Psychology of Personality

Harvard Extension School

PSYC E-1040

Section 1

CRN 17511

View Course Details
This course introduces personality as a dynamic, organizing system that shapes how individuals experience themselves, relate to others, and adapt to life's demands across contexts. Moving beyond trait lists and diagnostic labels, the course examines personality through self and interpersonal functioning, attachment and relatedness, and levels of personality organization. Students explore how personality patterns influence relationships, responses to stress, illness, and change, and engagement with social and institutional systems. Emphasis is placed on cultural and contextual expressions of personality, developmental trajectories across the lifespan, and the distinction between personality structure and psychiatric diagnosis. Through theory, research, and applied examples, students develop a nuanced framework for understanding human complexity.

Instructor Info

Mark Blanchard, PhD

Instructor in Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School


Meeting Info

Th 8:10pm - 10:10pm (8/31 - 12/19)

Participation Option: Online Synchronous

Deadlines

Last day to register:

Prerequisites

PSYC E-15. Some knowledge of abnormal psychology is preferred but not required.

Notes

This course meets via web conference. Students must attend and participate at the scheduled meeting time. See minimum technology requirements.

All Sections of this Course

CRN Section # Participation Option(s) Instructor Section Status Meets Term Dates
17511 1 Online Synchronous Mark Blanchard Open Th 8:10pm - 10:10pm
Aug 30 to Dec 18