First-Year Seminar:
Mental Illness: From Movies to Memoirs
Anthony S. Rauhut, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
1219 James Hall
Office Phone: (717) 245 – 1079
E-mail: rauhuta@dickinson.edu
Office Hours: W: 2:00 – 3:00 pm, R: 3:00 – 4:00 pm, and By Appt.
Fall Semester, 2008
Course Number: FRSEM_100_31
Course Time: MR: 1:30 – 2:45 pm
Course Description
In the movie, Trainspotting, the actor, Ewan McGregor, portrays the character,
Mark Renton, a young heroin addict. How accurate is the movie’s portrayal of
drug addiction? What can we learn about drug addiction from watching a movie
such as Trainspotting? This course will attempt to answer such questions by
studying the topic of mental illness from a variety of perspectives. First, we will
examine selected mental illnesses (e.g., drug addiction) from a scientific
perspective, reading scholarly articles on a particular condition. Such articles will
focus on the etiology, symptoms, treatment and prognosis of a particular illness.
Second, we will examine mental illness from a “popular” or media account of the
condition. To this end, we will read about selected mental illnesses as described
in non-scholarly publications (e.g., Time Magazine) and depicted in classic
movies (e.g., Psycho). Finally, we will examine mental illness from a “firstperson” perspective, reading memoirs or autobiographies from people suffering
from certain mental illnesses. In the end, the goal of the course is to help
students recognize that our understanding of mental illness is influenced by the
many ways mental illness is depicted and represented in our society.
Course Objective & Structure
This course will critically review and evaluate certain mental illnesses from a
number of perspectives: scientific, media and first-person. In the first two-thirds
of the semester, we will review scholarly accounts of certain mental illnesses
(e.g., drug addiction) and compare such accounts to those depicted in the
popular press (e.g., Time magazine) and in classic movies (e.g., Psycho). A
discussion-style approach will be adopted in which we review primary and
secondary sources pertaining to a certain mental illness. Some classes will be
devoted to watching full-length feature films followed by discussion of these films.
Written assignments (e.g., article, discussion and movie questions and position
papers) also will accompany the viewing of the films. Students also will select a
memoir, autobiography or a case-study presented in a textbook involving a
person afflicted with a particular mental illness (e.g., depression) to serve as the
primary source for an individual oral presentation at the end of the semester.
Course Readings
Online Articles and Books
 Online Articles
- Review Articles on Mental Illness. Several articles will be posted
on Blackboard. These articles are summary articles, providing
scientific background relevant to a particular mental illness depicted
in the various movies.
- Point-Counterpoint. Opposing Perspectives on Issues of Drug
Policy by Charles Levinthal.
1. Chapter 1: Should we legalize drugs?
a. Donnie Marshal (1999, June). Congressional
testimony on drug legalization, decriminalization, and
harm reduction, U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C.
b. Jacob Sullum (2001). Mind alteration: Drug-policy
scholar Ethan Nadelmann on turning people against
drug prohibition. Reason Online, Reason Magazine.
c. The case for legalization: Time for a puff of sanity
(2001, July 28-August 3). The Economist
This set of articles taken from Chapter 1 of Levinthal’s book
will serve as sources for the position paper: Should we
legalize drugs?
2. Chapter 7. Should stimulant drugs be used to treat attention
deficit disorder (ADD) in children?
a. Mary Eberstadt (1999, April/May). Why Ritalin rules.
Policy Review.
b. Pasquale Accardo and Thomas A. Blondis (2001,
January). What’s all the fuss about Ritalin? Journal
of Pediatrics.
c. Eric Taylor (1999, December). Commentary:
Development of clinical services for attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder. Archives of General
Psychiatry.
This set of articles taken from Chapter 7 of Levinthal’s book
will serve as sources for the position paper: Should stimulant
drugs be used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) in
children?
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Books
1. Junky by William S. Burroughs. 50th Anniversary Definitive
Edition. Penquin Books. New York.
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2. My Lobotomy: A Memoir by Howard Dully and Charles Fleming.
Copyright ® 2007. Crown Publishers. New York
3. A Fractured Mind: My Life with Multiple Personality Disorder by
Robert B. Oxnam. Copyright ® 2005. Hyperion. New York.
4. Born on a Blue Day. Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic
Savant: A Memoir by Daniel Tammet. Copyright ® 2006. Free
Press. New York.
Reference Materials
1. Movies and Mental Illness. (2001) Wedding, Boyd and Niemiec.
(2nd revised and expanded edition. (Placed on reserve at the
library)
2. Reel Psychiatry: Movie Portrayals of Psychiatric Conditions. (2003)
David J. Robinson, M.D. (Placed on reserve at the library)
These books will serve as reference materials for the course and
be used to learn scientific information about a particular mental
illness. These books also will be used to develop oral
presentations.
