Introduction to Self and Identity

elective courses

The course will introduce students to the various psychological concepts

of self and identity and to several psychological ways to measure them.

This course will also examine contemporary research into the inherently

social, cultural, political and multifaceted nature of selves and identities.

The course will not cover all issues concerning the self and identity in

humanities. However, it will provide you with knowledge on key concepts

in psychology. First of all, we will define terminology regarding identity in

psychology and the distinctions between various concepts of identity. The

second class will be devoted to identity creation and its unconscious

aspect- implicit self. Then we will focus on the social identity and how

identity depends on relations with people and culture. We will try to find

out if it is possible to distinguish between “true self” and the different

faces that people present to others depending on circumstances. During

the next class we will examine how autobiographical memory shapes the

self and what is the role of narratives and language in that process. At the

fifth class several psychological identity measures will be presented, you

will thus be provided with practical tools for your thesis. Then we will

discuss examples of unhealthy identity. Finally, during the last class, the

humanistic background for psychological identity theories will be

outlined.

1. Identity, self, self-concept, I vs. personality.

 Oyserman, D., Elmore, K., Smith G. (2012). Self, self-concept, and

identity. In M. Leary, J. Tangney (Eds.). Handbook of self and

Identity. New York: Guilford Press

2. Formation of identity. Implicit self.

 Kircher, T., David, A. S. (2003). Self-consciousness: an integrative

approach from philosophy, psychopathology and the

neurosciences. In T. Kirchner, A. S. David (Eds.). The Self in

Neuroscience and Psychiatry. New York: Cambridge University

Press

3. Social identity.

 Jenkins, R. (2004). Knowing who is who. In R. Jenkins (Ed.). Social

Identity, New York: Routledge

4. Autobiographical memory. Narratives.

 Kihlstrom, J. F., Beer, J. S., Klein, S. B. (2005). Self and Identity as

Memory. In M. R. Leary, J. P. Tangney (Eds.). Handbook of Self and

Identity. New York: Guilford Press

5. Multiple identities, self-complexity, possible selves, dialogical self.

How to measure identity?

 McConnell, A.R., Shoda, T.M., Skulborstad, H.M. (2012). The self

as a collection of multiple self-aspects: Structure, development,

operation, and implications. Social Cognition, 30, 380-395

6. Disturbances in identity and mental illness. True and false memories.

Can psychotherapy change an identity?

 Pernot-Marino, E., Schuster, C., Hedelin, G., Berna, F.,

Zimmermann, M.-A., Danion, J.-M. (2010). True and false

autobiographical memories in schizophrenia: Preliminary results

of a diary study. Psychiatry Research, 179(1), 1-5

 Janis, I.B., Veague, H.B., Driver‐Linn, E.(2006). Possible selves and

borderline personality disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychology,

62(3), 387-394

7. Human identity in humanities. Modernism, postmodernism,

posthumanism.

 Giddens, A. (1991). The Contours of High Modernity. In

A. Giddens (Ed.). Modernity and Self-Identity. Self and Society in

the Late Modern Age. Stanford: Stanford University Press

 Giddens, A. (1991). The Trajectory of the Self. In A. Giddens (Ed.).

Modernity and Self-Identity. Self and Society in the Late Modern

Age. Stanford: Stanford University Press

Students will be able to distinguish various concepts associated with

identity in psychology and will be equipped with several psychological

tools to measure them. Interdisciplinary approach will allow students to

fully recognize psychological concepts of identity in the field of

humanities, thus giving them the flexibility and confidence in using them

in their work.

Your grade will be composed of the following three assessment

components:

1. Class Participation & Attendance 30%

2. Oral Presentation 30%

3. Exam 40%

Ad 1. You are expected to come and be prepared for class. Attending at

least 7 classes is required. Also students must read all the assigned

obligatory materials for each session and bring these materials to class

(on paper or digitally). This is usually one book chapter or an article. Your

preparation for the class might be checked by short, written quizzes, for

which you can get points. This grade is also supplemented by active,

productive in class participation.

Ad 2. You are required to prepare one presentation during the course.

In your presentation (of about 5 minutes) you are expected to shortly

introduce an aspect of the readings that you find interesting or

controversial, and bring up questions for discussion. You are encouraged

to compare the readings to what we have discussed in previous weeks,

relate to your classmates’ discussion points, or bring in a relevant case

study. Whatever you choose to do, make sure your discussion point is

focused and concise. Do not summarize an entire material - your

assignment is to take a step further and open a discussion.

Ad 3. Multiple choice test. The idea of this exam is that if you attended

the classes and have thoroughly prepared for them throughout the

course, you will have no difficulty with the exam. You do not need to

read suggested readings to pass the exam, all the required information

will be provided during the classes.

Attendance rules

One absence is allowed. If you are unable to attend, you are responsible

for independently catching up on course material and class discussion. If

you miss more than one class you will be given additional assignments to

fulfill. If you miss more than two classes you will not pass the course.