The Blind Man who can see - extra credit

Click on the following link and watch the video and listen to the story of "TN."
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98590831

While we have had almost no discussion about our fascinating brain in class, give some comments on this intriguing and curious story.

Post by January 5 for the extra credit!

p. 595-612

After reading about personality disoders, dissociative disorders, and schizophrenia, try to connect any one character from the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest to a particular disorder.

Provide as much detail from the text to highlight why your chosen character may have had that disorder.

Due on Wednesday, January 7.

Reading 578-594 & Cuckoo's Nest

After reading about anxiety disorders and mood disorders, try to connect any one character from the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest to a particular disorder. Provide as much detail from the text to highlight why your chosen character may have had that disorder.

Due on Tuesday, December 16.

ALSO - DREAM JOURNAL IS DUE ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19!! PLEASE SEND VIA E-MAIL.

My Lobotomy

EXTRA CREDIT BLOG!!

Go to http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5014080 and click on "listen now." This is approximately 22 minutes long and is a fascinating (also somewhat disconcerting and disturbing) story of a man who was lobotomized as a child.

When done, post your thoughts on the procedure. However be sure to carefully listen to the parts of the story when Howard Dully talks to people who felt the procedure had benefits.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the end!

Sorry about forgetting to creating a post for yesterday. I know you all missed it!

React to the end of the movie. Did you like/dislike the ending? Give reasons! How would you change the ending if you could?

Have fun!

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, part 2

Now that you have observed all these characters (McMurphy, Chief, Harding, Bibbitt, Martini, Cheswick, and Taber) a little, tell me if you think they have a mental illness. I know we are not ready to label them something specific, but we can describe their behavior and decide if they need psychiatric treatment. So go ahead and describe their problems, if any.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, part 1

Ok, now that you have seen the first "group session" run by Nurse Ratched, comment on the treatment methodology. Based on what you know about on a number of personality theories, does it make sense to use a group setting to help people confront and overcome their problems? What good, if any, could come from Nurse Ratched's "treatment?"

Due Tuesday morning, December 9.

Reading, p. 572-577

Ok, now we are onto the good stuff in Psychology, the real reason why you are all here - to find what mental disorder we all (me excluded!) have.

But seriously, psychological disorders are no laughing matter, particularly since a 1994 survey found that almost 50% of the population have experienced symptoms of mental illness at some point in their lives. A more recent study showed that almost 20% of young adults age 18-24 have a serious personality disorder (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28004005/) and another 30% have other psychological issues! Oftentimes these issues lead to destructive behavior (think the Virginia Tech tragedy) and perhaps even suicide.

After thinking about these statistics and the definition of mental disorder (p. 575), explain whether you believe these numbers are real. Are these statistics over-inflated because of a definition that is too broad? Is mental illness this serious of an issue in our society?

I know this is a lot to think about but I believe all of you will have some profound comments. Please post blog by Monday, December 8. For those thinking about extra credit - come back to make multiple comments and get your parents involved in this issue.

Also check out the following:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28001610
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28002991/