Terry Dornak

It is the purpose of this course to examine the many theories that fall into the psychodynamic paradigm. This will include examining the work of Freud and those who have branched off from his basic ideas? such as Adler, Jung, Reich, Klein, Fairbairn, Kohut, Guntrip, Winnicott, Erikson, Mahler, Stern, Sullivan, Jacobson, Bion and Lacan, to name but a few. Students can expect a required final paper, and additional quizzes and shorter writing assignments.

This course examines the psychological impact of mortality. Questions include: How does the knowledge of our eventual death affect our everyday lives? What are the psychological effects of living under the ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation? Other topics are: the dynamics of human violence; survivor experience and traumatic syndrome; and healthy versus pathological grieving.

An introduction to approaches in psychology to some of the major religions of the world, which may include spirituality in some general sense, mystical traditions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. The course may examine, for example, psychological research concerning religion and human development, mystical experience, conversion, new religious movements (cults), and mental health. At the conclusion of the semester, students will understand the major research trends regarding religious experience, conversion, personality and religion, and religious behavior, and the theories on which that research is based. A mix of papers, quizzes, class discussion and presentations will be required.