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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

John E Toews
HIST 314
Seattle Campus

The Psychoanalytic Revolution in Historical Perspective

Genesis and evolution of Freudian theory in context of the crisis of liberal-bourgeois culture in central Europe and parallel developments in philosophy, literature, and social theory. Emergence and division of the psychoanalytic movement. Transformation of psychoanalysis in British, French, and especially American cultural traditions. Offered: jointly with CHID 314.

Class description

The course will examine Freudian theory as a specific, culturally defined and historically specific way of thinking about the self and its relations. The first half of the course will focus on the emergence and elaboration of Psychoanalysis in the context of the crisis of liberal culture in central Europe between 1870 and 1914, and its transformation during and immediately after World War I. The second half will deal with the reception of psychoanalysis among Freud’s followers and critics, with special attention to the positions of Carl Gustav Jung, Alfred Adler and ego psychology, and Freudian feminists, and will explore the significance of gender, ethnicity, religion, and class in the assimilation and transformation of Freud’s conceptions of self-identity.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Mixed lecture and class discussion

Recommended preparation

No prerequisites.

Class assignments and grading

Students will be expected to write short weekly response papers to the readings discussed in class and a longer (10 page) research paper on a topic of their choice. Every student will also be expected to participate in an un-graded small (3-5 members) discussion group.

Required Reading

Peter Gay, ed., The Freud Reader Carl Gustav Jung, Two Essays in Analytical Psychology Arthur Schnitzler, The Road into the Open Hermann Hesse, Demian Karen Horney, Feminine Psychology Carl Schorske, Fin-de-Siecle Vienna Paul Roazen, Freud and his Followers (optional but suggested) Course Reader

Grading Percentages

Response Papers 60% Term Paper 40%


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by John E Toews
Date: 04/21/2006