This course explores foundational psychodynamic concepts through the detailed examination of important material written by Freud in a variety of contexts. We will explore the theoretical and clinical implications of these concepts, and discuss how they are relate to ongoing controversies in psychodynamic thinking. We will end the course with a study of the ideas of two significant psychodynamic writers who expanded Freud’s ideas.
Objectives
- Enhance students’ understanding of basic psychodynamic concepts
- Enhance students’ ability to integrate psychodynamic theoretical material with their clinical understanding
- Provide a further foundation for deeper exploration of psychodynamic theory
Text/Readings
The majority of class readings are available in the PEP data base of the digital library. If you prefer, you may purchase a hard copy of the Introductory Lectures at Amazon or most bookstores. Additional resources include:
LaPlanche, J. and Pontalis. J-B (1973) The Language of Psychoanalysis (also available from PEP)
Abstracts of the Standard Edition are available online at: http://www.instituteofnyfs.org/abstracts_00.html
Movie: The Road to Wellville (1994) -- Note that you may need to install the DivX plugin, available by clicking on the appropriate link under the video box.
Evaluation of Learning
There will be two evaluation of student learning elements:
Final Exam: Due one week after the last class. The final will be an open book exam consisting of ten questions that cover the course content. Each question is to be answered with a one paragraph answer using proper citations.
Class Participation: is an integral aspect of this course, this includes participating in class discussions and asking questions about the readings or concepts being discussed.
Grading: Grades will be based on the following formula:
Class Participation 25%
Final Exam: 75%
Attendance is mandatory. Absences should be limited to emergencies and cleared in advance with the instructor.
Students should use APA formatting for formal papers. All sources (books, articles, Internet, etc.) quoted directly or indirectly must be properly cited. Failure to do so constitutes a serious violation of academic ethics.
Class I Clinical Context
Readings
Freud, S. (1909), Analysis of a Phobia in a Five Year Old Boy, Standard Edition Volume 10
Freud, S. (1893-95). Frauline Elisabeth von R.. Standard Edition, Volume 2
Class II Dreams
Readings
Freud, S. (1916-1917), Introductory lectures on psychoanalysis. Standard Edition, Volume 15, Lectures V-XIV
Or
Freud, S. (1900). The Interpretation of dreams. Standard Edition, Volume 4, Ch. II; Ch. III; Ch. IV; Ch. 5 a and b; Ch. VI, a,b,c,d, h; Ch. VII, c.
Class III Symptoms and Anxiety
Readings
Freud, S. (1916-1917), Introductory lectures on psychoanalysis. Standard Edition, Volume 16: Lectures XVI-XVII
Freud, S. (1926) Inhibitions, symptoms, and anxiety. Standard Edition Volume 20
Class IV Psychosexual Development
Readings
Freud, S. (1916-1917), Introductory lectures on psychoanalysis. Standard Edition, Volume 16: Lectures XX-XXI
Freud, S. (1905) Three essays on the theory of sexuality, I and II. Standard Edition, Volume 7
Class V Development, regression, fixation
Readings
Freud, S. (1916-17) Introductory lectures on psychoanalysis. Standard Edition, Volume 16, Lectures XVII-XXIV
Freud, S. (1917).Mourning and melancholia. Standard Edition, Volume 14.
Freud, S. (1909). Notes on a case of obsessional neurosis. Standard Edition, Volume 10
Class VI Trauma, Fixation and Repression
Readings
Freud, S. (1916-1917), Introductory lectures on psychoanalysis. Standard Edition, Volume 16 Lectures XVIII –IX.
Freud, S. (1920) Beyond the pleasure principle. Standard Edition, Volume 18
Class VII The Tripartite Model
Readings
Freud, S. (1933) New introductory lectures in psychoanalysis. Volume 22, Lectures XXXI and XXXII.
Freud, S (1930). Civilization and its discontents. Standard Edition, Volume 21
Class VIII Further Development of the Tripartite Model
Readings
Loewald, H. (1960) On the therapeutic action of psycho-analysis, International Journal of Psycho-analysis, 41,16-33.
Racker, H (1968) Meanings and uses of countertransference in Transference and Countertransference, (pp. 133-456). CT: International Universities Press. PDF