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Diploma in Psychoanalytic Social Studies
Course
Distance
Description
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Type
Course
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Methodology
Distance Learning
The intellectual development of the student and the understanding of the psychodynamic factors behind the rise of civilizations and societies and also behind mass social evils such as war, genocide, totalitarianism, religious hatred and religious persecution. Suitable for: Anyone with an interest in the issues involved and some prior knowledge of psychology, psychoanalysis or social studies.
About this course
This course has open entry but students should have a very good standard of English and be capable of following a university-standard book which will be understandable to the educated general reader.
Reviews
Course programme
This course traces the foundations of culture from prehistoric times and also looks at how cultures change and how they go wrong. Understanding the deeper psychological forces that have expressed themselves through society throughout the ages can help us to understand contemporary questions such as:
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Why are there sometimes drastic changes in civilisations?
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Why does modern art seem to have lost its soul?
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Why is psychopathic violence so widespread especially in the youth of today?
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Why are religious fanatics preaching destruction and the overthrow of Western civilisation?
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What are the psychological causes of terrorism?
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Why is the position of defeating and controlling the natural environment entrenched in industry, making ecological awareness an uphill struggle?
Many sociologists believe that individuals react to the demands of society. According to one modern psychoanalytic view, it is the other way round: social activities and institutions reflect what is in our minds. This course takes as its key text a work by contemporary psychoanalyst George Frankl who explores how unconscious structures, or myths, became externalised in society as religions, culture and philosophy, which in turn influenced law, politics, work and how we deal with property. The result is a historical study of the development of civilisation and also of its dark side or disintegration which reflects disordered forces within the psyche.
A university-level textbook of approx. 400 pages is required as the main book for the course. Further reading is optional though comprehensive reading lists are given, enabling you to pursue further studies at your leisure. UK students get a free textbook but overseas students will need to buy it from an on-line bookstore or their usual supplier.
Method of assessment
Continuous assessment - there is no final exam. Students will be asked to write brief essays after reading certain chapters.
Diploma in Psychoanalytic Social Studies