Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PS 399 A"
COURSE NAME: "Special Topics in Psychology: Psychodynamic Psychology: History, Critiques, and Current Applications"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2024

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Domenico Scaringi
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 3:00 PM 4:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS:
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisites: Junior Standing; PS 101
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An in-depth treatment of a current area of special concern in the field of Psychology. Topics may vary.
May be taken more than once for credit with different topics.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of psychodynamic psychology, emphasizing its historical roots, contemporary applications, and critiques. Students will examine key concepts such as the unconscious mind, defence mechanisms, and transference, and explore how these ideas have evolved in modern psychological practices including therapy, education, and organizational behaviour. Students will also critically examine the empirical studies supporting psychodynamic principles, and address critiques of psychodynamic approaches, including challenges to their scientific validity and cultural relevance.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should demonstrate:

1. Understanding of the foundational principles, historical development, and critiques of psychodynamic theories and practice (LOS 1)

2. Ability to critically evaluate the contributions of psychodynamic theories to understanding human psychological functioning in various contexts. (LOS 2).

3. Ability to critically analyze the application of psychodynamic concepts in contemporary psychological practice (LOS1 and LOS5).

4. Effective writing and presentation skills. (LOS 3)

TEXTBOOK:

Book Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN number	Format
Psychoanalytic Theories: Perspectives from Developmental Psychopathology	Peter Fonagy and Mary Target	Whurr Series In Psychoanalysis	978-1-861-56239-5	Hard Copy
Inside Out and Outside In: Psychodynamic Clinical Theory in Contemporary Contexts	Joan Berzoff, Laura Melano Flanagan, Patricia Hertz	Rowman & Littlefield, 2021	1538125471, 9781538125472
Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought	Stephen A. Mitchell and Margaret J. Black	Basic Books	D - 465 - 01405 - 4

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Weekly Reflection Logs	Students will submit reflections on readings and class discussions, emphasizing personal insights and critical analysis.	25%
Class Participation	Active engagement in discussions, including student-led activities	15%
Individual Paper	Students will write an essay discussing the development, application, and contemporary relevance of selected psychoanalytic concepts	30%
Presentation	Students will lead a class discussion on specific psychoanalytic concepts, integrating readings and posing critical questions	30%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until ____________

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Module 1: Historical Roots of Psychodynamic Psychology

- Week 1-2: Introduction to Psychodynamic Psychology

- Overview of Freud's foundational theories, models of the mind, and key concepts.

Readings:

“Psychoanalytic Theories: Perspectives from Developmental Psychopathology" by Peter Fonagy & Mary Target: the basic psychoanalytic model; Freud; The structural approach; Modifications to the Structural approach.

"Inside Out and Outside In: Psychodynamic Clinical Theory in Contemporary Contexts" by Joan Berzoff, Laura Melano Flanagan, and Patricia Hertz: Drive and beyond Freuds Psychoanalytic concepts

"Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought" by Stephen A. Mitchell and Margaret J. Black: Sigmund Freud and the classical Psychoanalytic Tradition

"Revisiting Freud's Concept of the Unconscious" by Mark Solms. An examination of Freud's conceptualization of the unconscious in light of contemporary neuroscience.

"The Ego and the Id Revisited: Freud and Damasio on the Body and the Self" by Yannis Grammatopoulos. A comparison of Freud's structural model with Antonio Damasio's neuroscientific findings on self and consciousness.

- Week 3-4: Development of Psychoanalytic Theories

- Exploration of major contributions by Klein, the post-Kleinian and the evolution of object relations theory.

Readings:

“Psychoanalytic Theories: Perspectives from Developmental Psychopathology" by Peter Fonagy & Mary Target: The Klein-Bion Model

"Inside Out and Outside In: Psychodynamic Clinical Theory in Contemporary Contexts" by Joan Berzoff, Laura Melano Flanagan, and Patricia Hertz: Object Relations Theory

"Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought" by Stephen A. Mitchell and Margaret J. Black: Melanie Klein and Contemporary Kleinian Theory

Object Relations, Kleinian, and Bion's Contributions

"Object Relations in Psychoanalytic Theory" by John S. Auerbach. Provides an overview of object relations theory and its significance in psychoanalysis.

"Bion's Concept of Container and Contained" by David Bell. Explores Wilfred Bion's theory and its clinical applications, particularly in understanding and managing psychotic states.

- Week 5 Winnicott, the role of play and creativity. The importance of the environment.

- Study of Bion's theories, including the container-contained model and group dynamics.

Readings:

“Psychoanalytic Theories: Perspectives from Developmental Psychopathology" by Peter Fonagy & Mary Target: The independent school of british psychoanalysis

"Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought" by Stephen A. Mitchell and Margaret J. Black: The British Object Relations School: Fairbairn and Winnicott

"The Use of an Object and Relating Through Identifications" by Thomas H. Ogden. Discusses D.W. Winnicott's contributions and their relevance to contemporary psychoanalytic practice.

- Week 6: Relational and Intersubjective Approaches

- Exploration of modern relational and intersubjective approaches within psychoanalysis.

