WesMaps - Wesleyan University Catalog 2011-2012       Summer Session       Winter Session       Home       Archive       Search
CS92PROD
Myth, Magic, and Movies
PSYC 111
Spring 2012
Section: 01  

We will examine how the mythic is made and what purposes myth and magic serve in modern culture. Guided by classic psychoanalytic ideas, we will seek to understand both the conscious and unconscious power of myths. The seven volumes in J. K. Rowling's HARRY POTTER series will be the core texts for the course, and we will explore how these texts were transformed by the eight Potter movies.

Essential Capabilities: Interpretation, Writing
Writing: semi-weekly short papers in response to issues raised in class.
Interpretation: The human sciences with their hermeneutic techniques are at the core of this course. We will explore various interpretive methods: including comparative mythology, hermeneutic psychology, and marxist sociology. We will look closely at how books and movies produce widely differing fantasy phenomena.
Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS PSYC
Course Format: SeminarGrading Mode: Student Option
Level: UGRD Prerequisites: None
Fulfills a Major Requirement for: None
Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available

Last Updated on MAR-29-2024
Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions. Please include a url, course title, faculty name or other page reference in your email ? Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459