books. Web sites and popular press articles are not acceptable.