The course presents a comprehensive in-depth study of the nature of personality, including how it is defined, measured, conceptualized, and influenced by biological and environmental factors. The major theories of personality that are prominent and important today in the field of psychology are considered individually in detail and comparatively. This includes theories from psychodynamic, developmental, humanistic, behavioral, cognitive, biological and cross-cultural perspectives. 

The overall aim is to introduce students to the fundamental questions, ideas and approaches in the study of personality. To this end, the course also emphasizes an understanding of the research methods and findings in the field, focusing on research from many different cultures around the world.