The program affords candidates the opportunity to take courses from faculty representing major orientations in psychoanalytic theory and practice. We encourage students to take courses reflecting differing points of view and to have clinical consultation/supervisory experiences with faculty of diverse approaches. The curricula are designed to encourage an intellectual community in which theoretical diversity and comparative study may thrive, and where greater clarity of conceptualization and integration in psychoanalytic thinking may be achieved.
Students are required to register for a total of 36 points of formal class work. There are only two required starting courses: the two-point class Introduction to Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Theory and Practice, given in the fall semester; in the spring semester, they are required to take our one-point Ethics class. Both classes are given on Tuesday evenings, from 7:30 to 9:10 p.m. If you are a new student you therefore should plan to be at NYU on Tuesday evenings during your first year in the Program. (You also may choose to take any other open courses.)
All other Postdoctoral Program courses are given on different days and times are grouped under seven broad categories. Beginning in the academic year 2019-2020, students are required to distribute specific numbers of points among designated categories. The core areas of study focus on three categories:
- Foundations of Psychoanalysis
- Theory and Technique
- Clinical Case Seminars
Students are required to take a minimum of six points from each of those categories. In addition, it is recommended that they take at least one course (either one or two points) from each of the remaining categories:
- Treatment of Specific Disorders
- Cultural, Political, and Spiritual Issues
- Gender and Sexuality
- Development and Life-Span Issues
Not all courses are given each year; a list of the courses to be offered is made available prior to each semester’s registration. The Director, Clinic Director, members of the Executive Committee, and the Progression and Advisement Committee are available to guide students on matters of course selection.