Images of Madness: Feature Films in Teaching Psychology

Abstract

An interdisciplinary course, Psychology and Film: Images of Madness, has been taught at Boston University since 1979 by two instructors: a psychologist and a film historian. This course may be pedagogically unique because of its use of feature films (90 to 110 min) as a major element of instruction. The films allow students to explore the interaction between art and psychology and make them cognizant of the cinema's ability to reflect and affect our perceptions of madness and treatment. A student survey and course evaluation substantiated the effectiveness of this instructional program.

Feature film as a resource in teaching I-O psychology

“…Films can be easily adapted for classroom use to increase student involvement (Bluestone, 2000;Fleming, Piedmont, & Hiam, 1990), promote critical thinking and analytical skills (Anderson, 1992;Gregg, Hosley, Weng, & Montemayor, 1995), and aid recall of course content (Higgins & Dermer, 2001;Scherer & Baker, 1999). Film-based assignments also have the advantage of being viewed as enjoyable and valuable by students, which can impact teaching evaluations (Boyatzis, 1994).…”

The Journal of Counselor Preparation and Supervision Volume 4, Number 1

“…The students also perceived that film clips and the material associated with them were easier to retain. In psychology, an undergraduate class focused on teaching psychopathology through film (Fleming, Piedmont, & Hiam, 1990). The use of movies in teaching has a strong pedagogical basis, and can be applied to counselor trainees' and new practitioners' understanding of the complex models of identity development.…”

Using film and literature for cultural competence training

“…A number of films have been used for teaching psychiatry and psychology (Fleming et al, 1990), some of which can be used for cultural awareness. These authors also suggest that the older, silent films are particularly suitable for handling intimate psychological subjects.…”