Final answer:
Hypnotism in universities is treated with caution and is not widely accepted as a mainstream subject, though it is sometimes included in psychological or medical training. It has therapeutic applications supported by scientific research, but it is not a universally popular subject.
Step-by-step explanation:
The current state of hypnotism in universities is somewhat controversial and it is not widely accepted as a mainstream subject across all universities. Hypnotism is occasionally studied within the scope of psychology or medical courses, rather than being a subject with its own dedicated department. It is not exclusively studied in medical schools but may feature as part of medical, psychological, or therapeutic training. The empirical aspect of hypnotism that focuses on therapeutic applications is separated from its portrayal in entertainment, but misconceptions still lead to skepticism in some academic circles.
In the therapeutic setting, hypnotism is used to induce a state of extreme self-focus and relaxation with the goal of altering thoughts and perceptions. It has been employed in various contexts to enhance memory or skills, albeit modestly. The effectiveness of hypnotism is supported by brain imaging studies that suggest global changes in brain function during the hypnotic state. However, despite these findings, it is not categorized as a popular subject in universities.