Exploring 'Drunk on Film' with Ted Mandell
Episode Overview
Ted Mandell discusses his 'Drunk on Film' course. Exploration of college drinking culture. Media's role in alcohol consumption. Challenges for non-drinking students. Insights on changing perceptions of alcohol.
The level of drinking that's normalized is kind of scary, especially when considering its effects on young students.
In this engaging episode of Recovery Rocks, hosts Tawny and Lisa sit down with Ted Mandell, an Associate Teaching Professor at the University of Notre Dame, to discuss his innovative course, 'Drunk on Film: The Psychology of Storytelling with Alcohol and its Effects on Alcohol Consumption.' The course delves into the portrayal of alcohol in media and its persuasive impact on college students.
Ted explains that the course, which he co-teaches with a faculty member in social psychology, encourages students to critically analyze films, commercials, and media representations of alcohol. By scrutinizing the billions of dollars spent on alcohol advertising aimed at college students, the course seeks to reveal the underlying psychology that glamorizes alcohol consumption. Throughout the course, students engage in reflective practices, including journaling and writing papers, to deepen their understanding of how storytelling influences perceptions and behaviors related to alcohol.
Ted emphasizes the normalization of excessive drinking on college campuses, highlighting how this culture can impact students who choose not to drink. The discussion expands to consider the effects of being a non-drinker in a college environment heavily centered around drinking. Ted raises important questions about how this dynamic affects relationships and personal development, especially for students with backgrounds where drinking was not culturally prevalent.
Additionally, the episode touches upon the creative collaboration between Ted Mandell and musician Todd Rundgren, further illustrating Ted's multifaceted approach to teaching. Ultimately, the episode offers insightful perspectives on reframing alcohol's role in society, particularly among young adults. Ted Mandell's work not only challenges conventional narratives but also inspires change, making this conversation a must-listen for those interested in the intersection of media, psychology, and alcohol consumption.