Description:

This course will focus on what social scientists (predominantly psychologists, but also sociologists, philosophers, anthropologists, and historians) have learned about self-knowledge and how it relates to social behavior. Topics will range from the nature of self-esteem and depression to positive illusions and what makes people satisfied with their relationships. To this end, we will read and critique a mix of contemporary and classic articles on the self.

Texts:

Swann, W. Self-traps: The elusive quest for higher self-esteem

Grading and Requirements:

Discussion questions/Class participation: 20%

Daily quizzes: 40%

Term paper:

Rough Draft 20%

Final Paper (incorporating feedback) 20%

Prerequisites:

Psychology 301 with a grade of C or better, Psychology 418 or an equivalent statistics course with a grade of C or better, upper division standing, and six semester hours of upper division psychology.

Updated 24 February 1998
Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts
University of Texas at Austin

Some graphics courtesy of Ann Pommerehn