PSK 454 - Literature And Psychology

Literature and psychology have historically been intertwined in the quest to understand and interpret human experience. Literature delves deeply into characters’ inner worlds, motivations, conflicts, and emotional processes, bringing the abstract concepts of psychology to life through concrete stories and vivid imagery. Conversely, psychology provides a robust framework for interpreting literary works and analyzing characters. The intersection of these two disciplines offers a richer and more multidimensional understanding of human nature.

Literature and Psychology, enabling students to understand human psychology not only through scientific texts but also through the power of art and narrative. By exploring psychological themes in literature, the course helps students develop critical thinking, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.

This course focuses on understanding human experience at the intersection of literature and psychology. Throughout the course, students examine the inner worlds, motivations, conflicts, and emotional processes of characters in literary works, while learning psychological concepts and theories through concrete examples. Literary texts help to concretize abstract psychological theories—such as neurosis, trauma, identity crises, and ego defense mechanisms—allowing students to better internalize these concepts.

By analyzing the psychological structures of literary characters, students develop a deep empathy for the diversity and complexity of human experience. They also explore works from different cultures and historical periods, gaining insight into both the universal and culturally specific dimensions of psychology. The course aims to enhance students’ analytical thinking, critical reading, and interpretive skills, enabling them to understand complex human behaviors and social relationships from a psychological perspective.

In this way, the course guides students to understand the human psyche not only through scientific data but also through the power of art and narrative, fostering the development of more holistic, empathetic, and analytically minded psychologists.

Historically, literature and psychology have been closely intertwined in the effort to understand and interpret human experience. Literature explores characters’ inner worlds, motivations, conflicts, and emotional processes in depth, presenting the abstract concepts of psychology through vivid stories and imagery. Conversely, psychology provides a strong framework for interpreting literary works and analyzing characters. The intersection of these two disciplines offers a richer and more multidimensional understanding of human nature.

Jung, C. G. (2011). Arketipler ve Kolektif Bilinçdışı. Pinhan Yayıncılık

Jung, C. G. (2007). Psikolojik Tipler. Pinhan Yayıncılık

During the first week of the course, students will be informed about the course objectives, content, exams, learning outcomes, weekly topics, and course rules/framework. In addition, the method for accessing the course syllabus will be explained in detail.

1. Classes will be held for 3 class hours each week for 14 weeks.

2. Each class hour is 45 minutes, and there will be two 15-minute breaks.

3. The course assessment will consist of one midterm and one final exam for each semester.

4. Course slides, supplementary resources, and materials will be shared through the Campus Information System. The slides and materials for the relevant week's lecture will be uploaded to the Campus Information System as a PDF file on the first Friday following the lecture day.

5. The midterm exam will have a weight of 40% and the final exam will have a weight of 60% on the final grade.

6. The midterm and final exams will be in a multiple-choice test format.

7. A review of each exam will take place during the first class session following the exam, during which students can inspect their exam papers.

8. A minimum of 70% attendance is mandatory.

9. To not fall below the 70% attendance rate, a student must attend classes for at least 10 out of the 14 weeks.

10. Oversleeping, having a medical report, being sick, traveling, visiting one's hometown, or being in a Double Major/Minor program are not considered valid excuses for failing to meet attendance requirements.

11. Possessing a doctor's report does not mean that students can be flexible with the 70% attendance requirement.

12. The total absence rate, including absences covered by medical reports, must not exceed 30%.

13. Attendance will be tracked via a sign-in sheet during classes.

14. The signatures on the attendance sheet will be checked at the end of the third class hour. Students must only sign for the class hours they are actually present for.

15. Students' absence rates will be recorded in the Campus Information System weekly. Students are required to track their attendance rates weekly. If they believe there is an error (e.g., if their attendance was not recorded in the system despite their signature being present on the relevant week's attendance list), they must make an appointment to inform the course instructor and request a review.

16. Signing the attendance sheet on behalf of another student is strictly forbidden under any circumstances.

17. Students who wish to ask questions about the course or request a meeting for ideas, suggestions, criticism, consultation, etc., must communicate via email to make an appointment.

18. Students writing an email are expected to follow basic etiquette by introducing themselves and stating the reason for their message.

19. Before writing an email, students must carefully read the course syllabus and course framework.

20. Students should send their emails between 08:30 and 17:30.

21. I will respond to emails within three business days at the latest. If a student does not receive a response within this period, the email may be sent again.

22. My email address is: faik.tasci@izu.edu.tr

23. Students are subject to the Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations regarding matters such as passing/failing the course, attendance, etc.