Assignment Instructions:
Write a 1,200-word reflective essay that answers the following questions. An outline for how to organize your work is offered below. Avoid generalities in this essay; ground your ideas in concrete examples that resonate with your unique and central point of view. There is no “right answer” to this assignment. What you are being evaluated on is the depth and breadth of your exploration, your offering of this unique and centralized point of view, and how you set yourself up to succeed in your Unit 7 project with this interesting, personalized contrast point (See Section on Generative AI below for more information on what is meant by “centralized point of view”).
- Prior to taking this course, what did you fundamentally believe about why people are the way they are? Consider nature and nurture aspects, the fluidity vs. stability debate, but don’t be limited by these factors – explore everything you’ve believed to be true about how we become the people we do.
- How did your personality theory develop? What influenced it? Consider the effect of cultural factors, family upbringing, your education, etc.
- How does that “personal construct” (your own personality theory) manifest in your own life? In other words, looking at your own personality, how does it reflect your beliefs about how people become who they are?
- How have you “tested” this theory? What data did you collect? Were there ever any moments that did not fit? In other words, did your own actions or the actions of another person stand out because it contradicted what you knew to be true about the nature and development of personality?
- How has your personality theory served you thus far in your life? In what ways have you used it to understand, predict, and control your own behavior or interpersonal interactions you’ve had?
- Consider to what extent you are willing/able to add to, change, or shift your views on personality development to include ideas you learn in this course. What challenges might this create for you, if any? Or is it something you are excited to do?
- As you look through our syllabus/course calendar or click through each Units’ content, what theories do you think are going to align with your personal personality theory? Which will diverge?
Consider this outline to help you conceptualize and write your paper. Use creative subject headings throughout your essay to visually organize your points for both you and your reader. The word count listed for each section is approximate, although the estimates do suggest the level of detail needed in each section. The finished paper should reach the 1,200-word mark (title page and any references not included). Going over some is fine, but not to exceed the 1,500-word mark.
- Introduction (100+ words)
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- Introduce your work with a compelling start
- Summarize for your reader what you are going to share with them.
- Body Section: My Personal Personality Theory and How it Developed (300+ words)
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- Corresponding with bullet points 1 & 2 above
- Body Section: Case Study for My Theory (200+ words)
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- Corresponding with bullet point 3 above
- Body Section: How I’ve “Tested” My Theory (200+ words)
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- Corresponding with bullet point 4 above
- Body Section: How Has My Personality Theory Served Me? (200+ words)
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- Corresponding with bullet point 5 above
- Body Section: Adapting My Views and Looking Ahead (100+ words)
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- Corresponding with bullet points 6 & 7 above
- Conclusion (100+words)
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- Synthesize your take-home message for your reader, ending on a satisfying note.
Paper Writing Guidelines:
- Paper should meet the 1,200-word mark, not to surpass 1,500 words (title page and any references do not count toward the length requirement).
- Paper should be written in APA 7 style; this includes title page and document formatting (1-inch margins, double-spaced, 12-point font, etc.).
- An abstract is not required.
- References are not required. This is a reflective essay that emphasizes depth of thought and personal application. However, if you do use references, you must cite them in your text with APA formatted in-text citations and include an APA formatted reference section.
- Apply sound writing mechanics: write with clarity and pay attention to spelling/grammar. Consider reading your paper out loud or having a friend, family member, or dictation software read it back to you for a different perspective.
- Using subject headings to visually organize your paper for you and your reader.
- Submit completed document by assigned due date.
