In psychology we have looked at the lost world of the mind in relation to delusional disorders that create an alternate reality for those who suffer from mental disorders like schizophrenia. We immersed ourselves into that world by watching A Beautiful Mind.  After much discussion and study of the disease as explained in the DSM the students dug into an essay test that challenged their perceptions and applications for their own lives.  This week we move from the delusional to the world we create by our attitude as we study and reflect on What Makes Us Happy.  Strategies for building happiness into our lives will be emphasized.  Appropriate at this season of JOY.

In J1 we learned about the impact of the film Citizen Kane and the innovative techniques it introduced, as well as the controversy the film generated.  After an extensive essay test this class is ready to move to another topic. This week we will work on our writing.

Psychology:

Students will be able to:

~explain how to optimize the contentment and satisfaction in their lives

~cite emerging research in the field of ‘happiness’ and its application for our individual lives

~identify the role we play in our own happiness

Monday:  film:  John Stossel:  What Makes Us Happy & discuss

Tuesday:  Take Happiness survey and discuss

Wednesday:  Brain research & happiness

Thursday:  Happiness Project:  What will we do to make someone else happy?

1.  Christmas letter to parents    2.  bags for homeless

Friday-Tuesday:  film:  It’s a Wonderful Life

J1

Students will be able to:

~identify the parts of a feature story

~explain how to write an impact lead

Monday-Wednesday:  Feature Writing-lecture, discussion, Pulitzer Prize stories

Thursday:  Christmas story assignment

Friday-Tuesday:  It’s a Wonderful Life