ATS3407 - Psychoanalytic readings - Freud, Jung, Lacan - 2017

Introduction to the theories of Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan and Carl Gustav Jung, based on a close reading of seminal texts. Key concepts of Freud's, Jung's and Lacan's psychoanalysis in their historical intellectual context: the unconscious and the structure of the psyche, sexual theory, the interpretation of dreams, the critique of civilization and religion. Exploration of the application of psychoanalysis in literature, the arts and social psychology. The logic and limits of psychoanalytic interpretation.

Upon successful completion of the unit:

1. students will have acquired detailed knowledge of the main features of psychoanalytic theories;
2. students will have a good grasp of key texts reflecting the intellectual debates;
3. they should have also developed an acute awareness of the formative historical forces which contributed to the development of psychoanalysis in the late 19th and 20th century;
4. they will have developed their ability to analyse and interpret works of literature and art as well as social phenomena with reference to a psychoanalytic framework;
5. students will be capable of an informed discussion and they will be able to present the results of their own research in form of a class paper and in a more detailed written essay.

Within semester assessment: 80% + Exam: 20%

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

See also Unit timetable information

Dr Christiane Weller

Literary studies