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Understanding Memory

Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies

Welcome to Understanding Memory. Someone once said that memory is fascinating because sometimes we forget what we want to remember, sometimes we remember what we want to forget, and sometimes we remember events that never happened or never happened the way we remember them. I want to show you how memory works, why it sometimes fails, and what we can do to enhance it. Based on my recent book – Memory and Movies: What Films Can Teach Us About Memory (MIT Press, 2015) – I will provide an introduction to the scientific study of human memory by focusing on a select group of topics that hold widespread appeal.

To facilitate your understanding, I will use clips from numerous films to illustrate different aspects of memory – describing what has been learned about memory in a nontechnical way for people with no prior background in psychology. Many of us love watching movies because they offer an unparalleled opportunity for entertainment, even if entertaining films are not always scientifically accurate. Still, I believe that we can learn a lot about memory from popular films, if we watch them with an educated eye. Welcome once more. I am looking forward to showing you what movies can teach us about memory.

John Seamon

Professor of Psychology Emeritus

Wesleyan University

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What's inside

Syllabus

Memory Processes and Memory Movies

Human memory involves a collection of systems that enable us to remember the past and imagine the future. Films can enhance our understanding of memory by telling us stories about people, illustrating how their present was shaped by their past and how, by watching their stories, we might navigate similar situations in our future.

Making Long Lasting Memories

Memory’s main purpose is to facilitate future thinking. But to plan successful future actions, effective strategies for learning and retention are needed. Some strategies are highly effective for producing long lasting memories, others are not.

Autobiographical Memories and Life Stories

Each of us has a life story based on our personal experiences. These autobiographical memories define us and make us unique. But in telling our life story, we have reconstructed a personal narrative, much like a memoir writer. These recollections are generally accurate, but our memories are never a perfect record of the past.

Understanding the Reality of Amnesia

Amnesia has often been portrayed in film as resulting from a bump on the head and cured by another head bonk. In real life, amnesia can follow physical or emotional trauma, it may be temporary or permanent, and if it resolves, it is never from another blow to the head.

Senior Moments, Forgetfulness, and Dementia

Changes in memory can occur as we get older. Some changes are normal, whereas others might signal the onset of Alzheimer’s disease or some other form of dementia. Memory loss is worrisome, but there are effective ways to help maintain memory function as we age.

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Examines what memory is, why it sometimes fails, and what people can do to enhance it

Introduces the scientific study of human memory by focusing on a select group of topics that hold widespread appeal

Draws on the instructor's expertise as Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Wesleyan University

Provides an introduction to the scientific study of human memory, which may be useful for personal growth and development

Uses clips from numerous films to illustrate different aspects of memory, making the course more engaging and accessible

Covers essential memory topics, including memory processes, making long-lasting memories, autobiographical memories, and amnesia

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Reviews summary

Memory explored through films

learners say this course is largely positive with an emphasis on how it presents memory concepts through the lens of movies. Based on student reviews, key takeaways include an in-depth exploration of memory functions. Additionally, learners found value in the use of film clips to illustrate psychological theories. The course also covers topics such as memory loss, which can be helpful for those seeking to understand or cope with memory-related challenges. Overall, students remarked that the course was well-structured, informative, and engaging.

The course uses movies to teach memory-related concepts in an engaging way.

"I really enjoyed this course. I liked the teacher's laid-back style. He chose fabulous movies to illustrate his points - looking at their accuracies and inaccuracies."

"This was a great course! Attaching the information to specific films really helped to solidify what I was learning."

"Very glad to chance upon this fascinating course whilst browsing through the catalog. It gives me a greater understanding of our memory systems. Thank you Prof Seamon for making the lectures so interesting and engaging through clips from a no. of movies."

"I feel privileged to be a part of this course. Sir explained classes very well. The combination of telling concept by using clipings from movie is a great idea which help us to understand the concept very well. Thanks alot from Wesleyan University for this great opportunity."

The course provides a wealth of knowledge about memory processes.

"This course was enlightening and very informative."

"Informative and interesing due to its good and relevant choice of movies shown."

"Learnt a lot, especially with the visual aids and good explanations of the movie. Thank you for your time!"

"Very informative course on memories, teaching the psychology and biology of memory, using a familiar media of movies to explain these more complex topics."

"I learned several informations from the Professor , the course was very informative and also the professor was good at keeping me concentrated with his words, a big thanks to him and to coursera for their efforts!"

The course touches on the topic of Alzheimer's disease.

"Very very pleased and the lectures were interesting and straight to the point. The movies selected clearly explained how movies can help you understand how memory works.Great job Professsor!"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Memory: Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies with these activities:

Review basic neuroscience

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Understand how the brain processes and stores memories.

Browse courses on Neuroplasticity

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Revisit introductory neuroscience textbooks or articles.
Watch videos on brain anatomy and function.

