Psychology 262 - Colloquium: Psychology and Literary Experience

How might psychology enhance the appreciation of literature and the understanding of self? This class reads multiple theories of personality development, including Erikson’s classic proposition that humans grow in stages according to shifting biological, psychological and social capacities. In contrast, contemporary theorists like McAdams view personality as a continuously developing narrative with story-like components. By synthesizing different theoretical approaches, the class is in a position to interpret fiction and autobiography from a psychological lens, focusing on characters whose stories emphasize internal struggle. How do protagonists create a sense of unity, purpose and meaning in their lives? Prerequisite: PSY 100. Enrollment limited to 25.

[CE] PSY 100