Brief:  You will choose an actual person to analyze through the lens of one or two theories discussed in class. This research paper will require incorporation of at least four external sources in addition to your text and lecture notes.  There should be sufficient information about the person to allow for an in-depth analysis of the individual’s personality.   Formatting, content, and creativity, will all factor into the grade.    You will also be responsible for a brief presentation to the class on your chosen person at the end of the semester.

For grading purposes, this assignment will be broken into three sections.  The initial proposal will be worth 10 points (choice of person).   Your presentation will be worth 20 points.   The paper itself will be worth 70 points, for a total of 100 points. 

Paper:  Your paper will be 10-15 pages typed, double spaced (not including title and reference pages).  The content of the paper should include biographical information on your figure, a description of the foundational aspects of your theoretical lens/es), and a critical analysis of your figure combining the two.  In other words…. Approximately 15 percent of your paper should be pure biographical information (not analyzed, but there to set the scene), 25 percent of your paper should be pure theory (outlining the tenants of the theoretical perspective/s you chose), and the remaining 60% should be an analysis of your figure using a theory and identifying support for your analysis (I expect quotes from source materials on your figure to backup your analysis).

Structure:  It will help to outline your paper ahead of time.  Read your source material and identify the theory or theories that best apply.  Then select 4 or 5 main arguments that will be the meat of your paper (i.e. My figure is best represented by Horney’s neurotic trend of moving away) and categorize your biographical information into supporting your 4-5 main arguments.  Your structure, then, might include an introduction to your character with basic biographical information and the selection of your theory for analysis.   Next, you might underscore the main points of the theory that you chose, transitioning into how your character fits that theory using your 4-5 main arguments.  Finally, you might conclude your paper with summarizing information or more biographical information that proves, based on later life outcomes, that your analysis is correct (i.e. your figure never marries, thus supporting the “moving away” analysis).

Your paper will also include a title and reference page in APA format.

DUE THE LAST CLASS BEFORE FINALS ON THE LAST NIGHT OF IN-CLASS PRESENTATIONS.

Presentation:  You will present the findings of your psychobiography to the class on your assigned day.  Your presentation should be 15 minutes long.  In this time you will need to present the basics of your figure, the theory you chose, main points of your analysis and a conclusion.  This is a lot of information to include in 15 minutes, so it is important to be clear and concise, and of course: Practice Practice Practice so that you can execute your presentation quickly and smoothly.

Requirements:  You will need to include the above listed elements in your presentation.  In addition, you must incorporate some sort of visual component.  This can be PowerPoint, overhead transparencies, or some sort of poster that you have created.   At some point in your presentation you must include direct source material (i.e. a quote from your figure, lyrics, art, etc.).  Your presentation will be graded on the information, clarity, organization, visual aid, and presentation style.  Reminder:    it is important that you rehearse so that your presentation goes smoothly.  Due to the number of presentations, we will keep to a tight schedule.  That means you must be ready to go when your name is called, and you must keep it to 15 minutes.  At 15 minutes you will be asked to conclude and you will be graded on whatever information you were able to present.