Psychology in Film: Understanding Human Behavior through Cinema
This course explores the intersection of psychology and cinema, using popular films as case studies to delve into various psychological concepts and theories.
Smart & Glam
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(4)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
includedAssessment
includedGrading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
In "Psychology in Film: Understanding Human Behavior through Cinema," students embark on a fascinating journey exploring the intricate world of human behavior as depicted in movies. Through a curated selection of films, learners will delve into various psychological concepts, analyzing characters, motivations, and interactions portrayed on screen. Week 1 (May 15 - May 21): Topic: Introduction to Psychology in Film Introduction to the course and its objectives Overview of psychological concepts Screening of selected film clips illustrating basic psychological principles Group discussion on the psychological themes observed in the clips Week 2 (May 22 - May 28): Topic: Character Analysis and Personality Introduction to the concept of personality Analysis of characters in selected films Identification of personality traits and motivations Group activity: Creating character profiles based on psychological principles Week 3 (May 29 - June 4): Topic: Motivation and Emotion Exploration of different theories of motivation Analysis of characters' motivations in film scenes Discussion on the role of emotions in decision-making Group activity: Identifying and analyzing emotional responses in movie scenes Week 4 (June 5 - June 11): Topic: Social Psychology in Film Introduction to social psychology concepts Analysis of group dynamics and social influence in films Discussion on conformity, obedience, and social norms Group activity: Role-playing exercises to demonstrate social psychology concepts in action Week 5 (June 12 - June 18): Topic: Abnormal Psychology Overview of abnormal psychology and mental disorders Analysis of characters with psychological disorders in films Discussion on stigma and portrayal of mental illness in media Group activity: Case studies of characters with psychological disorders Week 6 (June 19 - June 25): Topic: Psychological Resilience and Growth Exploration of resilience and post-traumatic growth Analysis of characters overcoming adversity in films Discussion on the portrayal of resilience in cinema Group activity: Reflective exercises on personal resilience and growth Week 7 (June 26 - July 2): Topic: Psychology of Relationships Examination of relationships and interpersonal dynamics in films Analysis of communication patterns and conflict resolution Discussion on love, attachment, and interpersonal attraction Group activity: Role-playing scenarios to explore relationship dynamics Week 8 (July 3 - July 9): ] Review of key concepts covered in the course Final film screening and analysis Preparation for final project Group discussion and reflection on the course experience Throughout the course, students will cover a range of topics, including: Psychological theories and concepts Character analysis Motivation and emotion Social psychology Abnormal psychology The class is structured as an interactive exploration of films, with each session focusing on different psychological themes and concepts. Students will watch selected movie clips, followed by discussions and activities designed to deepen their understanding of the portrayed psychological phenomena. Colleen Slebzak, a seasoned educator with expertise in psychology and film studies, will guide students through the exploration of each film's psychological elements. Her teaching style is engaging and interactive, fostering critical thinking and insightful analysis among students. In this class, learners will have ample opportunities to interact with both the instructor and their peers. Discussions, group activities, and interactive analysis of movie scenes will encourage active participation and collaboration. Each session will include: Introduction to the movie and its relevance to psychology Watching selected clips highlighting psychological themes Group discussions and analysis of character behavior and motivations Interactive activities exploring key psychological concepts Q&A sessions for deeper understanding and clarification By the end of the course, students will gain a deeper appreciation of psychology through the lens of cinema, enhancing their critical thinking skills and understanding of human behavior in real life. Come join us for an engaging exploration of psychology through the magic of film!
Learning Goals
Students will learn to:
Analyze and interpret psychological themes, concepts, and theories portrayed in various films.
Identify and discuss different aspects of human behavior, such as personality traits, motivations, emotions, and social interactions, as depicted in cinema.
Understand the connection between real-life psychological phenomena and their representation in movies.
Critically evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of psychological portrayals in film.
Apply psychological principles to analyze and understand the behavior of fictional characters in movies.
Enhance their critical thinking skills by examining and discussing complex psychological concepts within the context of film.
Develop empathy and perspective-taking abilities through the analysis of characters' experiences and struggles.
Engage in collaborative learning activities, such as group discussions, role-playing, and peer feedback, to deepen their understanding of psychology in film.
Reflect on their own psychological insights gained from analyzing cinematic representations of human behavior.
Cultivate a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking and its potential to explore and depict complex psychological themes.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
To address the feedback regarding handling and responding to unsolicited and potentially highly emotional expressions around sensitive topics in the "Psychology in Film" class, I am incorporating the following details:
Handling Sensitive Topics:
In the "Psychology in Film" class, we will be exploring themes that might be sensitive or provoke strong emotional responses. Given the international nature of Outschool, it is important to create an inclusive and respectful environment for all learners. Here is how I intend to manage these situations:
Setting Expectations:
At the beginning of the course, I will establish clear guidelines for respectful and constructive discussions. This will include expectations around listening actively, not interrupting, and respecting different viewpoints.
Creating a Safe Space:
I will emphasize the importance of a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Confidentiality and respect for each other's experiences will be key principles.
Handling Emotional Responses:
If a student expresses strong emotions, I will acknowledge their feelings with empathy and provide a supportive response. I will guide the conversation to ensure it remains respectful and on topic.
If necessary, I will pause the discussion to address the emotional response privately, ensuring the student feels heard and supported without derailing the class for others.
Providing Support Resources:
I will provide resources for students who may need additional support, including links to counseling services or hotlines appropriate for their region.
Cultural Sensitivity:
I will remain mindful of cultural differences and sensitivities, encouraging students to share their perspectives while being respectful of others' backgrounds and beliefs.
By implementing these strategies, I aim to create a learning environment that is both educational and emotionally supportive, allowing students to explore psychological concepts in film while feeling safe and respected.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined October, 2023
4.8
4reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree from Robert Gordon University and B.H.M.S Lucerne
Colleen has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Film Studies, with a focus on the intersection of psychology and cinema. She has extensive experience teaching psychology and film-related courses to students of various age groups. Colleen's expertise lies in analyzing the psychological themes, character motivations, and human behavior depicted in movies. She has developed a deep understanding of how filmmakers use cinematic techniques to explore complex psychological concepts and portray them on screen. With her background in both psychology and film studies, Colleen is uniquely qualified to facilitate engaging and insightful discussions about the psychological aspects of cinema.Reviews
Live Group Class
$45
weekly1x per week
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
6-12 learners per class