3. A Writer’s Reference (6th Ed). Diana Hacker. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
Boston, MA. This book is used throughout the course as a
reference for grammar and APA style.
Movies
The movies selected represent films that highlight certain mental illnesses.
When selecting the films, a number of factors were taken into consideration.
First, movies were chosen in which the psychological disorder is “central” to the
plot. Second, movies that are “classics” and have been enjoyed by a variety of
groups were selected over one’s that did not have much of an impact on society.
Third, along the lines of point #2, movies were selected that may not have been
viewed previously by young students (though this was not always the case).
Fourth, movies were selected from different genres (e.g., suspense, drama,
comedy, etc.) in order to expose students to the various ways mental illness is
represented in film. (For organizational purposes, movies have been grouped
into different categories with “catchy” headings – see below). Finally (and
somewhat importantly), movies were selected that have legal, ethical or societal
implications. For example, the movie, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, deals
with the ethical issue of treatment of the mentally ill.
Movie Type
Drugs at the Drive-In
 Trainspotting (Drug Abuse)
Movie Madness
 One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Treatment)
Skin Flicks (i.e., movies dealing with sexual or gender disorders)
 Transamerica (Gender Identity Disorders)
Kid Films (Not really)
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 Rain Man (Autism/Savant)
Thriller Theatre
 Psycho (Dissociative Disorder)
* All movies selected are suitable for first-year college students (i.e., Rated
R). Students should be aware that some movies contain adult content
(e.g., language, nudity and/or explicit sex scenes). If you think such
content will bother you, then please consult me immediately.
Course Assignments
Writing Assignments Related to Movies
 Article, Memoir and Movie Discussion Questions. When an article and
memoir are assigned to be read, discussion questions pertaining to the
article, memoir and movie will be will be assigned. The questions are to
be answered in the course of reading the article and memoir and watching
the movie. These questions also will serve as discussion questions for
our in-class discussion that will follow the viewing of the movie. Answers
to discussion questions will be graded for “completeness.” Assignments
deemed complete will be awarded 10 points; answers deemed partially
complete will be awarded 5 points; and assignments deemed incomplete,
due to lack of effort or failure to submit, will be awarded 0 points.
 Position Papers. Movies and memoirs are excellent vehicles to stimulate
discussion of legal, moral or social issues. Thus, after the in-class
discussion of a particular movie and memoir, students will be asked to
write a 2-3 page “position paper” in which they argue for a particular
position. Primary and secondary sources will be used to support the
positions taken. Below is a list of topics for position papers.
o One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Treatment): Should stimulant
drugs be used to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD) in children?
o Trainspotting (Drug Abuse): Should drugs of abuse such as
marijuana be legalized?
o Transamerica (Sexual and Gender Identity Disorders): Should
Gender Identity Disorder (GID) be considered a psychopathology?
Other Writing Assignments
 Mental Illness as Portrayed in the Press. Early in the semester, students
will be asked to write a 1-2 page summary of an article published in a
“popular” magazine (e.g., Time) pertaining to a particular mental illness.
 Questions for Jack. You will be asked to generate five questions. These
questions may be asked during our discussion with the transsexual, Jack.
 Research Paper. One APA-style research paper (10 - 15 pages) will be
assigned during the semester. This report will require students to write a
paper on a particular mental illness of their choice. In the report, students
will be asked to review, using primary sources, the etiology, symptoms,
treatment and prognosis of a particular mental illness. Possible ethical,
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social or legal issues surrounding a particular mental illness will be
discussed. The final draft of this report will be due by the last day of the
semester.
Unless otherwise indicated, papers are to be typed (12 point font) and doublespaced with 1 inch margins. These papers will be graded based on 1) clarity of
presentation, 2) conciseness of thought and 3) grammatical correctness.
Oral Presentation of a Memoir
During the last two weeks of the semester, each student is to give an oral
presentation on a particular mental illness (selected early in the semester). The
oral presentation should focus on a “case study” (perhaps based on a memoir or
autobiography). The oral presentation is to be 15 minutes in duration. As part of
the oral presentation, the student is to do the following:
 Generate a professional, computer-generated presentation (e.g.,
Powerpoint)
 Provide background scientific information (e.g., etiology, symptoms,
treatment and prognosis) on the mental illness (using and citing primary
sources)
 Use the person depicted in a memoir, autobiography, or textbook as a
“case study” to help illustrate the characteristics of the mental illness
 Use popular media (i.e., movies, You Tube or TV clips, etc.) also to help
illustrate the characteristics of the particular mental illness or the ways the
in which mental illness has been depicted in popular society.
