A Psychologist Goes to the Movies

De: Alex Swan, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Alex Swan

Movies have the astonishing ability to show us our world in a whole new light. They can help us understand tough concepts and even allow us to walk in someone else’s shoes. In particular, as Alexander Swan has discovered through his work with his students, movies can enlighten us about the workings of our own minds.

In the six lectures of A Psychologist Goes to the Movies, taught by Dr. Swan, you’ll see what films can tell us about the human mind, from the experience of amnesia to the ethics of psychological research and so much more. Featuring six movies from a variety of genres, styles, and periods, these lectures will give you the opportunity to explore the principles of psychology and consider fascinating neurological theories through the immersive magic of the silver screen.

From “Office Space” to “A Clockwork Orange” to “Inside Out,” the films featured in this course will demonstrate the inner workings of the mind in ways that will surprise and intrigue you. And not only will you probe these films for their psychological insights, but you’ll also gain a better understanding of the way movies achieve their vision through the lens of psychology and enrich your overall filmgoing experience.

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Great!

This book is perfect for someone like me who loves the movies and finds psychology interesting, but is no expert in the subject. Alex explains topics clearly in a way that I could follow along, understand, and stay interested. His narrations and explanations could be quite funny at times.

Learned a lot!

Whether you are new to the field or are an experienced psychology professor (like myself), Dr. Swan will teach you something new…or at least teach it in a new, interesting way!

Unlike a podcast episode, you really get a sense for what it’s like being in his classroom with this course, and I’d happily sign up to take another class with Dr. Swan!

Fun way to look at movies

It was so fun to hear beloved movies analyzed - my favorite chapters being “Memento” and “Inside Out.” The narrator, who also happens to be my brother, has an excellent voice for narrating. You can hear his expertise and excitement about the topics and films. I would love to hear more chapters in the future of other films I know and love! And I’m not just saying that because he’s my brother!!