Bridging Courses

Lecturer Dr. Leon Brenner

Content and Learning Objectives

This course serves as an essential introduction to the fundamental concepts of psychoanalysis as originally developed by Sigmund Freud. Aimed at undergraduate psychology students, it offers a foundational understanding of core psychoanalytic principles, including diagnosis, transference, the role and behavior of the analyst, tactics of interpretation, and the formation and training of analysts.

Through a series of lectures, students will become acquainted with Freud's pivotal contributions to psychoanalytic theory and practice, providing a solid base for further exploration into the field. The course is designed as a bridge, offering students with no prior knowledge a first step towards advanced studies in psychoanalytic theory or clinical training as an analyst.

In addition to Freud’s work, the course will introduce key developments from Object Relations Theory, Ego Psychology, and Lacanian Psychoanalysis, ensuring a well-rounded view of the psychoanalytic tradition. By the end of the course, students will be proficient in rudimentary psychoanalytic conceptualization, positioning them for future academic or clinical pursuits in the field.

Lecturer Dr. Charlie Kaufhold

Content and Learning Objectives

This class provides an introduction to psychoanalytic social psychology in the German speaking countries. The two main thematic subjects are (1) theories and (2) methodology.

(1) Regarding theories: There will be foci on current discourses within psychoanalytic social psychology, authoritarianism, the psychosocial aftermath of National Socialism, as well as Gender and feminist perspectives.

(2) Regarding methodology: There will be an introduction to indepth hermeneutics. This is a method in psychoanalytic social research that traces back to the psychoanalyst Alfred Lorenzer. The class is open to students (or students-to-be) who don't have knowledge yet about psychology and psychoanalytic social psychology.

Important notice: Please read the literature provided on
Microsoft Teams before we meet in class!

Lecturer Dr. Nicolás Lorenzini

Content and Learning Objectives

1) The definition and scope of clinical psychology; 2) Mental health professions; 3) Ethical issues in clinical psychology; 4) Psychological attitude, empathy and stigma; 5) Definitions and models of mental disorder; 6) Classifications of mental disorders; 7) Psychological crisis and stress; 8) Psychotic disorders; 9) Personality disorders; 10) Anxiety disorders; 11) Other significant types of mental disorders; 12) Treatments for persons with mental disorders; 13) Research issues in clinical psychology.

Learning objectives

The lecture course is designed to give students the first systematic overview of clinical psychology, in its scientific and applied aspects, as well as of the profession of a clinical psychologist.

Lecturer Dr. Nicolás Lorenzini

Content and Learning Objectives

This course is intended to provide both theoretical and practical knowledge on the procedures and designs used in psychological research, as well as data analysis and interpretation. Main topics include the strengths and weaknesses of different research methods, stages in conducting research, development of psychological instruments, and data analysis.

Methods

Lectures and supervised group work

Students’ Obligations

Active participation, two brief reports (study protocol and instrument validity). Each group should have at least one laptop with SPSS installation.