Attendance
Your attendance (and participation) in the course is very important. Thus,
approximately 25% of your grade will be based on your attendance. At the
beginning of each class, I will take attendance. If you are not present at the time
I take attendance, then you will be marked absent for the day. Thus, to be
considered “present” is to be “present on time.” Obviously, if you have an
officially excused absence, then you will not be penalized.
Writing
A strong emphasis is placed on writing in the course, as evidenced by the
discussions questions and papers. These exercises are meant to improve your
writing. At least for the research paper, at least ONE rough draft will be required.
Indeed, you are required to take at least ONE paper to the Writing Center to
be evaluated. Rough drafts associated with position papers may be assigned, if
needed. In order to assist you in your writing efforts, Hacker’s A Writer’s
Reference is a required text for the course. Below I also have listed a couple
excellent on-line writing websites:
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http://owl.english.purdue.edu/
http://www.dianahacker.com/pocket/
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html/
Also, there are Writing workshops assigned throughout the semester. For
example, on Septembers 1 and 22, we will have an in class workshop. On
September 2 at 7:00pm there will be an out-of-class workshop on Academic
Honesty. This workshop will be held in the Information Commons
Classroom (ICC) in the lower level of the Waidner-Spahr Library. You are
REQUIRED to attend this workshop – they’re not optional! If you are
unable to attend the scheduled out-of-class workshop for a VALID reason,
then another day/time can be arranged.
Unless otherwise indicated, all writing assignments are due at the
BEGINNING of class on the date the assignment is due. Moreover, if
necessary, the paper should be in a fashion (e.g., stapled) appropriate for
submission. Failure to submit your paper on time or in an inappropriate fashion
will result in an automatic letter-grade reduction to the paper. Thus, it is to your
advantage to submit your papers on time and complete. To have your grade
reduced because of tardiness or incompleteness is absolutely avoidable.
Guest Speakers
This fall semester, two guest speakers (Allen St. Pierre, Executive Director,
NORML and David Freed, Cumberland County District Attorney) will be coming
to campus. They will be a part of a debate entitled, “Should Pennsylvania
Legalize Marijuana?” The debate will occur on Thursday, September 4,
2008 Stern Center, Great Room - 7:00 p.m. These speakers will be giving
presentations outside of class that you are REQUIRED to attend. The details of
each speaker’s presentation will be forthcoming. Failure to attend the guest
speaker’s presentation will result in an automatic letter-grade reduction to your
OVERALL grade. Thus, if you had an A in the course, but missed a speaker’s
presentation, then you would drop to a B. Please do NOT miss the speaker’s
presentation outside of class. There also will be a reaction paper associated with
the speakers’ presentation.
Extra Credit
There may arise opportunities for you to gain extra credit points via departmental
activities. Extra credit given for departmental activities must adhere to the
following criteria:
 I must approve the activity in advance.
 If other incentives (e.g., money) are given for participation, then you must
choose between the extra credit and the other incentives. You may not
receive both incentives.
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Points are awarded for the amount of time required for the activity. You
will be awarded 2 and 4 points for activities requiring 30 and 60 minutes,
accordingly, of your time. You will be awarded 5 points for activities
requiring more than 60 minutes of your time.
You are eligible to accumulate 10 extra-credit points for departmental
activities.
You may receive extra credit for only one course.
Grading
The grade you earn will be the grade you receive.
Grading Scale
Letter
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DF
Percentage
93 – 100
92 – 90
89 – 88
87 – 83
82 – 80
79 – 78
77 – 73
72 – 70
69 – 68
67 – 63
62 – 60
59 or below
How is Your Grade Calculated
Source
Discussion Questions Related to Memoirs (4 Memoirs x 10 points)
Discussion Questions Related to Articles (5 Articles x 10 points)
Point Value
40
50
Questions for Jack
10
Writing Assignments
Papers
Position (4 papers x 10 points each paper)
Research
40
100
Oral Presentation
100
Attendance and Participation (~25% of Overall Grade)
100
Total Class Points
=
440
Your Grade =
Your Total Point Value (Discussion Questions, Papers, Presentation and Attendance +
Extra Credit) X 100
440
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College Policies
Academic Honesty
Dickinson College has an “Academic Honesty” policy that is in effect for all
courses. As such, we will follow that policy. The policy pertains to issues of
cheating and plagiarism. Please consult Dickinson College’s Student Code of
Conduct and Disciplinary System for a complete discussion of academic honesty.
Students are reminded to consider the following when completing final
papers and assignments.
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Check carefully any written or verbal instructions your professor has
provided for your paper or assignment, including finding out the required
citation format (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.).
Keep careful notes, as you are researching, regarding all of your sources
of information and ideas, including accurate bibliographic information on
each source.
Put quotation marks around EVERY word, phrase or larger section of
prose that is quoted from a published source (whether print or electronic),
and including unpublished lectures, media presentations, and peer
collaborations. Also provide accurate citation of the source, both in the
footnotes or endnotes and in the bibliography.
