TOPICS IN PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY HONOURS SEMINAR Y4300 - 2010 Fall Term, Monday: 2:30 - 5:15pm in 3MC13S Professor: Dr. Trapnell Office: 4L39 Email: paultrapnell@gmail.com Website: www.paultrapnell.com Voice Mail: 786-9180 Off.Hr.: by appointment
Required Text:   no text, weekly readings distributed from website Presentation Schedule: Page 1 Page 2 Article Archive: paultrapnell.com/4300/upload/index.php Sample Minor Presenter Questions: paultrapnell.com/4300/questions.docx Sample Major Presentation paultrapnell.com/4300/presentation.ppt General Course Description: In this Honours seminar course, we will examine selected topics in personality research, theory, and assessment that reflect some of the important historic and current preoccupations in Personality Psychology. Examples of Topics Covered:* History of modern personality theory and research Psychoanalytic Approaches to Personality A Five-Factor Theory of Personality Personality and Sexuality Psychobiological Approaches to Personality Personality Continuity and Change Positive and Negative Affectivity Personality and Unconcsious Processes Psychobiography and the Life Story Personality & Health             (*number of topics covered determined by class size) Evaluation: Course grades will be based on the following 5 criteria, out of a possible 400 points: 1. a term paper worth 100 pts. (12 p. 3000 words min.; 15 p. 3750 max.; 15 references min. must turn in hardcopy.), 2. one major powerpoint presentation worth 100 pts. (1 hour minimum; 1¼  hr. max.; send me your ppt file), 3. two minor presentations worth 50 pts. each (composed of 6-8 unique discussion question/answer sets, from all readings; electronic version submission okay.), 4. class participation worth 50 pts (quality of input stressed over quantity), and 5. attendance worth 50 pts (absolutely free!). Topics for the term paper, major presentation and minor presentations will be discussed and distributed in the first meeting.  Selection of topics will be made on a first-come-first-served basis, so try to make up your mind soon, while choices are still available. Student presentations will begin on the third week. THE ABSOLUTE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TERM PAPERS IS THE LAST DAY OF CLASSES, Monday, Nov. 30^th.  If you submit your final paper by Halloween, you will receive written feedback. Early drafts okay too, but feedback less detailed. Numerical cut-off points for letter grades: A+  364-400      B+   311-329         C+   260-279      D    200-219 A   340-363      B    280-310         C    220-259      F    <200 A-  330-339 Notes:  1. The above cut-offs are unofficial and may be changed in either direction.  2. The final date for voluntary withdrawals without penalty from a half course is Friday, Oct 30^th.  3. Students are directed to read the general calendar sections on academic misconduct and appeals.
Grading Criteria for Major Presentation: I. Preparation (15%) · choice of research materials (avoid video clips & questionnaires) · familiarity with material · comprehensiveness of materials II. Quality of Presentation Aids (20%) · readability of powerpoint slides & handouts    (slide art/animation can be useful but isn't necessary) · integration of materials with presentation III. Quality of Presentation (65%) · topic coverage · memorization (at least partial--don't read your slides verbatim to us) · topic organization · topic mastery (practice makes perfect) · creativity (go ahead, project your personality) · clarity of speech · pacing of presentation · points deducted if length of presentation < 1 hour or > 1¼ hour,    questions not included.