PA927-7-AU-CO:
Psychoanalysis of Groups and Organisations

The details
2024/25
Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 03 October 2024
Friday 13 December 2024
15
13 June 2024

 

Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)

 

(none)

Key module for

MA C89812 Refugee Care,
MA C89824 Refugee Care,
MA C898MO Refugee Care,
MPHDC89848 Refugee Care,
MPHPC89836 Refugee Care,
MPHPC89872 Refugee Care,
PHD C89848 Refugee Care,
PHP C89836 Refugee Care,
PHP C89872 Refugee Care

Module description

This module provides an introduction to exploring how a psychoanalytic approach can illuminate the dynamics of groups and organisations.


The starting point, as with all psychoanalytic thought, is the unconscious- what it is, and how it influences the behaviour of groups. Following an examination of some of the classic contributions of Freud and Bion, the module progresses to develop a number of perspectives on how psychoanalytic ideas can inform an understanding of firstly, how the individual takes up a role in groups and organisations, and, secondly, how such roles are shaped by dynamic processes in groups and organisations.


This includes the role of the group or organisation as a holding environment to meet, or frustrate our dependency needs; the interplay of systems thinking and psychoanalysis; the way we use group and organisational structure to defend against anxiety; the way we internalise images of the group/organisation; how authority and power is located in the group or organisation; the impact of narcissism and oedipal dynamics on leadership and followership; and finally a consideration of the dynamics of change in groups/organisations.

Module aims

The aims of the module are: 



  • To develop an understanding of group and organisational dynamics through the application of psychoanalytic concepts

  • To analyse and develop hypotheses about group and organisational scenarios based on this understanding

  • To apply an understanding of group and organisational dynamics to a variety of context

Module learning outcomes

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



  1. Demonstrate an understanding of psychoanalytic concepts relevant to the structure and functioning of groups and organizations

  2. Engage critically with core themes of the module

  3. Articulate hypotheses on group and organisational behaviour, based on clear analysis and psychodynamic understanding of the group/organisational milieu

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

This module will be delivered via:

  • Seminars, in which active participation is encouraged, usually in relation to texts
  • The seminar itself provides opportunities for psychoanalytic thinking, as the discussion build between members Feedback on written work sharpens attention to the aims of the course
  • The Research Forum and supervision provides guidance on discerning research opportunities. Tutorials support intellectual and cognitive development

For students on the MA Management and Organisational Dynamics, learning is also consolidated through a psychodynamic observation of an organisation.

Bibliography

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   19/02/2025  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

Coursework Exam
100% 0%

Reassessment

Coursework Exam
100% 0%
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Mr Chris Tanner, email: chris.tanner@essex.ac.uk.
Mr Chris Tanner
Student Administrator 5A.202; Tel: 01206 873745 Email: ppspgt@essex.ac.uk@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
Yes
Yes

External examiner

Dr Parisa Dashtipour
Open University
Lecturer in Psychology
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 8 hours, 8 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.

 

Further information

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