Paraphrase sources entirely in your own words AND provide a citation for
each paraphrase.
Employ a clear and consistent method of documenting all of your sources
(print, oral, electronic, web-based) and use the footnote or endnote style
appropriate to the discipline of the course. (IF IN DOUBT; ASK YOUR
PROFESSOR)
Provide accurate citations for sources of reproduced data summaries,
tables, graphs, and illustrations.
Provide a full bibliography of all sources, according to the documentation
style required for the discipline in question.
Check once again to be sure the difference between your own
contributions to the paper and the contributions of others is unmistakably
clear.
If your professor allows on line submission you are responsible to make
sure that the paper you send is the paper you wish to have evaluated.
This checklist has been adapted from “Academic Integrity Checklist”, Skidmore
College, 2004.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
In compliance with the Dickinson College policy and equal access laws, I am
available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be
recommended for students with disabilities. Requests for academic
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accommodations are to be made during the first three weeks of the semester
(except for unusual circumstances) so that timely and appropriate arrangements
can be made.
Students are required to register with Academic Resource Services, located in
Academic Advising, first floor of Biddle House (contact ext. 1080 or
waybranj@dickinson.edu) to verify their eligibility for appropriate
accommodations.
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Tentative Schedule
Date
Topic
Reading
Friday, Aug 22
Opening Ceremonies
-Assign McKim, Ch 5
Introduction
Mon, Aug 25
Discussion of Drug Addiction
-Assign Borrough’s Memoir
McKim, Ch 5
Thurs, Aug 28
Discussion of Drug Addiction
McKim, Ch 5
Movie: Trainspotting (R, 118 Min)
Mon, Sept 1
Movie: Trainspotting (R, 118 Min)
Wardecker Visit: Popular vs. Scholarly Articles
Discussion of APA Style
Writing Assignment #1:
Review Popular Article on Psychological/Psychiatric
Disorder/Treatment
Tues, Sept 2.
REQUIRED Outside of Class event:
Academic Honestly Session
(7 pm in Library)
Thurs, Sept 4
Discussion of Movie & Memoir Burroughs
REQUIRED Outside of Class event: Marijuana Debate
(7 pm in Stern Center)
-Assign Mashour et al. (2005)
Mon, Sept 8
Psychosurgery
Mashour et al. (2005)
Writing Assignment 2 Assigned:
Should drugs be legalized?
Writing Assignment 1 Due
-Assign Dully’s Memoir
Thurs, Sept 11
One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (R, 134 Min)
Mon, Sept 15
One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest (R, 134 Min)
Writing Assignment #2 Due
Writing Assignment #3 Assigned:
Should stimulant drugs be used to treat attention deficit disorder
(ADD) in children?
Thurs, Sept 18
Discussion of Movie & Memoir Dully
Mon, Sept 22
Wardecker Visit: Primary Sources
Writing Assignment #3 Due
Writing Assignment #4 Assigned:
Should Gender Identity Disorder be considered a
psychopathology?
-Assign Zucker (2005)
Thurs, Sept 25
Gender Identity Disorder
Mon, Sept 29
Handout: Topics for Final Project
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Zucker (2005)
Transamerica (R, 104 Min)
Thurs, Oct 2
Transamerica (R, 104 Min)
Mon, Oct 6
Topic Selection for Final Project
Discussion of Movie
Thurs, Oct 9
A Discussion with Jack
Writing Assignment # 4 Due
-Assign Oxnam’s Memoir
Mon, Oct 13
No Class/Fall Pause
Thurs, Oct 16
Dissociative Identity Disorder
Mon, Oct 20
Psycho (R, 109 Min)
1st Rough Draft of Final Paper Due (Writing Center)
Thurs, Oct 23
Psycho (R, 109 Min)
Tues, Oct 27
Discussion of Movie & Memoir Oxnam
-Assign Autistic Savant Article Autistic Savant Article
Thurs, Oct 30
Autistic Savant
-Assign Tammet’s Memoir
Mon, Nov 3
Rain Man (R, 133 Min)
2nd Rough Draft of Final Paper Due (Rauhut)
Thurs, Nov 6
Rain Man (R, 133 Min)
Mon, Nov 10
Discussion of Movie & Memoir Tammet
Thurs, Nov 13
Student Presentations
Mon, Nov 17
Student Presentations
3rd Rough Draft of Final Paper Due (Optional; Rauhut)
Thurs, Nov 20
Student Presentations
Mon, Nov 24
Student Presentations
Thurs, Nov 27
No Class/Thanksgiving Break
Mon, Dec 1
Course Evaluations
Student Presentations
Thurs, Dec 4
Final Paper Due/Party
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Kihlstrom (2005)