PSYC 345
Political Psychology Spring 2017
Division II
Cross-listed PSCI 310
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

What kinds of politics are humans capable of engaging to govern themselves? For millennium political philosophers have asserted different foundational claims about “human nature” that in turn led them to their vision of politics. For example, the enlightenment thinkers held that science and technology would strengthen rationality and thereby making democracy more viable. On the other hand, those who defend authoritarian regimes often do so by proclaiming that the general public is incapable of rationality and of self-rule and should therefor accept rule by their betters (previously nobility, now experts). Many of the disputes turn on how rational people are and on their capacity to pursue justice for all people. We explore what political psychology tells us about political citizens and political leaders. We find intriguing new answers from neuroscience. The course pays special attention to the powerful and surprising, roles that emotions play in all aspects of politics. Central to politics in all its variety is the issue of political judgment. If we are to trust ourselves to rule ourselves, how well will we be able to secure justice and liberty for one and all among us? Political psychology is one of the very oldest disciplines (it can be dated at least back to the early classic Greeks, among them Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle). But in its current form is very influenced by neuroscience. Nonetheless, the issue of citizen competence, then as now, was at the center of their attention. So, it shall be in this course.
The Class: Format: lecture/discussion
Limit: 35
Expected: 13
Class#: 3669
Grading: yes pass/fail option, yes fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: a midterm, a term paper, and a final exam
Prerequisites: a PSCI elective at the 200 or 300 level OR PSYC 101, 212, 221, 232, 242, 251, or 300-level course
Enrollment Preferences: political science and psychology majors
Distributions: Division II
Notes: This course is cross-listed and the prefixes carry the following divisional credit:
PSCI 310 Division II PSYC 345 Division II
Attributes: PSCI American Politics Courses

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