Psychology and Literature: A Survey of Courses

Abstract

A survey of interdisciplinary courses in psychology and literature was taken. College and university catalogs from the United States and Canada were scanned to locate both psychology courses that used literary materials and literature courses in which psychological concepts and theories were taught. Instructors of 135 selected courses were mailed a letter requesting additional information about their courses and syllabi. The survey indicated that most of the courses were taught in literature departments. Psychoanalysis was found to be the dominant theoretical orientation, though a few other perspectives were represented. The syllabi were used to compile a reading list of psychological fiction for teaching and for general interest.

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