Who Are You? An Introduction to Personality and Psychological Well-Being

Hello there! 

I teach in a very "person-centered" way that starts with a striving to recognize and accept all students for who they are as people. I seek to create an inclusive and warm learning environment in which all students feel free and able to discuss course material. Emphasis is placed on active learning, where students are encouraged to ask questions and discuss the material they learn.  

This class has been adapted based on material taught in my PSY-110: Psychological Well-Being at Saint Leo University. Students will learn about topics in personality, stress and coping, and positive psychology, and will learn ways to navigate difficult life situations. Students will be guided through personal reflection and learn both about themselves and ways to cope with difficult life situations.

Weeks 1 and 2 -- Personality: 
Students will learn about several historical views on human personality, including the work of different psychologists. Discussion will center around ways that our personalities affect our well-being. In week 2, students will learn about two modern perspectives on personality. As part of this module, students will take a personality test and write a 1-page reflection paper on their results. 

Weeks 3 and 4 -- Stress, coping, and values:
Students will learn about formal models of stress and coping (emotion regulation, and the role of mindfulness in this process) and mindfulness skills through short exercises and discussion. Students in week 3 will practice a stress-and-coping exercise for one week, where they will engage in an activity of their choosing (meditation, taking a walk, or listening to music they enjoy) for 10 minutes each day and then write a 1-page paper reflecting on their experience by the end of week 4. 

Weeks 5 and 6 -- Positive psychology, compassion, and happiness
Students will learn about aspects of positive psychology and compassion in week 5, and in week 6 will examine formal models of happiness. In week 6 they will also complete a short worksheet and 1-page reflection paper to identify their values and what is important in their lives.

Week 7 -- Wrap-up and review, final Q&A, discussion of favorite topics and activities

No prior knowledge is required and learners of all abilities are encouraged to participate--whether students are just somewhat curious about psychology or incredibly passionate, and regardless of neurological, medical, or other condition or background, they are welcome here.