Homework: Analyzing Humanistic Theories
Think about words that relate to the term humanistic. There is human, of course. There are also humanity and humane. Consider how these words offer powerful clues to what humanistic theories explore and the views of people and personality they present.
From your work and the information you have gained in this week's studies, you should know there are profound differences between psychoanalytic theories that perceive people as driven by internal conflicts and humanistic theories that see people in a different-and kinder-light. Yet how do humanistic theories help us understand human behavior and what it means to be human-in mind, body, and spirit? In this Homework, you will analyze the contributions of humanistic theories and the two humanists you have studied, Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. You will also consider whether and how those theories align with your own thinking about people, particularly in terms of how individuals such as Katherine from the Case Study achieve their potential, and think about how you might apply humanistic theories to this case study.
To prepare:
o Review the information on Rogers and Maslow in this week's Learning Resources, including the media selection, Measuring What Makes Life Worthwhile.
o Read the Carl Rogers Case Study about Katherine
o Consider key contributions by both Rogers and Maslow to humanistic theory.
o Reflect on your ideas about achieving one's potential and what represents success to you, including how the culture in which you were raised influenced your ideas and any changes in your present thinking.
o Consider the theorist, Rogers or Maslow, whose ideas are closest to your own.
o Consider the role of humanistic theories in guiding your interactions with others, both personally and in your future profession.
Submit a 2 to 3 pages paper that addresses the following:
o Analyze the most important contributions to humanistic theory by Maslow and Rogers and explain your reasoning.
o Analyze your own process of self-actualization (i.e., achieving personal potential) and comment on how your ideas about your potential have developed over time. In your answer, explain the concept of success in the culture in which you were raised and discuss whether your own concept of success aligns with that culture and what has influenced any shifts you have made.
o Using the case example of Katherine, describe how you could use humanistic theories and concepts to explain Katherine's personality development and behavior.
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.