HMS 1940 - MENTAL ILLNESS IN THE MEDIA

credits: 3.0
This course will explore the portrayal of mental illness and its treatment in American popular films. Students will critique films based on both the accuracy of depiction of selected psychiatric conditions and the portrayal of the therapeutic relationship and the treatment process. Objectives: A) Identify DSM-IV criteria for diagnoses covered in the films; B) Describe mainstream attitudes toward the mentally ill; C) Examine mainstream attitudes toward mental health treatment and the role of therapists; D) Discuss the implications of these presentations in terms of their effect on the attitudes of the general public toward individuals with mental illness and toward psychotherapists. Method of Instruction: Lecture, audiovisual materials, and class discussion. Method of Evaluation: Individual film critiques and group research project. Meets *LAS Distribution Requirements.