Extra Credit - My Lobotomy

Go to My Lobotomy on NPR and click on "Listen."

This is approximately 22 minutes long and is a fascinating (also somewhat disconcerting and disturbing) story of a man who was lobotomized as a child. When done, post your thoughts on the procedure. However be sure to carefully listen to the parts of the story when Howard Dully talks to people who felt the procedure had benefits. Comment on the efficacy and ethics of the procedure.

Post response by Friday, December 16 for the extra credit!

Your textbook and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

After reading about all mental disorders from p. 572 -612, try to connect any one character from the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest to a particular disorder.

Provide as much detail from the text to highlight why your chosen character may have had that disorder.

Please post a response by Wednesday, December 21.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, the end

React to the end of the movie. Did you like/dislike the ending? Give reasons! How would you change the ending if you could? What about the movie itself overall? Be a movie critic and tell us what was good and bad about the movie. Which characters were the most heroic, tragic, villianous?

Have fun with this post!

Please post by Sunday, December 18.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, part 2

Now that you have observed all the main characters (McMurphy, Chief, Harding, Bibbitt, Martini, Cheswick, and Taber) a little, tell me if you think they have a mental illness. I know we are not ready to label them something specific, but we can describe their behavior and decide if they need psychiatric treatment. So go ahead and describe each character and their problems, if any.

Please post by Thursday, December 15.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, part 1

Ok, now that you have seen the first "group session" run by Nurse Ratched, comment on the treatment methodology. Based on what you know about on a number of personality theories, does it make sense to use a group setting to help people confront and overcome their problems? What good, if any, could come from Nurse Ratched's "treatment?"

Due Tuesday, December 13.

Beyond Freedom & Dignity

Time to add to our discussion concerning Skinner's thoughts. Many psychologists believe Skinner steals not only our freedom but also our humanity. In their view, Skinner proposes a dystopian world of automatons reacting only to external stimuli, while losing the wonder and joy of life. On the other hand, Skinner's proponents claim he offers a fresh perspective and an alternative to the misery we already experience in this world.

Consider his views in Beyond Freedom and Dignity and the views of his detractors and discuss your thoughts on his vision.

Please post a response by Friday, December 2.

The Humanists

Do the humanists make more sense than the Freudians? Explain. Which humanist theorist has the best take on human personality?

Please post a response by Monday, November 14.