Philosophy and psychoanalysis

Discuss what impact Freud’s work had on philosophy, and how Freud and followers such as Lacan and Zizek handled traditional philosophical themes such as truth, meaning and the self.

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Key course information

Dates
17/04/12 - 26/06/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
10 weeks

Time
14:10 - 15:40

Fees
Full fee: £75
Senior fee: £42

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP012

Availability
This date is full

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

This course will focus on the implications of Freud’s theories for philosophy. How free are we? Can we know ourselves? How coherent is Freud’s theory of dreams and the unconscious, and what does it tell us about human beings’ capacity for self-knowledge? What do concepts such as ‘the death drive’ contribute to the discussion of free will and determinism? What did Lacan mean by ideas such as the Symbolic, the Imaginary and the Real?

What topics will we cover?

The course will centre on the relation of Freud’s theories to standard philosophical discussions on the self, truth and language. It will consider the antecedents of psychoanalysis in the philosophical tradition, such as Spinoza and Nietzsche, and look at the way in which psychoanalytic theories have been adapted and developed by thinkers such as Lacan and Zizek. It will also analyse the (often difficult) relationship between psychoanalysis, Marxism, Feminism and existentialism, and consider the role of psychoanalytic concepts in postmodern and poststructuralist theories.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- identify key concepts in psychoanalysis
- describe how these concepts relate to debates in philosophy
- critically assess psychoanalytic ideas.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

The course requires no previous knowledge, and will be accessible to anyone who has an interest in philosophy and/ or psychoanalysis.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

The course will be delivered by weekly seminars, which will include lecturing and class discussion. Handouts summarising the key points and suggesting further reading will be provided each session.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no set texts or required materials.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. Student learning will be assessed through discussion and question and answer. Exercises in class will be monitored by the teacher to ensure comprehension and progress. At the end of your course you will be asked to self-assess your own progress and achievement against the course objectives above.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.