(Handouts are at bottom of page)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: An introduction to the study of dreams through psychological theory, etiology, and interpretation. 
 

COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: 

1. Describe the major features of sleep. 

2. Identify leading contributors to the field of dream research. 

3. Define the assumptions of "causality" and "synchronicity" and their relevance to both dreams and dream research. 

4. Explain how biological, psychological and social factors can affect dreams. 

5. Identify the role of dreams in psychotherapeutic concepts and theories. 

6. Recognize the interaction between dreams and real-life situations.

SCHEDULE: week of

1. Dream Journals: Dream journals should be kept of every dream had during the semester. These will include date, content, emotions felt and a preliminary analysis. You should keep a pen, notebook and flashlight next to your bed. (Preliminary analysis means first thoughts on the meaning of the dream which can be added the next morning).Dream Journals will be inspected periodically.

2. Dream Submission Papers: One dream should be selected every week to be analyzed in class, including exam weeks.

3. Dream Profile: At the end of the semester, a personality analysis of yourself based on important issues you have identified from your semester's dreams. [4-5 pages] 

4. Group paper: One 4-6 page paper comparing two theorists' approaches to one member's dream. You will report on it in class. This final project is in lieu of a Comprehensive Final Exam.

Reading assignments should be completed before class on the date assigned. Written assignments must be typed or printed double-spaced, and turned in by the beginning of class. Late papers and make-ups will not be permitted except under extreme circumstances. 

PARTICIPATION: 

This class is heavily oriented towards participation. Because not all students are equally vocal, and because not all will want to share with the entire class, small groups will be frequently used. Class members may be asked to rate each other at the end of the term. 

GRADING: 

In addition to the papers, there will be two exams.  Extra credit options will be announced in class. 

NOTE: The content of your dreams is both personal and universal, including everything from sexuality and bodily functions to spirituality. I advise a clinical approach. If you are uncomfortable hearing about such topics, do not take the course. Also please respect each others' confidentiality on all such matters. Finally, if you need to leave early, please place a note on my desk before class, and sit next to the door.