Students

PSY 336 – Personality and its Disorders

2018 – S2 Day

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Simon Boag
Credit points Credit points
3
Prerequisites Prerequisites
6cp at 200 level including PSY234(P)
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This unit considers theories and contemporary personality research within a global, cultural context. The course focuses upon the relation between personality and culture, self and identity, and issues surrounding psychopathology and personality disorders. The unit examines the current debates and controversies in personality research by considering the implications of cross-cultural evidence. The course also applies a cross-cultural perspective to examining approaches to personality pathology, including understanding dissociative identity disorder, the culture of narcissism, psychopathy, and the Dark Triad/Tetrad. The adaption of personality within cyber-space is also considered. There is a strong emphasis on developing critical thinking skills and appreciating global diversity for understanding personality. Separate seminar strands permit specialisation in research issues according to student interests.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

General Assessment Information

Essays will be submitted to Turnitin.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Essay preparation 10% No Approx week 4
Essay 50% No Week 8
Exam 40% No Exam period

Essay preparation

Due: Approx week 4
Weighting: 10%

This first assessment is to help with essay preparation.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Essay

Due: Week 8
Weighting: 50%

Word count: 1500 words (worth 50%).

The essay is an exercise in persuasive writing. The objective here is for you to (i) critically engage with the relevant evidence and differing points of view, and; (ii) to argue for your own position on the essay topic. Essay topics are provided by seminar leaders.

Please remember that your essay is being assessed on the quality of argument rather than quantity (all things being equal). It would be better to develop 2 or 3 points in depth than attempting to cover half a dozen briefly. Also, do not think that there is a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer that the marker will be looking for. There are a range of positions that could be developed, so attempt to develop your point of view based on reasoning and argument. You should primarily use the references provided as well as reading beyond them, and if you are still unsure concerning what an essay should involve then see Chapter 10 in:

Bell, P. & Staines, P. (2001). Logical Psych: Reasoning, explanation & writing in Psychology. NSW: UNSW Press. (available via iLearn).

See also the guide to writing essays (available via iLearn).

How many references should I use?

You should primarily use the references provided as well as reading beyond them. Generally, 6-8 references will be sufficient for writing a good essay, although it is always best to consider quality of use rather than quantity.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Exam

Due: Exam period
Weighting: 40%

The exam consists of multiple choice questions and essays.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Delivery and Resources

Course content and readings are available via iLearn.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay preparation
  • Essay
  • Exam

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay preparation
  • Essay
  • Exam

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay preparation
  • Essay
  • Exam

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay preparation
  • Essay
  • Exam

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay preparation
  • Essay
  • Exam

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay preparation
  • Essay
  • Exam

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Assessment tasks

  • Essay preparation
  • Essay
  • Exam

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Assessment task

  • Exam

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcome

  • 1. Gain a basic insight into central issues in contemporary personality research within a global context. 2. Learn of the variety of approaches to the study of personality, and their relevance to understanding psychopathology, everyday life, and research. 3. Learn how to read critically, to take your own stance on an array of issues in writing and in discussion with your peers. 4. Write an essay that synthesises a body of material and argues for an original position. 5. Acquire enough background knowledge to direct further studies in the area. 6. Learn how to communicate effectively during group discussions in seminars.

Assessment task

  • Exam