Universität Wien

120018 AR Theory (MA) (2010S)

Psychoanalysis, Writing, and the Social Bond

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Continuous assessment of course work

Diese LVA gilt für das Masterstudium Anglophone Literatures and Cultures nach UG2002, das Diplomstudium (UniStG) und das Lehramt UF Englisch (UniStG).

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 30 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 08.03. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 15.03. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 22.03. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 12.04. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 19.04. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 26.04. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 03.05. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 10.05. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 17.05. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 31.05. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 07.06. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 14.06. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 21.06. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Monday 28.06. 16:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this course, we will examine questions of the application of psychoanalysis within the field literary study. Traditionally, psychoanalysis approaches the work of art as a form of sublimation, a displacement of the destructive energy of the drive into socially acceptable forms. We will examine Freud's own writings on sublimation as well as various post-Freudian theories of sublimation and literary production (e.g. Lacan, Laplanche, Kristeva, Burke, Bloom, Bersani). As we work our way through these readings, however, we will ask ourselves whether it is really possible to account for the genesis and structure of the work of art in terms of sublimation; and even, within psychoanalysis itself, whether the concept of sublimation can adequately describe the process whereby the drive inscribes itself within the social bond. With such questions in mind, we will turn our attention to the work of Jacques Derrida. In his numerous essays on Freud, Derrida approaches the relationship between the drive and the social bond, less in terms of the work of art, than in terms of what he calls "writing"-a concept that is present throughout Freud's work but that he never explicitly elaborates. Our discussions of Derrida will explore the way in which his reading of Freud makes possible new approaches-both within and beyond psychoanalysis-to art and literature, technology, ethics, and politics.

Assessment and permitted materials

Active participation and regular attendance; presentation on a specific topic/text; paper (10 pages).

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

To familiarize students with the theoretical works of Freud, Lacan, and Derrida, among others; to introduce the basic questions raised by the application of psychoanalysis to literature and art; to help students lay the groundwork for their future studies and research.

Examination topics

Interactive lecture; student presentations.

Reading list

Jacques Derrida, Archive Fever
-The Post Card
Sigmund Freud, Beyond the Pleasure Principle
-The Ego and the Id
-The Interpretation of Dreams
-Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality
-Leonardo da Vinci and a Memory of His Childhood
-Three Case Histories
Jacques Lacan, Seminar III: The Psychoses
-Seminar VII: The Ethics of Psychoanalysis

Course reader: Further texts will be included in the course reader.

Association in the course directory

Diplom 343, UF 344, MA812
LI 12-0192, SP-Code 721-723 / M03

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:33