Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

Science of Abnormal Psychology: Diagnose TV & Movie Characters (9 weeks)

In this 9 week class, we'll learn what a psychological disorder is, and the elements of various psychological disorders that can be illustrated in different characters, superheroes and villains from television and the movies.
Melissa Snyder, M.Ed., LPCC
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(517)
Class

What's included

9 live meetings
6 hrs 45 mins in-class hours
Assessment
Informal assessment will take place by asking students if they have questions or comments throughout lessons. There will also be opportunities to answer poll questions in the chat box.
Grading
A final exam and final grade report based on exam, attendance and participation

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
Knowing that one in three college students report experiencing mental health issues before coming to school, it's important to start early with education on psychological disorders and mental health.  This class provides a fun and memorable way to explore disorders.

This class is ideal for students who have an interest in psychology and psychological disorders. No prior psychology experience is needed, but students should be familiar with the characters that will be referenced each week. No videos will be viewed in the classes.

These nine lessons are the same lessons covered in the same entitled class that is in the "ongoing" format.

This is an educational, fact-based course, and not a counseling or therapy group. 

Each class will have three components.
I.   Define elements of recognized psychological disorders & information on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
II.  What disorders do the characters of the week illustrate
III. What are the primary elements of the disorders of listed characters, as defined by the DSM 5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)

Week One  Disney characters- Mike (Monsters, Inc), Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmatians), Peter Pan (Peter Pan), Lots-O-Love Bear (Toy Story), and Flounder (The Little Mermaid)- Disorders such as Anti-social and Narcissistic Personality Disorder will be discussed

Week Two  Superhero characters- The Thing (Fantastic Four), Batman (Batman), Star-Lord (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Captain Marvel (Captain Marvel)- BONUS The psychology of why we like superheroes- Disorders such as Intermittent Explosive Disorder and Dissociative Amnesia will be discussed.

Week Three  Mickey's Friends- Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story), Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh), Dumbo (Dumbo Live Action), Captain Hook (Peter Pan), and Quasimodo (Hunchback of Notre Dame) - Disorders such a Delusional Disorder and Avoidant Personality Disorder will be discussed.

Week Four Fictional Detectives- Sherlock Holmes, Poirot, Miss Marple, Monk, Shawn (Psych); Disorders such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Unspecified Depressive Disorder NOS, General Personality Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, Stimulant Use Disorder will  be discussed.

Week Five  Villains and why we love them- Anakin Skywalker (Star Wars/ Episode II Attack of the Clones & Episode III Revenge of the Sith), Sid (Toy Story), The Riddler (Batman), Buford (Phineas and Ferb) - Disorders such as Acute Stress Disorder and Conduct Disorder will be discussed.

Week Six Variety of character types- The Joker (Batman), The Evil Queen (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), Elsa (Frozen), Iron Man (Iron Man), Cinderella (Cinderella) - Disorders such as Schizophrenia and Body Dysmorphia will be discussed.

Week Seven  Animated Characters- Ferb (Phineas and Ferb), Fear (Inside Out), Porky Pig (Looney Tunes), Sleeping Beauty (Shrek the Third), Abu, the monkey (Aladdin) - Disorders such as Selective Mutism and Kleptomania will be discussed.

Week Eight  Variety of character types Part II- Willy Wonka (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Shaggy (Scooby-Doo), Wolverine (Logan), Batman (Batman-Animated Series), Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean) - Disorders such as Aviophobia and Alcohol Use Disorder will be discussed.

Week Nine  Donald Duck & Friends- Sleepy (Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), Simba (The Lion King), Russell (Up), Wanda Maximoff (WandaVision), Donald Duck (Walt Disney Productions) - Disorders such as Social Disinhibited Disorder and Complex Bereavement Disorder will be discussed.

Because research says students learn better when relaxed, learners will not be called on.  Chat box polls will be used to encourage participation.  Participation is welcomed but never required.

I use slides, gifs and chat box polls to enhance learning.  I have a structured, yet humor-filled teaching style, designed to keep student's interest and help learners feel comfortable.
Learning Goals
1.  Students will be able to define the elements of a psychological disorder
2.  Students will understand elements of using the DSM 5 to diagnose orders
2. Students will learn 4-5 unique psychological disorders in each class, including specific symptoms from the DSM 5
3. Students will learn a tv and movie character to illustrate each psychological disorder
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
Parents know best if their child will more comfortable with them by their side. The content of this course doesn't require a parent, but the nature/personality of the specific learner may. Many of the movies and tv shows are PG-13. No video will be shown in the class but students should be familiar with the characters. I include trigger warnings at the top of each class outline so an informed decision can be made about the appropriateness for your learner.
Supply List
Pen, paper for taking notes.

I'll also upload in the classroom, shortly before each lesson, and outline for each class that can be used to take notes and follow along.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
517reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Kent State University
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, with M.Ed. in Community counseling and a B.A. in Sociology.  I am licensed to diagnose mental health disorders, though not specifically for television and movie characters. :)

Reviews

Live Group Class
Share

$17

weekly or $150 for 9 classes
1x per week, 9 weeks
45 min

Completed by 19 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
4-15 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool