The Development of Self
The Three Theories in Practice
Directions: You will create a mini-portfolio of assignments that allow you to put the three theories about the development of self into practice.
Tabula Rasa: (letter or dream board) 10 pts
Option 1: Ask one of your parents to write a letter describing what their hopes and dreams were for you before you were born.
Option 2: Help your parent create a “dream board” with images of what their hopes and dreams were for you before you were born.
The Looking Glass Self (journal entry, list of qualities, reflection): 15 pts
Step 1: Imagine how you appear to others
- Do a journal entry that describes how you view yourself at this point in your life. Be sure to include details about how you view yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Step 2: Determine if others view you the way you view yourself
- Ask two people close to you (best friend, sibling, significant other, etc.) to make a list of your 5 best qualities. Tell them they need to describe in a few sentences why they appreciate those characteristics about you. Give them an envelope that they can seal their responses in and DON’T OPEN IT! (If you don’t have an envelope, just have them tape it or staple it before they give it back to you)
Step 3: Develop feelings about yourself based on how others judge you
- In class, have someone else open your letters for you and read them aloud to you. Write down your feelings as you hear what has been written about you. ½ pg
Role-Taking (choose role model, 3 behaviors, reflection): 15 pts
Step 1: Choose someone that you admire and want to be more like. This individual should be someone you know personally.
Step 2: Identify 3 SPECIFIC behaviors of that person that you admire. Why do these behaviors stand out to you? Explain each behavior briefly.
Step 3: Practice the 3 behaviors you identified in Step 2. For example, if you appreciate a person who is always on time because you are always running late, pick a day to be on time to everything. After practicing these behaviors for at least one full day, write a 1 pg typed reflection about what the experience was like for you. Do you think you can continue these behaviors, or is it too difficult? Why?
*Do NOT wait until the last minute to complete this project. You should have DIFFERENT people participate in each of the theory assignments.
40 pts______Assignment is due______