Psychoanalysis, History and Culture (MA) - 2013/2014 entry
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Overview
This interdisciplinary programme, jointly run by the Department of Psychosocial Studies, and the Department of History, Classics and Archaeology, aims to introduce you to the history and development of psychoanalysis in the past 100 years. You will explore and critically assess applications of psychoanalysis to the understanding of culture and history.
For more information, read our programme handbook and look at literature about the programme.
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Why study this course at Birkbeck?
- Interdisciplinary programme stretching across the social sciences, arts and humanities.
- Explores the relationship of psychoanalysis to historical and cultural issues.
- Provides an opportunity to engage critically with key psychoanalytic concepts and to understand them in their historical and cultural contexts
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Course structure
Take a double-weighted core module, which runs for 20 weeks and provides the main theoretical and historical course content. It covers primary psychoanalytic, historical and critical texts, as well as a wealth of secondary literature that addresses the applications of psychoanalytic theory to the analysis of history and culture.
Choose two option modules from a wide range of courses in psychosocial studies, history and other disciplines, covering topics such as: intimacy, violence, fascism and war; critical approaches to the unconscious; culture, community and identity; sexuality, history and sexual identities; and affect and illness. Alternatively, a limited number of students can apply to take the option module in Psychoanalysis at the British Psychoanalytic Society (details subject to review).
Undertake a piece of independent supervised research culminating in a dissertation.
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Study resources
Birkbeck Library is very well stocked with material relevant to psychoanalysis, history and culture. The link with BPAS ensures connections with practising psychoanalysts. Birkbeck and BPAS run a Fellowship scheme, which means that a senior psychoanalyst offers seminars and an open lecture each year for staff and students of the College.
As well as the core programme staff, lectures are likely to be given by internationally renowned Birkbeck associates including Sander Gilman, Ron Britton and Slavoj Zizek.
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Further study opportunities
If you are interested in further research, we offer PhD/MPhil programmes in Psychosocial Studies and History.
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Careers information
Graduates may wish to: undertake clinical training in psychoanalysis, psychotherapy or counselling; pursue a research career; or use their studies to augment and progress their current careers in fields such as education, health and social care, journalism, development, social policy and politics.
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Apply now
- Application deadlines and interviews
- No closing date for applications, but early applications (before April each academic year) are strongly advised.
- Online application
You can apply online from the link below.
- Application deadlines and interviews