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Understanding Memory: Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies

Approx. 9 hours to complete

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Course Summary

Learn about the fascinating relationship between memory and movies, and explore how films can affect our perceptions of the past. This course is taught by a team of experts in the fields of film studies and psychology.

Key Learning Points

Understand how movies can shape our memories and influence our emotions
Explore the ways in which films depict historical events
Learn about the psychology of memory and how it relates to movies

Learning Outcomes

Gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between movies and memory
Learn how films can influence our perceptions of historical events
Develop a critical perspective on the ways in which movies depict memory

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of film history and theory
Familiarity with psychological concepts

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

Similar Courses

The Art of Film
Introduction to Psychology
History of the World Since 1300

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Description

Welcome to Understanding Memory. Someone once said that memory is fascinating because sometimes we forget what we want to remember, sometimes we remember what we want to forget, and sometimes we remember events that never happened or never happened the way we remember them. I want to show you how memory works, why it sometimes fails, and what we can do to enhance it. Based on my recent book – Memory and Movies: What Films Can Teach Us About Memory (MIT Press, 2015) – I will provide an introduction to the scientific study of human memory by focusing on a select group of topics that hold widespread appeal.

To facilitate your understanding, I will use clips from numerous films to illustrate different aspects of memory – describing what has been learned about memory in a nontechnical way for people with no prior background in psychology. Many of us love watching movies because they offer an unparalleled opportunity for entertainment, even if entertaining films are not always scientifically accurate. Still, I believe that we can learn a lot about memory from popular films, if we watch them with an educated eye. Welcome once more. I am looking forward to showing you what movies can teach us about memory. John Seamon Professor of Psychology Emeritus Wesleyan University

Outline

Memory Processes and Memory Movies
Preview: Welcome to Memory and Movies
Lecture 1: Sometimes Life Imitates Art - Film: 50 First Dates
Lecture 2: What is Memory? - Film: Finding Nemo
Lecture 3: Memory's Everyday Function
Lecture 4: Using Films to Tell Stories About Memory - Film: The Princess Bride
Suggested Readings for Module 1 (optional)
Memory Processes and Memory Films

Making Long Lasting Memories
Lecture 5: A Memory Worth Keeping - Film: After Life
Lecture 6: Creating Long Lasting Memories - Film: Cast Away
Lecture 7: Facing the Future by Looking Backward - Film: Groundhog Day
Lecture 8: Different Ways of Remembering - Film: Crash
Lecture 9: Where Do We Keep Our Memories - Film: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
Lecture 10: Memory Champs, Mnemonics, and Savants - Movie: Rain Man
Suggested Readings for Module 2 (optional)
Making Memories that Last

Autobiographical Memories and Life Stories
Lecture 11: Narrative Flashbacks - Film: The Kite Runner
Lecture 12: Tell Me a Story About You - Film: Slumdog Millionaire
Lecture 13: Emotion, Empathy, and Movies - Film: Cinema Paradiso: The New Version
Lecture 14: Distant Memories - Film: Titanic
Lecture 15: Unforgettable Moments - Film: Unchained Memories: The Slave Narratives
Lecture 16: Remember Me - Film: The Joy Luck Club
Suggested Readings for Module 3 (optional)
Autobiographical Memories and Life Stories

Understanding the Reality of Amnesia
Lecture 17: Where Am I? - Film: Desperately Seeking Susan
Lecture 18: Organic Amnesia from Brain Injuries - Film: The Music Never Stopped
Lecture 19: Lost and Found Memories: Dissociative Amnesia - Film: The Return of the Soldier
Lecture 20: Lost and Found Memories: Dissociative Fugue - Film: The Majestic
Lecture 21: Memory's Most Studied Mind - Film: Memento
Suggested Readings for Module 4 (optional)
Understanding the Reality of Amnesia

Senior Moments, Forgetfulness, and Dementia
Lecture 22: My Memory Isn't What It Used to Be - Film: Cocoon
Lecture 23: A Troubling Turn: Mild Cognitive Impairment - Film: On Golden Pond
Lecture 24: Strokes and Vascular Dementia - Film: Amour
Lecture 25: The Insidious Invader: Alzheimer's Disease - Film: Away From Her
Lecture 26: Maintaining Memory in Old Age - Film: The Bucket List
Suggested Readings for Module 5 (optional)
Senior Moments, Forgetfulness, and Dementia

Summary of User Reviews

Memory and Movies is a highly recommended course that explores the fascinating relationship between memory and cinema. The course receives consistently positive reviews from students, with many praising its engaging content and knowledgeable instructor.