What do we want, why do we want it, and how do we get it? Do we all want the same things? How much control do we have over our own behavior? These questions drive psychologists who study motivation and personality. We will review major perspectives on motivation from personality and social psychology. Within each perspective, we will consider ways in which individual differences at different levels of analysis (e.g., neural networks, hormonal processes, traits, emotional dispositions, family background, social and cultural contexts) are intertwined with motivation and goal pursuit. We will consider ways in which students might apply what psychologists have learned to the pursuit of their personal goals.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: Open to juniors and seniors who have taken either PSYC 210 or PSYC 212 and one other 200-level unit, excluding PSYC 205, PSYC 250, and PSYC 299, or permission of the instructor.

Distribution Requirements: SBA - Social and Behavioral Analysis

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered; Spring