A series of elective seminars is offered, beginning in the second half of the third year, to further amplify the candidates’ grasp of theory and process and to expand their psychoanalytic scholarship. Candidates must take a minimum of two electives (at least one clinical-theoretical) in the third year, a minimum of four electives in the fourth year, and continued supervision and four electives in the fifth year. The electives are given on a rotating schedule, with key electives offered more frequently. This system gives the candidates some choice in emphasis and timing of their educational experience and, with the guidance of the adviser, an opportunity to explore special interests in greater depth and a chance for further study in areas that need strengthening.
Elective seminars are offered in psychoanalytic theory, clinical technique, psychoanalysis as applied to other areas of knowledge, research, and child and adolescent psychoanalytic studies. All courses required for the child and adolescent studies program may be taken as electives in the adult program. Most often, elective seminars meet for 16 hours and are scheduled on Monday 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Occasionally, other times may be arranged.
Candidates can use their elective time to engage in research or independent projects that may extend for more than one elective period. Research projects are developed and executed under the mentorship of a faculty member and can take the form of a theoretical or clinical paper, or a clinical research project that involves data collection and data analysis. Requests by candidates for special seminars are considered by the Curriculum Committee and provided when possible. Some seminars are given only if a required minimum number of candidates elect them. Others may be given on a tutorial basis. Individual tutorials may be arranged on request under special circumstances.
To promote greater understanding of child development and child analysis, courses in the child and adolescent psychoanalytic studies program will be open to candidates in the adult program as year-long electives in the fourth and fifth year.
RESEARCH PROGRAM
Candidates have the option of undertaking a research program in lieu of some portion of the elective program. Candidates planning to take a research elective should discuss it with the chair of the Research Committee and submit the project in writing to both the chair of the Research Committee and the chair of the Curriculum Committee in the term before they plan to begin. The amount of elective credit that may be allotted is determined on an individual basis.