Examines the roots of psychoanalysis. The lesson traces the evolution of Freud’s early clinical work on “hysteria” in the late 1800s and describes how it contributed to his early theoretical discipline. Students learn about Freud’s initial theory of the mind and his interpretation of dreams.
Grade levels: Adult
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Jung Pulls Away
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.
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Jungian Theory Today
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.
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Freud’s Later Theories
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.
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Seven Tests Before you Commit
Outlines what you need to know before you commit to a relationship. Lecture defines seven areas critical to building relations, and discussion explains the impact of each on love relationships. Students learn how true commitment can help us weather the inevitable problems that naturally occur in any relationships.
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Cohabitation – The Plain Facts
Exposes myths and highlights research on the subject of “living together”. The lesson identifies the pros and cons of non-marital cohabitation and explains the dangers of “sliding” into as opposed to “deciding” on this form of commitment. Deciding factors discussed by the class include the statistical realities of cohabitation, the conflicting male-female expectations about cohabitation, and the surprising correlations between cohabitation, divorce, and general dissatisfaction.
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When to Stay, When to go
Draws a distinction between problem relationships that can be salvaged and those that cannot. Class discussion focuses on the “red flags” that signal trouble in a relationship or marriage. Students receive helpful hints for making even the most difficult relationships happy and fulfilling, including how to get beyond volatile hot buttons, how to find joint passion with your partner, and how to recognize a losing battle when you see one.
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Making a Commitment
Explores how the motivations behind commitment affect its consequences. The class learns the difference between “constraint” commitment and “dedicated” commitment, and lecture reveals how the two commitment styles correlate with stability and happiness. Discussion touches on such factors as the social and financial “survival” benefits of both commitment styles, the value of friendship in a love relationship, and how commitment to one person invariably alters outside relationships with others.
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What it Takes to Go the Distance
Explores the attitude and behavior shifts required to sustain a relationship. Lecture outlines the distinction between two situations: when expressing your expectations is good for the relationship and when it will only make things worse. Strategies for handling both situations are discussed. The lesson also explores the value of humor, the up side of clashing viewpoints, and how gender differences affect how apologies are relayed and perceived.
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Challenges for Men in Relationships
Explains how gender expectations cause stress for men in committed relationships. The Studio Class compares their thoughts on this subject with statistical research findings. The lesson points out how monogamy is a choice tied directly to intentions and morals, why a woman’s superior earning power is a threat for most men, and what three factors embody the answer to the question “What do women want?”