Analyzing Personality of a Character using Freudian Psychoanalytic Theory and a Secondary Theory

Objective

Objective

There are two main goals for this assignment. First, the theories and models you will learn during the course are meant to be applied. Consequently, an important learning outcome is learning how to apply the theories to analyze the personality of individuals.

Secondly, it is imperative for your development as a student to be able to organize and communicate your thoughts effectively. A written assignment is a required element of liberal studies course for exactly this purpose.

You are tasked with analyzing a character from a well-known movie or television series. You are responsible for choosing the character. I recommend choosing a character in which enough information is presented to allow you to properly analyze their personality.

You may only choose one character. You will be analyzing the character using 2 theories. The first theory that you must use is Freud’s psychoanalytic theory. The second theory that you use is your choice.

You may choose any other theory that we are covering in the course (see the list of topics in our syllabus schedule). You will also need to decide which of the two theories you think best analyses and describes your character’s personality.

You will need sources to properly complete this assignment. Do not limit yourself to just our textbook. Sources you should consider using include other personality textbooks, books written by the theorists, journal articles written by the theorists, journal articles written by other people about the theories. 

 Components of the Assignment:

Here is a breakdown of what is required in your paper and how your paper will be evaluated. 

1) Introduction – 15% (approximately 1 page).
Your introduction should identify the goal of the paper, should identify the two theories that will be applied, and should give a brief description of the character (e.g. what show/movie are they from and a little about who they are). 

2) Character Analysis using Freud’s Theory – 25% (approximately 2 to 3 pages).
Analyze the character’s personality in the same way that Freud would. Be sure to use Freud’s terminology (e.g. defense mechanisms, psychosexual stages etc.). There are three main things that I expect in this section:
1) Demonstrated understanding of Freud’s theory,
2) Proper application of Freud’s theory to analyze the character’s personality,
3) Evidence/examples about the character to justify your analysis. For example, if you want to claim that the character has an unresolved Oedipus Complex, you should give an example about them that helps demonstrate it. 

3) Character Analysis using a Theory of your choice – 25% (approximately 2 to 3 pages).
Same thing you did with Freud’s theory but with the theory of your choice. Again, be sure to demonstrate your understanding of the theory, properly apply the theory, and back up your analysis with evidence/examples. 

4) Conclusion – 15% (approximately 1 page).
In your conclusion, I want you to decide which theory best analyses and describes the character’s personality. You also need to explain why you think that theory is the better theory for that character.

5) Writing Style – 15%.
I will evaluate your grammar, spelling, clarity, logical flow, and so on. You should take the time to proofread your paper. You could get a friend (who is good a proofreading) to help proofread it too. If there are spelling/grammar errors, if it is difficult to read, and so on, I will deduct points.