. – Dynamic Psychology
PROF. OASI OSMANO
AIMS AND COURSE CONTENT
The aim of the course will, firstly, be to demonstrate what constitutes Dynamic
Psychology in its multiple fabrics and expressions, referring to some basic
concepts such as motivation, conflict, and mental space. Then, from within the
psycho-analytical perspective, some topics will be introduced related to the
diagnostic and nosological area such as signs and symptoms, defence mechanisms,
normality and pathology. The course will then strive to provide an historical and
cultural framework of the period in which psychoanalysis took shape, presenting
the person and thought of Freud. Analysis of Introductory Lectures on
Psychoanalysis will form the central nucleus of this part of the course, which will
also make wide reference to clinical cases compiled by the Father of Psychology.
In addition to the meta-psychological assumptions, so time will also be given to the
original reading suggestions on mental distress and suffering offered by Freud. At
the same time, the course will illustrate the principal theoretical and clinical
contributions of the first pupils of Freud: both those who stayed more or less close
to the thought of the Viennese master – in particular Abraham, Ferenczi and Rank;
also those who, proposing their model of the brain and in opposition, scientifically
and humanly, to the Father of Psychoanalysis, gave rise to a lively debate within
the psychoanalytic movement - in particular, Jung, Reich and Groddeck. The
course will close with an outline on the link between the intuitive thoughts of these
first authors and the subsequent development of psychoanalysis (Melanie Klein
and her followers, the Middle Group and Ego Psychology).
READING LIST
S.FREUD, Introduzione alla psicoanalisi (first series) (1915-1917), in “Opere”, vols. I-XII, Torino,
Boringhieri, 1967-1980, vol. 8 (All 28 lectures)*.
S.FREUD, Introduzione alla psicoanalisi (second series) (1932), in “Opere”, vols. I-XII, Torino,
Boringhieri, 1967-1980, vol. 11 (All 7 lectures)*.
O.OASI, La psicologia dinamica e Sigmund Freud, Milano, Springer, 2013.
O.OASI (EDITED BY), Intorno a Freud. Pionieri e dissidenti nel primo movimento psicoanalitico (in
press).
The student will be expected to study the text or texts included in various avenues of in-depth study
indicated by the lecturer at lectures or subsequently posted on his home page.
* The economical edition in a single volume of the two series of introductory lectures to
psychoanalyis, is available in the Bollati Boringhieri edition, as are the other works by Freud.
Practical lessons
These will accompany the development of the course and will attempt to study in depth, in
seminar and in practice, some of the principal topics tackled during lectures.
TEACHING METHOD
Lectures in the lecture room, with possible moments of participation by students on the
texts covered in the lecture.
ASSESSMENT METHOD
Oral exam.
NOTES
Further information can be found on the lecturer's webpage at
http://docenti.unicatt.it/web/searchByName.do?language=ENG or on the Faculty notice
board.