While fairy tales have often been dismissed as children’s literature, morality tales, or escapist fantasy, they also lend themselves to serious study by academics, depth psychologists, and to a fascinating exploration by the curious common folk. Where do fairy tales come from and what do they tell us about human nature? Why do Jungian analysts and others feel fairy tales contain a rich storehouse of archetypal wisdom about the human psyche? Do they mirror the collective challenges of the societies and individuals that produce them? On what grounds might we consider that these stories were meant to transmit insights about the psyche and possibilities for self-transformation? Or about how to respond ethically and wisely to the conflicts and cruelty that surface in human relationships? Can they be better understood using a similar approach to the one used to study dreams? What is gained through retellings of traditional folk or fairy tales? What is lost? How can we deepen our understanding and enhance our appreciation of the riches embedded in the plots, symbols, and motifs of folk or fairy tales without destroying what we love most about them? The course focuses on readings of a number of different folk or fairy tales and various approaches to understanding or interpreting them, mainly by Jungian writers, as well as excerpts from a few films and videos.

There are no books to purchase for this course.

Please note that this course has a maximum enrollment of 18 students.

NEW PAYMENT POLICY: Participants must pay the course fees in order to be considered registered for the course. 

For fully registered courses, a waiting list will be created. Should vacancies develop, those on the waiting list will be contacted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please note that we do not allow participants to audit courses for free.

Location: Atwater

First Session: Wednesday 21 September 2022

Course Length: 12 weeks, Wednesdays, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Discussion Team: Murray Shugar, Barbara Smith, +1

Degree Credit: 3.0 credits

Course Fees: 

$150.00 (standard tuition)
$100.00 (promotion for new students)

Administrative Fee:

$35.00

Total:

$185.00 (standard tuition)
$135.00 (promotion for new students)

Course fees are refundable in full before the second session. After the second session, a fee of $50 for the withdrawal will be applied. Refunds will not be issued after the third session. Please note that non-attendance does not constitute a withdrawal.

Students pursuing studies for credit are encouraged to consult with their advisers as they register for courses.

Course leaders, and students wishing to use credit vouchers, should call (514) 935-9585 to pay by phone or to schedule an appointment to pay in person.