GREG LEE
Staff Writer
An introspective study of Carl Jung’s philosophy, and how it relates to narrative film, bears a sophisticated and intricate connotation. However, for 15 freshmen in Professor Susan Salas’ seminar class, that philosophy is the staple of their first year of college.
The first-year seminar class was designed as an adjustment tool for students to be paired with a professor who serves as a mentor, academic advisor and instructor. The class serves as an acclimation tool in what is often a very difficult time. In conjunction with learning about being a college student, freshmen are instructed in a subject of the professor’s choice.
Professor Salas’ class revolves around the novel, “The Hero’s Journey,” by Joseph Campbell. Campbell’s observations, reflections and application of mythic traditions to his own life and the lives of others are the premise of the piece. A breakdown of steps lays out the fundamentals for an individual’s transformation from obscurity to a storied hero. The list is split into three sections: departure, initiation and return. Traced back to ancient Greek times, Campbell’s ideas step beyond mythic proportions and into the realm of the common person’s journey for heroism.
“It [The Hero’s Journey] teaches us about their lives and how we can relate them to our own,” said freshman Siddhant Kumar. “It’s really interesting, it mirrors how normal people got through their lives in an interesting format.”
The high level of thinking that Professor Salas instills in her students is impressive enough, but students say she has been successful in merging both the ancient traditions with modern aspects of film.
Students watch films that serve as heroes’ journeys, and together they analyze them in an attempt to modernize Jung’s psychology. The film aspect of the class certainly adds a new edge and excitement. “I love watching the films in class because we get to see some that we probably wouldn’t under normal circumstances,” said Will Aldridge. “Also, it forces us to watch and analyze the movies in a way that we probably never would.”
As the class moves through Campbell’s book, students watch a movie at each significant stopping place to help them visualize the relationship. They begin by watching a film such as Hitchcock’s “Rear Window,” or “Disturbia,” then applying the concepts of the hero’s journey to the movies. They must recognize such things as the call to action or the ultimate boom.
Students are split up into small groups and told to discuss their different opinions on the answers. Often, there are different views, and moments when conflict arises. However, in this class, they have learned to have honest, revealing discussion. They express themselves with a poise and air of confidence that is a sign of the college maturation process.
Freshmen seminar classes serve as a transitional tool in providing students with an advisor and a class to adjust. “Hero’s Journey” integrates the adjustment period with course content. Aldridge adds: “It’s been helpful to have Professor Salas there to keep us focused and kind of showing us the ropes of college.”
Through the use of mythic tales and movies, Salas utilizes different tools to reach out to her students and it is definitely working.
“My favorite movie has been ‘Unforgiven,’” said Kumar, “Because the character is trying to find his way around in life.”
Just like freshmen.
12-06-2007
