I. NCSS Standard Addressed:   Individual Development & Identity

            Performance Expectations:

                        d. Apply concepts, methods, and theories about the study of human growth and development, such as physical endowment, learning, motivation, behavior, perception, and personality.

II. Learning Outcomes:

• Students will describe the play "Oedipus Rex."
• Students will evaluate Freud and his theory on the Oedipus complex.
• Students will identify self disclosure.

III. Evaluation:

            1.) Students will be quizzed to ensure the reading assignment has been completed before discussion.

            2.) After the lecture and discussion, students will be required to write an essay discussing what the Oedipus complex is and give a situation where the student or someone close has experienced Oedipus complex and how he/she handled the situation.

IV. Curriculum:

            This lesson is used in a psychology class to learn about the Oedipus theory and discuss it in terms of students own relationship experiences. This lesson could be used in a sociology class to compare how the arts in different cultures exaggerate the relationships between people. History or humanities could use this lesson in studying the Ancient Greek arts and culture. Finally, English classes could read the book and discuss the impact the work had on society.

V. Instructions:

            1.) Prior to this lesson, students have finished reading the play, "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles.

            2.) Before class discussion, there will be a short reading quiz.

            3.) Students will exchange quizzes and be graded, then handed in to the teacher.

            4.) As a class, students will discuss the book and its relevance to psychology, and Freud's theories of the Oedipus complex.

            5.) At the end of class students will be assigned to write an essay discussing their reactions to the play, Freud's Oedipus complex and how it relates to the play, any experience with Oedipus complex, or any theory they have against the Oedipus complex.

VI. Questions:

            1.) Can someone recall the play, "Oedipus Rex"?

            2.) Can you identify your reactions to the play as you were reading?

            3.) Can you explain Freud's theory of the Oedipus complex?

            4.) Can you relate why Freud named his theory after Sophocles play?

            5.) Can you explain what self-disclosure is?

            6.) Can you present to the class any experience's with the Oedipus complex?

            7.) If you were if Oedipus’ position, what would you have done?

            8.) If you have any younger siblings at home, how would you help them get over the Oedipus complex?

            9.) Do you agree with Freud’s theory on the Oedipus complex? Do you have any theories or reasoning that differ or provide a different explanation?