Jennifer Phillips
Student Taught Course Proposal
Dream Analysis, Fall 2011
Contact Information
Jennifer Phillips
Jip1@rice.edu
214-549-7917
Course Description
In this course, we will discuss the history, science, and current application of dream analysis.
Students will acquire the ability to engage in productive and beneficial dream analysis.
Proposal
Dream analysis is a technique which is currently used in a clinical psychological
setting. Studies have shown that engaging in dream analysis offers patients psychological
benefits such as greater insight into explaining their own behavior, a greater ability to
constructively shape their future experiences, and increased feelings of general well-being. It
is a useful tool for practicing psychologists as well as students aspiring to study psychology.
Unfortunately, the developers of this technique, Freud and Jung, have fallen out of
fashion in the psychological community, so very little about psychoanalysis or the works of
the early developers of clinical psychology is discussed in an academic setting. The current
conception is that because these practitioners failed to use the scientific method their works
have nothing to teach us. This is an unfortunate position, as it restricts discussion of a crucial
and valuable part of the development of the field of psychology. Specifically, dream analysis
is a subject to which most Rice students have had very little exposure. Even students of
psychology are not formally taught about the use or benefits of dream analysis in a clinical
setting.
I see this as a shortcoming in the academic field of psychology. I believe that a
healthy respect for and observance of the scientific method is crucial to modern day practice
of psychology. However, I also think that the field can be enriched by embracing its past and
studying the ideas of its founders. As such, I believe that courses in psychoanalysis, such as
Dream Analysis, should be available to interested students.
The proposed course will teach students about the history, science, and current
practice of dream analysis. The goal of this course is to give students perspective into an
otherwise silenced field of psychological study and to enable students to accurately and
productively interpret dreams. This is a skill which is of practical use to students whether
they intent to pursue work in the field of clinical psychology or not.
Dream analysis is a topic which has interested me for years. I have gained personal
benefit from regularly interpreting my dreams, with the guidance I have learned from the
works of Freud, Jung, and practicing therapists. It is a subject which I feel is not only
extremely interesting and engaging but can also be used to genuinely improve one’s quality
of life. I believe that I have a lot to gain from teaching this course. I am eager to learn more
about the subject in preparation for this course. I hope that I can spread appreciation for this
subtle and important technique.
Weekly Syllabus
1. Overview/Introduction
Who dreams? What do they dream about? What is to gain from dream interpretation?
2. The Science of Dream Analysis
What current biopsychological research has to say about dreams and dream analysis
3. Clinical Applications and How Dreams Affect Waking Life
How dream analysis is used in therapy today. The effects of dreaming
4. Freud
Biography, Freud’s view of dream analysis, and how the field began
5. Jung
Biography, Jungian symbolism, and differences from Freud
6. Symbols
Overview of symbols commonly found in dreams
7. Kinds of Dreams/Common Dreams
Dreams, nightmares, night terrors, and common dream motifs
8. Wish Fulfillment and Dreaming as a Coping Mechanism
The functions of dreaming – why we need to dream
9. Social Context/Relationships in Dreams
Environmental factors that are likely to influence dreams, and symbols corresponding to
important social figures
10. Violence and Reaction Formation in Dreams
Violence and reaction formation as tools of expression
11. Guest Lecture, Dr. Diddel
12. Practice in Analysis – Recognizing Symbols
13. Practice in Analysis – Analyzing Dreams in Context
14. Field Trip – the Jung Foundation
Grading Rubric
60% - Completion of Dream Log
At least one dream to be recorded per week
30 % - Final Project
Analysis of one dream from dream log, according to the subjects discussed in class
10% - Attendance/Participation
Applicable Course Readings
The Complete Dream Book, 2nd Edition: Discover What Your Dreams Reveal About You and
Your Life – Dr. Gillian Holloway
The Mind at Night: The New Science of How and Why We Dream – Andrea Rock
The Interpretation of Dreams: The Complete and Definitive Text – Sigmund Freud
Budget Proposal
No budget is required for this course