Psychology and Film
4-weeks (first 4) | Available (Membership Required)
Film is a powerful art medium for exploring topics in psychology, and film has had a tremendous role in our society, including entertaining, inspiring and teaching. Students will watch films that illuminate a variety of psychological themes. Class discussion will examine key elements about the psychology of a viewer’s experience; the filmmaker/production; depictions of psychology and psychologists/healthcare; and psychological issues/treatment.
Students will be expected to watch the assigned film prior to class. This will require students to watch the first film selection prior to the start date of classes. Films will be available on the Vassar LLI site for free viewing.
Note to former students: We will view films that are different from those used in previous semesters. While concepts will be familiar, application to new films will always expand and inform further.
Suggested Reading: Psychology at the Movies by Skip Dine Young
Denise Morett
Dr. Denise Morett is the best-selling author of Lifeline, a licensed psychologist with a private practice, and a consultant to various hospitals and facilities. She has taught college-level psychology courses as well as conducted workshops and trainings throughout her 30-year career. She has been an instructor for VCLLI in past semesters. Her interests are varied and include the use of expressive arts, particularly film, as it relates to the human condition and topics of psychology.