PA901-7-FY-CO:
Psychoanalytic Theory: From Melanie Klein to Jacques Lacan
2026/27
Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 08 October 2026
Friday 02 July 2027
30
06 March 2026
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
DIP C8N209 Management and Organisational Dynamics,
MA C8N212 Management and Organisational Dynamics,
MA C8N2MO Management and Organisational Dynamics,
MA C89012 Psychoanalytic Studies,
MA C89024 Psychoanalytic Studies,
MA C890MO Psychoanalytic Studies,
MPHDC89048 Psychoanalytic Studies,
PHD C89048 Psychoanalytic Studies
This module comprises a systematic exploration of two major developments in psychoanalytic thought following Freud: the so-called ‘Object Relations’ tradition and the Lacanian school of psychoanalysis. Term I will introduce key psychoanalytic theorists who shaped the clinic and theory of the Object Relations school, such as Melanie Klein, Donald Winnicott or Wilfred Bion. Term II will provide a thorough introduction to core concepts of Lacanian theory and practice, as well as trace their development in post-Lacanian and non-clinical approaches.
The aim of this module is to show how leading themes in psychoanalysis such as drive, transference, or fantasy have been developed and applied in different, often contradicting ways. It encourages students to use an interdisciplinary, comparative and creative approach when working with psychoanalytic concepts.
The aims of this module are:
- To present the work of Melanie Klein and British object-relations analysts as well as of the Lacanian school of psychoanalysis and set it in relation to Freud’s thinking;
- To explain leading themes and concepts in psychoanalysis, including clinical concepts such as drive, projection, transference / counter-transference, containment, projective identification;
- To acquaint students with the problems involved in trying to compare different analytic and psychoanalytic schools;
- To put psychoanalysis forward as a cultural and philosophical endeavour as well as a clinical one;
- To encourage a comparative understanding of psychoanalytic theories.
By the end of the module, students will be expected to be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of psychoanalytic concepts, and to use them to explore clinical or non-clinical themes
- Discuss, compare and debate the trends and evolution of psychoanalytic thinking, particularly within the British School of Psychoanalysis, with a critical attention to the issues which have led to divergence between schools of psychoanalysis
- Discuss, compare and debate theories critically
No additional information available.
This module will be delivered via:
- Weekly 2-hour seminar, with set texts to be read in preparation for each session
- Combining small group work, student presentations, and large group discussion over the different weeks and topics
- Preparing some supplementary material, or to connect themes across seminars; on such occasions you might like to do some additional research to prepare for such presentations
- Throughout, we will be attentive to the how the theoretical ideas studied find expression in different contexts (clinical, cultural, biographical)
The above list is indicative of the essential reading for the course.
The library makes provision for all reading list items, with digital provision where possible, and these resources are shared between students.
Further reading can be obtained from this module's
reading list.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Essay |
|
100% |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Dr Magda-Agata Schmukalla, email: m.schmukalla@essex.ac.uk.
From Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies
Student Administrator
Tel: 01206 873745
Email: ppspgt@essex.ac.uk
No
No
Yes
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
Of 40 hours, 32 (80%) hours available to students:
8 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
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