Engage in memory exercises and puzzles

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Strengthen memory skills through regular practice.

Browse courses on Memory Techniques

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Find memory exercises and puzzles online or in workbooks.
Set aside time each day to practice these exercises.

Explore online tutorials on memory improvement

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Discover and practice scientifically based techniques for improving memory.

Browse courses on Memory Techniques

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Search for reputable tutorials on memory improvement.
Follow the instructions and practice the techniques regularly.

Three other activities

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Participate in memory-focused study groups

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Engage in discussions and share experiences to enhance understanding.

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Join or create a study group focused on memory topics.
Actively participate in discussions and share insights.

Develop a memory journal

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Enhance memory skills and track personal experiences.

Browse courses on Memory Techniques

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Choose a preferred journaling format (e.g., digital, written).
Record memories regularly, focusing on details and emotions.

Develop a memory-related mobile app

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Apply knowledge of memory to create a practical tool.

Browse courses on Memory Techniques

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Form a team or work independently.
Design and develop an app that incorporates memory techniques.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Memory: Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Neuropsychologist

Neuropsychologists study the relationship between the brain and behavior, and they often work with patients who have memory problems. This course would provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human memory, which would be helpful for neuropsychologists who want to better understand the causes and treatments of memory disorders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neuropsychologist

Memory Researcher

Memory researchers study the cognitive processes involved in memory, and they develop new theories and models to explain how memory works. This course would provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of memory research, and it would be especially helpful for researchers who want to stay up-to-date on the latest findings in the field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Memory Researcher

Cognitive Psychologist

Cognitive psychologists study the mental processes involved in thinking, learning, and memory. This course would provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human memory, which would be helpful for cognitive psychologists who want to better understand the role of memory in cognition.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cognitive Psychologist

Educational Psychologist

Educational psychologists study the psychological processes involved in learning and teaching. This course would provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human memory, which would be helpful for educational psychologists who want to better understand how students learn and remember information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Psychologist

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to legal settings. This course would provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human memory, which would be helpful for forensic psychologists who want to better understand the role of memory in eyewitness testimony and other legal proceedings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Psychologist

Neurologist

Neurologists study the nervous system, and they often work with patients who have memory problems. This course would provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human memory, which would be helpful for neurologists who want to better understand the causes and treatments of memory disorders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Neurologist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists study the diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders, and they often work with patients who have memory problems. This course would provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human memory, which would be helpful for psychiatrists who want to better understand the causes and treatments of memory disorders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Psychiatrist

Social Worker

Social workers help people cope with a variety of challenges, including memory problems. This course would provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human memory, which would be helpful for social workers who want to better understand the needs of people with memory problems and help them access appropriate resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-language pathologists help people with communication disorders, including memory problems. This course would provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human memory, which would be helpful for speech-language pathologists who want to better understand the causes and treatments of memory disorders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapists help people regain or improve their ability to perform everyday activities, including activities that require memory. This course would provide a strong foundation in the scientific study of human memory, which would be helpful for occupational therapists who want to better understand the needs of people with memory problems and help them develop strategies for coping with their memory loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist

Physical Therapist

Physical therapists help people regain or improve their physical function, including their ability to perform everyday activities. This course may be helpful for physical therapists who want to better understand the needs of people with memory problems and help them develop strategies for coping with their memory loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist

Recreational Therapist

Recreational therapists help people engage in activities that promote their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. This course may be helpful for recreational therapists who want to better understand the needs of people with memory problems and help them develop strategies for coping with their memory loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Recreational Therapist

Art Therapist

Art therapists use art to help people express themselves and cope with a variety of challenges, including memory problems. This course may be helpful for art therapists who want to better understand the needs of people with memory problems and help them develop strategies for coping with their memory loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art Therapist

Music Therapist

Music therapists use music to help people express themselves and cope with a variety of challenges, including memory problems. This course may be helpful for music therapists who want to better understand the needs of people with memory problems and help them develop strategies for coping with their memory loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Therapist

Dance/Movement Therapist

Dance/movement therapists use dance and movement to help people express themselves and cope with a variety of challenges, including memory problems. This course may be helpful for dance/movement therapists who want to better understand the needs of people with memory problems and help them develop strategies for coping with their memory loss.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dance/Movement Therapist

Reading list

We've selected 18 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding Memory: Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies.

Memory and Movies

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This is the foundational text for the course, providing an introduction to the scientific study of human memory by using films to illustrate different aspects of memory.

Memory and Movies: What Films Can Teach Us about...

Hardcover

Memory and Movies: What Films Can Teach Us about...

Kindle Edition

Memory

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This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the neuropsychology of memory. It would be a valuable reference for students who want to learn more about the neural basis of memory.

Understanding Memory

Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Memory explored through films

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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