The purpose of this Discussion is twofold. On the one hand, this discussion asks you to observe a specific sub-genre of history that goes by the name of psychohistory, a field of history that is still with us today but which perhaps had its greatest impact in the 1970s/80s. Historians associated with this school include Fawn Brodie, Peter Gay and Robert Dallek but the field was really given a major start with the appearance of Erik Erikson’s Young Man Luther: A Study in Psychoanalysis and History in 1958. On the other hand, this discussion also asks that you seriously consider the role of theory or even philosophy in the writing of history itself.
Although I would have preferred to use Marx as an example, doing so would mean a lot more work on your end. For some reason, everyone seems to know Freud, or at least the very basic foundation of his ideas – a general understanding of Freud has almost become part of popular culture over the past century.
First off, please review the following essays: David Beisel, “Teaching Psychohistory” Attachment. and Thomas Kohut, “Psychohistory as History.” attachment. I have also included the Preface to Peter Gay’s, Freud for Historians as well as Louise Hoffman, “Erikson on Hitler: The Origins of ‘Hitler’s Imagery and German Youth”
See also:William L. Langer, “The Next Assignment,” The American Historical Review, 63, no. 2 (January 1958): 283-304.
In your discussion try to answer some of the following questions: is it possible to psychoanalyze someone who died five years ago? or 500 years ago? (Freud wrote psychoanalytic studies of Leonardo as well as Moses!). Does psychoanalysis have a place in historical scholarship today? what seem to be the major features of psychohistory? Does theory play an important role in the writing of history?
Use attachments for some resources
Focus on more meat and detail in the analysis. In that regard, consider using an example to elucidate your points and pull out the narrative. Think of an example from the archival research that can explain your points as we draw out a larger narrative and show depth and purpose.
