Psychoanalysis and Class (956Q3A)

30 credits, Level 7 (Masters)

Autumn teaching

This module explores the emerging conjuncture between psychoanalysis and class. Psychoanalysis is a key interpretative framework in contemporary Western cultures, but there’s a widely-held view that it has little to say about lives that fail to ‘fit’ its frames (class has been described as its ‘last taboo’). However, there is increasing interest within psychoanalysis in the question of class exclusion, and the consequent ‘gaps’ in psychoanalytic theory and practice. Using methods associated with extra-mural psychoanalysis – or psychoanalysis outside the clinical setting – this module puts key psychoanalytic texts alongside a small number of literary and visual texts to explore, and elaborate, this dialogue.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 22 hours of contact time and about 278 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.