Module Directory

The aim of the module is to give students an introduction to Freud's thinking. The aim of the module is to give students an introduction to Freud's thinking. Some of these you will have encountered before; some are classics that deserve to be re-read many times; some will be new to you. Together they provide a historical overview of the development of psychoanalytic ideas. They also form a reference point for all the other modules, given that most of the clinical and theoretical work you will study on the MA either derives ultimately from these roots, or reworks, or reacts against them. We will also pay attention to the interaction between Freud's clinical discoveries and his metapsychology: that is, both how his model of mind may determine what he makes of clinical phenomena and how the clinical phenomena cause him to re-evaluate his model of the mind. Topics will include the theory of dreams; infantile sexuality; Freud's first and second 'topography of psychical systems; narcissism and the internalization of the object in mourning.

Each seminar will concentrate on one of Freud's major papers, or an excerpt from a major work (the 'Key Texts'), which will be presented and examined in detail.

The aims of the module are:

• To explain leading themes and concepts in Freud’s work (of relevance for psychoanalysis as a whole);


• To put psychoanalysis forward as a cultural and philosophical endeavour as well as a clinical one;


• To present the work of Freud, particularly the interaction between Freud’s clinical discoveries and his metapsychology;


• To encourage a comparative understanding of psychoanalytic theories.

By the end of the module students will be expected to be able to:

1. Demonstrate familiarity with relevant Freudian concepts, bringing a questioning and critical dimension to your understanding;


2. Deploy various critical and academic skills (e.g., how to evaluate historical sources, forms of psychoanalytic reasoning, the nature and adequacy of theories, or cultural artefacts) in a psychoanalytically informed investigation of a topic, including the analysis of texts;


3. Discuss, compare and debate the trends and evolution of Freudian thinking;


4. Discuss, compare and debate theories critically.

This module will be deliverd via:

• each seminar will include a short overview of the topic by the seminar leader, followed by discussion
• Students may be asked to open up a topic with a prepared, five-minute presentation or set of questions
• Some classes may include concentrated, critical reading of passages form texts in small groups, followed by discussion