Countries: US

Examines the social and political aspects of personality. The videotape features the works of Erich Fromm and Harry Sullivan with special emphasis on Fromm’s social and political analysis of personality. Students learn the various forms of Fromm’s “social character” and discover how interpersonal theories differ from learning theories and psychodynamic theories of personality. The Study Guide recaps the important concepts included in the second exam.

Examines the shift toward studying the individual as a unique case. Students learn about Gordon Allport’s common-sense and empirical approach to the study of individuals. The lesson covers his concept of “traits” and shows one way of identifying them.

Explores needs as a motivational factor in personality theory. The videotaped class discusses Murray’s “personology”, a needs-based analysis of personality influenced by Jung. Students learn to classify various needs into distinct categories and practice using TAT (Thematic Apperception Test) stories in this approach to personality analysis.

Examines the important technique of factor analysis. The videotaped class approaches factor analysis through a discussion of theorists Raymond Cattell and Hans Eysneck, whose works exemplify the hypothetico-deductive approach to personality.

Builds on concepts introduced in Class 18. The class explores some of the implications of Cattell and Eysneck’s theories. Students learn of Cattell’s “dynamic lattice”, the three versions of “trait theory” developed from factor analysis, and the historical origins of Eysenck’s theory.

Defines the fundamental differences between Jung and Freud’s theories. Students examine the early controversy that rose around Freud’s work and how Carl Jung used his experience with clinical schizophrenic groups to develop his highly influential ideas.

Explores modern-day applications of Jung’s ideology. The class features an interview with Peter Mudd, a Jungian analyst, who explains how Jungian ideas are understood today and how they influence contemporary practices. The major components of “psyche” according to Jung are explained.

Focuses on Freud’s updated theories in the early 20th century. The lesson revisits Freud’s theories with regard to libido, instinct, id, ego, and super-ego. Freud’s mind model is updated and the role of anxiety in this later work is discussed. Key Freudian terms are defined, and an interesting article suggests that the translation of Freud from German to English might have done the theorist a disservice.

Examines the work of Freud’s successors. The lesson details the continuing influence of Freud’s work in the study of child development in clinical practice and in such non-psychological areas as history and literature. Refinements to Freud’s theories are discussed, including Anna Freud’s theories on defense mechanisms. Distinctions are drawn between “ego psychologists” and practitioners of classical psychoanalysis.

Reviews refinements to Freud’s theory since the 1960s. The lesson touches on the contributions of such theorists as Erik Erickson, Margaret Mahler, and Anna Freud to the evolution of modern psychoanalytic thought. The Study Guide offers a review in preparation for the first exam.