Readings: Sullivan and interpersonal psychoanalysis

“Psychoanalytic Theories: Perspectives from Developmental Psychopathology" by Peter Fonagy & Mary Target: The interpersonal-relational approach; From Sullivan to Mitchell; Introduction to Psychoanalytic Approaches Based in developmental Research.

"Inside Out and Outside In: Psychodynamic Clinical Theory in Contemporary Contexts" by Joan Berzoff, Laura Melano Flanagan, and Patricia Hertz: The theory of Self Psychology; Relational and intersubjective Theories.

"Freud and Beyond: A History of Modern Psychoanalytic Thought" by Stephen A. Mitchell and Margaret J. Black:

"Intersubjectivity and the Analytic Third: Implications for Psychoanalytic Theory and Technique" by Jessica Benjamin. Examines the role of intersubjectivity in psychoanalytic therapy, proposing a model of working with the 'analytic third.'

Module 2: Contemporary Applications

- Week 7: Attachment Theory and Infant Research

- Examination of Bowlby's attachment theory and its clinical applications.

“Psychoanalytic Theories: Perspectives from Developmental Psychopathology" by Peter Fonagy & Mary Target: Bowlby attachment theory model; Fonagy and Target’s Model of Mentalization.

"Inside Out and Outside In: Psychodynamic Clinical Theory in Contemporary Contexts" by Joan Berzoff, Laura Melano Flanagan, and Patricia Hertz: Attachment Theory; Neurobiology attachment and trauma.

"Attachment, Exploration, and Separation: Illustrated by the Behavior of One-Year-Olds in a Strange Situation" by Mary D.S. Ainsworth

"Attachment Theory and Psychoanalysis: Further Differentiation Within Insecure Attachment Patterns" by Peter Fonagy and Mary Target. Discusses the nuances within insecure attachment styles and their implications for psychoanalytic theory and practice.

- Week 8: Psychodynamics in Groups and Institutions

The Unconscious at work. A Tavistock Approach to Making Sense of Organizational Life by Anton Obhlzer and Vega Z. Roberts: Some Uncoscious Aspects of Organizational Life; the Uncoscious at work in Groups and Teams.

- Exploration of system-psychodynamic theory, social defenses, and leadership dynamics.

"The Unconscious at Work: Individual and Organizational Stress in the Human Services" by Anton Obholzer and Vega Zagier Roberts

- Week 9: Clinical Applications of Psychodynamic Theories

- Overview of psychodynamic therapies, evidence base, and diverse applications.

“Psychoanalytic Theories: Perspectives from Developmental Psychopathology" by Peter Fonagy & Mary Target: On the Practice of Psychoanalytic Theories

"Inside Out and Outside In: Psychodynamic Clinical Theory in Contemporary Contexts" by Joan Berzoff, Laura Melano Flanagan, and Patricia Hertz: The Bridge from Theory to Practice

"Transference and Countertransference: A Contemporary Overview" by Glen O. Gabbard.

- Week 10: Psychodynamics in Art, Politics, and Society

- Application of psychodynamic theories in understanding societal issues and artistic expression.

- Segal, H.** (1991). *Dream, Phantasy and Art*. Chapter: "Psychoanalysis and the Aesthetic Experience." New York: Routledge.

- Rustin, M.** (2001). "The Good Society and the Inner World: Psychoanalysis, Politics, and Culture." *Psychoanalytic Studies*, 3(2), 213-226.

- Leader, D.** (2016). "Art and Psychoanalysis." *The International Journal of Psychoanalysis*, 97(5), 1391-1408.

Module 3: Critiques and Integrated Perspectives

- Week 11: Feminism in Psychoanalysis

- Theories of the implicit ideas around femininity and their critiques.

"Psychoanalysis and Feminism: A Radical Reassessment of Freudian Psychoanalysis" by Juliet Mitchell.

"Psychoanalysis and the Politics of the Family" by Nancy Chodorow. A critical analysis of the familial structures and gender roles from a psychoanalytic perspective

- Week 12: Gender, Race, and Culture in Psychodynamic Theories

- Discussion on how gender, race, and culture have been addressed or omitted in psycho-dynamic theories.

"Inside Out and Outside In: Psychodynamic Clinical Theory in Contemporary Contexts" by Joan Berzoff, Laura Melano Flanagan, and Patricia Hertz: Psychodynamic Theories and Gender; Psychodynamic Contributions to Understanding Racism.

Race, Culture, and Psychoanalysis: Fundamental Aspects and Clinical Implications" by Celia Brickman.

Week 13: Scientific Critiques of Psychodynamic Approaches

- Analysis of criticisms regarding falsifiability, empirical evidence, and methodological limitations.

"The Effectiveness of Psychodynamic Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis" by Falk Leichsenring, Sven Rabung, and Eric Leibing.

"The Problem of Evidence in Psychoanalysis: A Comparative Framework and Review of Contemporary Approaches" by Mark Solms and Oliver Turnbull.

Module 4: Synthesis and Integration

- Week 14: Integration, clarifications and Feedback

- Students discuss their analysis of psychodynamic concepts with a focus on critiques and contemporary relevance.