| CODE | COU2902 | ||||||
| TITLE | Classic and Contemporary Images of Well-Being in Film | ||||||
| UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||
| MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||
| ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||
| DEPARTMENT | Counselling | ||||||
| DESCRIPTION | This study-unit aims to explore themes related to aspects of human development and well-being as portrayed in classic and contemporary films. Students will view both popular contemporary and classic films from a variety of countries and engage in critical analysis of themes related to human development and well-being portrayed in these works. Students will also examine how motion pictures have played an important role in illuminating the depth of the human experience. They will explore the way that cinematic themes can be used for social awareness and personal development. At the conclusion of this study-unit the students will have a better understanding of the role that motion pictures can play in increasing consciousness and promoting human growth and development. The following are potential movies that will be used for this study-unit: Semester 2 - A Dangerous Method, Fried Green Tomatoes, We need to Talk about Kevin, On Golden Pond, Godfather Part 1 & Part 2, Shawshank Redemption. Study-unit Aims: • To familiarise students with the role of cinema in shaping popular culture and promoting human development and well-being; • To engage students in a critical analysis of transformational themes in present-day and classic films; • To facilitate the exploration of cinematic themes that call for social awareness. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: • Demonstrate knowledge about the role and importance of motion pictures to society; • Describe the impact of film on their own growth and development; • Identify the key existential themes portrayed in classic and contemporary films; • Explain the relationship of existential themes portrayed in films to human growth and development and well-being; • Demonstrate awareness of the therapeutic nature of films. 2. Skills By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: • Discuss the importance of motion pictures in contemporary society; • Critically assess the impact of motion pictures on their own growth and development; • Identify key existential themes/issues in classic and contemporary motion pictures; • Engage in a critical analysis of issues related to human growth and development and well-being in classic and contemporary films; • Discuss the application of the skills used in applying cinematic themes. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: • Engstrom, Fritz , M. D. (2004). Movie Clips for Creative Mental Health Education. Melville, MY: Wellness Reproductions and Publishing Inc. • Niemiec, R. M. & Wedding, D. (2013). Positive Psychology at the Movies: Using Films to Build Character Strengths and Wellbeing. Boston, MA: Hogrefe Publishing. • Prince, S. (2012). Movies and Meaning: An Introduction to Film (6th Edition). Columbus, OH: Pearson. |
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| STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Seminar | ||||||
| METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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| LECTURER/S | Jan Mallia |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |
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