Good Will Hunting

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/422573/cognition_in_good_will_hunting.html?cat=72

Begin with an introduction to 'Cognitive Dissonance' and Aesop's story of 'Sour Grapes'.

Cognitive Dissonance with examples: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cognitive_dissonance

THE GRAPES ARE SOUR

Once upon a time, a hungry fox was roaming around here and there searching for food. Because of hunger, he was feeling weak and tired. Fortunately, he came to a garden where he saw a grape-vine laden with bunches of grapes they looked quite ripe and juicy.

The fox looked at the grapes with longing eyes and licked his chops. But the bunches were too high for him and he was feeling weak. So he sat down for a while to take some rest. On feeling refreshed, he jumped as high as he could, to get at the grapes. But he failed to reach them.

Then he again rested for some time and made another bold attempt, but was unlucky for the second time.

Forced to give up trying anymore, he just walked away and instead of accepting his failure, he remarked �the grapes appeared to be ripe and juicy, but now I see them to be quite sour.�

This story, thus, proves that, people generally hate what they can�t get.


Article about cognition in Good Will Hunting


http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/422573/cognition_in_good_will_hunting.html?cat=72


List of older Social Psych, black and white related video


http://www.qualityinformationpublishers.com/teensocialpsychologyandtroubledyouthfilmsdvd1951-1962.aspx


Social Psychology and Film (University Course Syllabus)


http://www1.psych.purdue.edu/~willia55/392F/index.htm


See handout.  It is a little bit annoying that the language in this film is going to result in backlash.  Argh.  This probably means not using this movie next year.

Project:

500 Word Essay

a)    Linear Outline

Possible Topics to discuss:

Cognitive Dissonance in Good Will Hunting

Empathy

Fear as a motivating factor

Psychotherapy

Currere

Effects of childhood on adulthood