This course is
intended to provide an overview of the fundamental areas of
personality psychology. As such, this course will examine
personality from a psychological perspective, and this
course will apply the principles of psychology to help students
increase their understanding of human behavior, thought, and
feelings.
In order to
learn to explore and think critically about human behavior, thoughts,
and feelings, students will be expected to participate in a variety of
activities. These may include interviews with teachers, parents,
peers, analyses drawn from popular and professional sources, and
discussions on particular themes or issues related to the field of
psychology. Students will be required to engage in several writing
activities, ranging from responding to questions on a web-based
bulletin board to exploring their own perceptions of human nature.
Also, PY432 students will be asked to develop their ability to
understand and to apply the findings of relevant research to the study
of humans.
Students will
be able to access their grades on a password protected web page and
will be required to take quizzes over the textbook material via the
web. Bulletin Board activities will also be required. Another
significant activity will involve students working in a small group
with others to develop a PowerPoint presentation on a particular
psychology topic. Other activities will require students to apply
material that they have read to problems or situations presented via
web pages. Students will be able to communicate privately with the
instructor via e-mail.
The course
expectations for students in an on-line course will be somewhat
different from those of students in a traditional classroom. First,
students will be expected to complete all activities on time (web
assignments, web quizzes, and bulletin board discussions). Second,
students are expected to engage in significant discussion using the
on-line Bulletin Board (i.e., the PY432 Forum). Third, students must
be willing to allocate the time necessary to accomplish that essential
component of the course. Finally, students will be expected to keep
up with readings and other class activities.
Prerequisites
This
course is a Psychology course in the
Department of Psychology for Southeast Missouri State University.
Hyperlinks on Home Page
Some of
the hyperlinks for this course are available only to enrolled
students once the semester begins. Enrolled students will need to
obtain a password from the instructor prior to the start of the
semester in order to access these hyperlinks (contact Dr. Snell to
obtain the password). Passwords will be distributed shortly before
the first week of the semester. If you are enrolled for Dr.
Snell's online section of this course, then email him for your
password at wesnell@semo.edu.
On-campus location
If for some reason you need
to visit my office, then come on campus to Scully Building, Room
427F.
Prior to Enrolling:
-
Read the course syllabus (and
watch for updates in the near future).
-
Make sure you have the necessary
system requirements.
-
Ask yourself if you are a
self-starter. You must motivate yourself to read the assigned
readings, complete the assignments on time, post required
messages on the Forum Bulletin Board, participate in team
Forum projects, and be prepared to take weekly quizzes on the
assigned readings.
Please feel free to
contact me prior to enrollment. I look forward to this new venture
teaching PY432 (Introduction to Personality) in an online environment. I expect to learn with you as we take this
journey together.
Dr. Bill Snell
