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RELI394

A Critical Assessment of C.G. Jung
RELI394 FA

Next Offered in 9899 FA

In spite of being one of the major social scientific thinkers of the twentieth century, C.G. Jung is virtually ignored in the academy today. Because of an unfortunate labeling of this work as "mystical," Jung is disparaged by most social scientists, many of whom have only read Jung through his popularizers. Much of what Jung had to say is in striking parallel to ideas current in feminism, post-modernism, and relfexive anthropology. This course will examine works by Jung, post-Jungians, and critics of Jung in order to understand the strengths and weaknesses in his thinking for the study of religion. Included in topics to be explored are the notions of archetypes, the collective unconscious, the shadow, Jung's use of gendered language, the idea of evolving consciousness, and dream interpretation.

MAJOR READINGS

Jung, THE PORTABLE JUNG, MAN AND HIS SYMBOLS
Whitmont, THE SYMBOLIC QUEST: BASIC CONCEPTS OF ANALYTICAL
PSYCHOLOGY
Abrams, THE SHADOW IN AMERICA: RECLAIMING THE SOUL OF A
NATION
Jaffe, FROM THE LIFE AND WORK OF J.G. JUNG and THE MYTH OF
MEANING IN THE WORK OF C.G. JUNG
Jacobi, COMPLEX/ARCHETYPE/SYMBOL IN THE PSYCHOLOGY OF C.G.
JUNG
Von Franz, THE PSYCHOLOGICAL MEANING OF REDEMPTION MYTHS IN
FAIRY TALES

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Two short writing assignments, midterm, and final research paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Students must be prepared to read lengthy assignments for each class, and to be called upon to introduce the material for that class. This course fulfills a "Critical Theory" requirement for Religion majors. Students should be in touch with Professor Smyers regarding requirements prior to the first class. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS RELI

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-03-1998




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