PSY 365 Psychoanalysis & Society

What is psychoanalysis? What is the relation between psyche and society? This course seeks to understand crucial contemporary and historical from the perspective of a socially informed depth psychology. The social is needed to contextualize the psyche but equally any explanation which leaves out a deep nuanced study of human subjectivity will be impoverished and unable to account for the richness of the reality investigated. The course explores this terrain from a multiplicity of psychodynamic perspectives, juxtaposing the stark reality of the regions history and culture with various psychoanalytic tools for understanding. Competing intellectual traditions are not decided for and against but are seen as mutually enriching. Each individual is encouraged to take a stand on the issues involved and develop their own unique perspective. Students will use the course reader as well as other books, films, and academic materials for their study and research.