Start Date
3 October, 2024
There will be 5 weekly meetings on Thursday, 11am - 1pm, starting from 3 October.
Overview
The idea that the mind has unconscious depths has always been controversial, and remains so today. In this course we look at the development of the idea over the last 500 years, beginning with the insights of Renaissance writers like Shakespeare. We then examine the attempt to ‘tidy up’ our understanding of human nature during the Ages of Reason and Enlightenment, when the focus was on consciousness, reason and scientific understanding, which was then challenged in its turn by a revival or interest in the uncanny and the unconscious with Romanticism and Gothic.
Contested all the time and repeatedly dismissed as ‘discredited’, the idea of the unconscious mind and its mysteries refuses to go away. This short course does not require previous knowledge, only an interest, a broad mind and a sense of intellectual adventure.
Syllabus
1. The Renaissance- ‘There are more things in heaven and earth…’
2. The Ages of Reason and Enlightenment and the resurgence of the uncanny
3. Early nineteenth century- mind or brain- the struggle between clinical psychology and biological psychiatry
4. Hysteria and hypnosis, gender trouble, Decadence and ‘degeneration’, Spiritualism and psychic research
5. Theorising Depth psychology- Charcot and Janet
Please note that the ‘last date available to book’ date is only a guide. We reserve the right to close bookings earlier if courses are over- or under-subscribed. In order to avoid disappointment, please be sure enrol as soon as possible. Registrations will not be processed until the following day if received after 3pm.
Course Lecturer: David Rice
David Rice has a BA (Hons) in psychology, and an MA in Cultural Studies, and has taught psychology at further and higher education levels for forty years. Retired from full time education, he has been teaching part-time at Continuing Education, University of Liverpool for nearly 10 years.
Courses fees: Full fee £80/Concession £40
Back to: Continuing Education