Psychology 372 - Seminar: Psychobiography-The Study of Lives

This course considers how psychologists approach the study of individual lives. The first part of the course focuses attention on Freud and psychoanalysis. His book on Leonardo da Vinci is considered the first psychobiography--the application of psychological theory to understand the lives of historical and contemporary figures. Although problematic in many ways, Freud’s ideas and those of his heirs are a theme running throughout the course. In addition to Freud, students read a variety of short and long psychobiographies, discussing how they improve the understanding of psychology and the individual under scrutiny. Prerequisite: PSY 180, PSY 260, PSY 261, PSY 262 or PSY 264. Restrictions: Juniors and seniors only. Enrollment limited to 12. Instructor permission required.

[CE] JR/SR only