CF 602
PSYCHODYNAMIC PSYCHOLOGY IV:
SELF PSYCHOLOGY
SPRING 2010
JEFFREY STERN, PH.D.
676 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 3607, Chicago, Il. 60611
312 943 0867
sternjeffrey@me.com
This course will serve as an introduction to the basic concepts of self psychology and to the work of Heinz Kohut. An historical perspective will be used to establish the continuity between fundamental Freudian concepts and the development of the psychology of the self. In addition to foundational writings of Kohut, we will read papers from other of his colleagues and a number of literary texts. We will also view films, television shows, and share our own clinical work.
GOALS
1. To help students achieve a sense of familiarity with and mastery of the basic concepts of self psychology.
2. To assist students in understanding the historical context in which this new theory was developed.
3. To develop a beginning mastery of the concepts of self psychology as they may be applied to the student’s clinical work.
ASSIGNMENTS
Students will be expected to have carefully read the works assigned for each class. There is no assignment for our first class on January 29.
Purchase: The Analysis of the Self by Heinz Kohut.
EVALUATION
One 12 page paper will be assigned, due on April 30. The paper should be a discussion of a clinical case, or possibly a literary text or a film from a self psychological perspective. The papers must be given to the instructor in a hard copy. Grades will be based on the paper, on class participation and perhaps on impromptu exam(s). Attendance at all class sessions is required. If an absence is necessary, the instructor should be notified at 312/368-4545.
SYLLABUS:
CLASS ONE: JANUARY 29
Introduction
Two Episodes from the Television Series In Treatment
CLASS TWO: FEBRUARY 12
The Birth of Self Psychology
Kohut: The Two Analyses of Mr. Z. 1979.
CLASS THREE: FEBRUARY 26
Idealization and The Idealizing Transference
Kohut: The Analysis of the Self (1971). Pages 1-101.
Film: The Wizard of Oz
CLASS FOUR: MARCH 12
Grandiosity and The Mirror Transferences
Kohut: The Analysis of the Self (1971). Pages 105-199.
Film: Desperately Seeking Susan
CLASS FIVE: MARCH 26
Kohut and the Oedipus Complex
Kohut: The Restoration of the Self. 1978. Pages 220-248.
Shakespeare. Hamlet.
CLASS SIX: APRIL 16
Narcissistic Rage.
Kohut: The Search for the Self. Volume Two: Pages 615-658.
Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice.
CLASS SEVEN: APRIL 30
The Vertical Split and Narcissistic Behavior Disorders.
Goldberg, A. 1999. Being of Two Minds. Pages 3-80.
Goldberg, A. ed. 2000. Errant Selves: A Casebook of Misbehavior. Pages 161-186.
CLASS EIGHT: MAY 16
How Does Analysis Cure?
Kohut, H. 1984. How Does Analysis Cure. 64-110.