PA976-7-AU-CO:
Psychoanalysis: Controversies and Contexts

PLEASE NOTE: This module is inactive. Visit the Module Directory to view modules and variants offered during the current academic year.
The details
2023/24
Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies
Colchester Campus
Autumn
Postgraduate: Level 7
Inactive
Thursday 05 October 2023
Friday 15 December 2023
15
14 September 2021

 

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

 

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Key module for

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Module description

This module explores the intellectual, cultural and social context of psychoanalysis. It asks two questions, which guide our studies throughout the module:

Firstly, does the context of psychoanalysis explain the theories of psychoanalysis, or do they stand beyond their context? One might say, at one extreme, that they are a form of literature or history, and therefore wholly of their context; at the other extreme, one might say that psychoanalysis is a science and, while a study of, say Freud's biography, might tell us a lot about his interests, it tells us nothing about psychoanalysis, any more than biographies of Einstein explains relativity. Is 'context' a meaningful idea?

Secondly, would any account of 'context' be satisfying or complete without a psychoanalytic dimension? Is a biography or a social history adequate without a psychoanalytic dimension?

We might add a third question: Was psychoanalysis simply a product of its culture or did it change the culture in which it developed?

Module aims

The aims of the module are:

to provide historical, philosophical, and cultural background that will enrich understanding of the origin and nature of psychoanalysis

to foster a critical approach to the history and theory of psychoanalysis and more particularly, to the nature and validity of evidence and interpretation

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module you should be able to:

show how psychoanalysis emerged out of, differentiated itself from, and continues to develop in relationship to specific but complex socio-cultural conditions (both immediate and long-term);

discuss psychoanalysis with a critical awareness of its diversity and the complexity of its past and of the disputed histories of that past, and of its continual change in the present;

demonstrate how psychoanalysis 'bites its own tail', i.e., provides critical theoretical perspectives both on the events and circumstances of its own past and on the disciplines (e.g., biography, history, philosophy) by which we might try to establish and evaluate its past;

deploy various critical and academic skills (e.g., how to evaluate historical sources, philosophical arguments, or cultural artefacts) in the investigation of the theories and texts of psychoanalysis;

understand the process and limits of interpretation as a form of enquiry.

Module information

No additional information available.

Learning and teaching methods

In general, each seminar will include an overview of the topic under discussion, presented by the seminar leader, followed by more focused study based on group work and the set readings. At least half of every seminar will normally be devoted to group work and discussion. Attendance at, and participation in, seminars is a requirement of the module. Some attention will also be given in the seminars to methodological issues (e.g., how the tools of historical, philosophical, cultural, or psychoanalytic investigation can be most effectively deployed in addressing each selected topic). In addition, as occasion arises, there will be some clarification of psychoanalytic concepts and themes relevant for parallel and later modules.

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

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
Prof Matt Ffytche, email: mffytche@essex.ac.uk.
Student Administrator 5A.202; Tel: 01206 873745; Email: ppspgt@essex.ac.uk

 

Availability
No
No
Yes

External examiner

Dr Noreen Giffney
Ulster University, Jordanstown Campus, Northern Ireland
Lecturer in Counselling
Resources
Available via Moodle
Of 18 hours, 18 (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).

 

Further information
Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies

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