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John Seamon
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.
Read more
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.
Read more
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
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/vevluf/understanding
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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.
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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.
Read more
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.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
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
Save this course
Save Understanding Memory: Explaining the Psychology of Memory through Movies to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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
Show steps
Understand how the brain processes and stores memories.
Browse courses on
Neuroplasticity
Show steps
-
Revisit introductory neuroscience textbooks or articles.
-
Watch videos on brain anatomy and function.
Engage in memory exercises and puzzles
Show steps
Strengthen memory skills through regular practice.
Browse courses on
Memory Techniques
Show steps
-
Find memory exercises and puzzles online or in workbooks.
-
Set aside time each day to practice these exercises.
Explore online tutorials on memory improvement
Show steps
Discover and practice scientifically based techniques for improving memory.
Browse courses on
Memory Techniques
Show steps
-
Search for reputable tutorials on memory improvement.
-
Follow the instructions and practice the techniques regularly.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Participate in memory-focused study groups
Show steps
Engage in discussions and share experiences to enhance understanding.
Show steps
-
Join or create a study group focused on memory topics.
-
Actively participate in discussions and share insights.
Develop a memory journal
Show steps
Enhance memory skills and track personal experiences.
Browse courses on
Memory Techniques
Show steps
-
Choose a preferred journaling format (e.g., digital, written).
-
Record memories regularly, focusing on details and emotions.
Develop a memory-related mobile app
Show steps
Apply knowledge of memory to create a practical tool.
Browse courses on
Memory Techniques
Show steps
-
Form a team or work independently.
-
Design and develop an app that incorporates memory techniques.
Review basic neuroscience
Show steps
Understand how the brain processes and stores memories.
Browse courses on
Neuroplasticity
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Revisit introductory neuroscience textbooks or articles.
- Watch videos on brain anatomy and function.
Engage in memory exercises and puzzles
Show steps
Strengthen memory skills through regular practice.
Browse courses on
Memory Techniques
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find memory exercises and puzzles online or in workbooks.
- Set aside time each day to practice these exercises.
Explore online tutorials on memory improvement
Show steps
Discover and practice scientifically based techniques for improving memory.
Browse courses on
Memory Techniques
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for reputable tutorials on memory improvement.
- Follow the instructions and practice the techniques regularly.
Three other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all six activities
Participate in memory-focused study groups
Show steps
Engage in discussions and share experiences to enhance understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Join or create a study group focused on memory topics.
- Actively participate in discussions and share insights.
Develop a memory journal
Show steps
Enhance memory skills and track personal experiences.
Browse courses on
Memory Techniques
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a preferred journaling format (e.g., digital, written).
- Record memories regularly, focusing on details and emotions.
Develop a memory-related mobile app
Show steps
Apply knowledge of memory to create a practical tool.
Browse courses on
Memory Techniques
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
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.
Memory Researcher
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.
Cognitive Psychologist
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.
Educational 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.
Forensic 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.
Neurologist
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.
Psychiatrist
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.
Social Worker
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.
Speech-Language Pathologist
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.
Occupational Therapist
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.
Physical 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.
Recreational 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.
Art 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.
Music 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.
Dance/Movement 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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vevluf/understanding
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.
Save
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.
Save
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.
Save
This textbook on the cognitive psychology of memory, providing a comprehensive overview of the field. It would be a valuable reference for students who want to learn more about the scientific study of memory.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of memory研究, covering major theories, research, and applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the research on memory and aging. It would be a valuable reference for students who want to learn more about how memory changes as we get older.
Save
Explores the relationship between memory and emotion. Students will learn about how emotions can influence what we remember and how we remember it.
Save
This comprehensive textbook could replace the course with its in-depth coverage of memory and cognition.
Save
This reference handbook provides a comprehensive overview of theory and research on human memory, offering in-depth coverage of specialized topics.
Save
This handbook comprehensive guide to the clinical aspects of dementia, covering assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care management.
This textbook provides an overview of the neuropsychology of memory, covering basic research and clinical applications.
Save
Explores the role of memory in everyday life, covering topics such as autobiographical memory, prospective memory, and the impact of technology on memory.
Save
Explores the science of false memory, providing insights into how and why we misremember the past.
Save
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of memory disorders, covering assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Explores the cognitive neuroscience of aging and memory, covering topics such as age-related changes in memory, the impact of Alzheimer's disease, and strategies for maintaining memory function in older adults.
This textbook provides an overview of the science of memory, covering basic research and applications in areas such as education, law, and medicine.
This classic work provides an early and influential account of experimental research on memory.
Provides an overview of major theories of memory, covering both historical and contemporary perspectives.
Explores the role of memory distortion in everyday life, covering topics such as misinformation, false memories, and the impact of trauma on memory.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/vevluf/understanding
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Effort
5 weeks of study, 1-2 hours/week
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Wesleyan University
Instructor
John Seamon
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Good to know
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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