Course Description:
In this upper-level psychology course designed for seniors, you will be exposed to a specific topic in psychology. Students make take this course twice providing the topic is different. For Fall 2023, we will explore Psychology Themes and Theories in Motion Pictures.
Filmmakers love to use psychology as a topic. Thus there is no shortage of psychology-oriented material. However, this often leads to inaccurate portrayals of psychology in popular film which leave people with a distorted view of psychology and how psychologists work.
This course will provide you with an examination of psychological themes in film – psychopathology, family dynamics, mental processes, among others. Note: Some of the movies you will be required to view may contain instances of violence, sexual content, and or other disturbing and controversial issues with an R rating. If you are unable to watch such movies, please discuss this with me. I will provide a list of alternate film options for you to use.
There is no course text. We will be using a series of films and articles to provide a foundation of learning and exploration of the topic area.
Specific Objectives:
After completing this course, I expect you to:
1. An understanding of basic psychological principles related to human behaviour across major fields of psychology;
2. An awareness of the impact of popular film on society;
3. The ability to critically evaluate the accuracy of portrayal of psychological topics in film;
4. Examine themes that are psychologically significant in works of film;
5. Appreciation for techniques used in film to illustrate psychological concepts.
Course Requirements:
This 400-level course requires engagement through viewing at least 12 films, and extensive reading from articles and assignments. You will get the greatest benefit from this course if you complete your readings and view films before coming to class. You will also participate in experiential exercises and complete reflection papers throughout the semester. The readings and papers will serve as a platform from which our discussion will flow.
In this upper-level psychology course designed for seniors, you will be exposed to a specific topic in psychology. Students make take this course twice providing the topic is different. For Fall 2023, we will explore Psychology Themes and Theories in Motion Pictures.
Filmmakers love to use psychology as a topic. Thus there is no shortage of psychology-oriented material. However, this often leads to inaccurate portrayals of psychology in popular film which leave people with a distorted view of psychology and how psychologists work.
This course will provide you with an examination of psychological themes in film – psychopathology, family dynamics, mental processes, among others. Note: Some of the movies you will be required to view may contain instances of violence, sexual content, and or other disturbing and controversial issues with an R rating. If you are unable to watch such movies, please discuss this with me. I will provide a list of alternate film options for you to use.
There is no course text. We will be using a series of films and articles to provide a foundation of learning and exploration of the topic area.
Specific Objectives:
After completing this course, I expect you to:
1. An understanding of basic psychological principles related to human behaviour across major fields of psychology;
2. An awareness of the impact of popular film on society;
3. The ability to critically evaluate the accuracy of portrayal of psychological topics in film;
4. Examine themes that are psychologically significant in works of film;
5. Appreciation for techniques used in film to illustrate psychological concepts.
Course Requirements:
This 400-level course requires engagement through viewing at least 12 films, and extensive reading from articles and assignments. You will get the greatest benefit from this course if you complete your readings and view films before coming to class. You will also participate in experiential exercises and complete reflection papers throughout the semester. The readings and papers will serve as a platform from which our discussion will flow.
- Teacher: Stephanie Hutcheson