Introduction to Personality

Examine the basic concepts in the field of personality in this introductory online course.

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What will I learn in the Introduction to Personality course?

This online college course reviews 15 of the most important personality theories that have emerged during the past century. The theories covered in PSYC360: Introduction to Personality provide excellent examples of differing theoretical perspectives regarding the driving forces of human natures and associated basic assumptions about how they operate.

It is important to emphasize that theoretical ideas regarding personality development are not restricted to those presented in a textbook. Other ideas could be found today or certainly in the future that extend beyond those presented in this course. This set of theories was selected because of their historic importance in the field of psychology. Additional viewpoints will emerge and earn equal respect over time.

PSYC360: Introduction to Personality should serve, however, to broaden your understanding about fundamental differences of opinion within the field regarding the forces of human nature that influence personality development and functioning.

Introduction to Personality Course Objectives

By taking this online course about personality, you will:

• Form a deeper understanding of the basic assumptions about the driving forces of human nature described in 15 major theories of personality.
• Form a deeper understanding of the different theoretical perspectives that are typically described in the field of psychology.
• Learn detailed descriptions and definitions of many concepts that have their origins in the 15 major theories of personality reviewed in this course.

How long will it take to complete this online course?

You have 3 to 9 months from your enrollment date to complete 16 lessons and two proctored exams. Lesson topics include:

• What is Personality?
• Sigmund Freud
• Carl Jung
• Alfred Adler
• Karen Horney
• Erik Erikson
• Gordon Allport
• Raymond Cattell & Hans Eysenck
• B.F. Skinner
• John Dollard & Neal Miller
• Albert Bandura & Walter Mischel
• David Buss
• George Kelly
• Carl Rogers
• Abraham Maslow
• Rollo May

The assignments include chapter readings, exercises and multiple-choice quizzes. The exams are also multiple-choice.

Which textbook is required for this online course?

Olson, M. H. & Hergenhahn, B. R. (2011). An Introduction to Theories of Personality (8th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. ISBN: 978-020579878-0.

How will the course appear on my transcript?

You may enroll at any time and have up to 9 months to complete this online course. The credits earned will be recorded on your UND transcript based on the date you registered for the course. It will appear on your transcript in the same way as a course taken during a regular semester. There is no indication that the course was taken online or that you completed it at your own pace. 

Consult the table on our How Enroll Anytime Courses Work page for a current listing of Enroll Anytime Registration Dates and the semester information that will appear on a UND transcript.

Why Take Online Classes at UND?

Here are a few reasons why you should take an online enroll anytime course at UND:

• Great customer service – Our registration team is ready to answer questions quickly so you can focus on your coursework.
• Affordable – UND's enroll anytime courses are priced at North Dakota's affordable, in-state tuition rate.
• Accredited – UND is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
• Easily transfer credits – Transferring credits is always at the discretion of the institution to which the credits are being transferred. In general, credits from schools/universities that are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission transfer to other regionally accredited institutions. UND's online courses appear on your UND transcript in the same way as other courses.

Flexible 100% Online Course

You'll take this online course at your own pace. Some students thrive in this environment, while other students may struggle with setting their own deadlines. If you have successfully taken an independent study or correspondence course previously, UND’s enroll anytime courses may be right for you. Still not sure? Take our online quiz to help determine if online enroll anytime courses are right for you.

Course information including tuition, technology requirements, textbooks, lessons and exams is subject to change without notice.