CPSYC 3240 Psychology, Power, and Politics
This course examines the social, cultural, and psychological processes that shape political beliefs, attitudes and behaviors. It progresses through three sections: Part I-Power and Psychodynamics; Part II-Socialization and Compliance; Part III-Culture and conditioning. Topics will include agents of political socialization, techniques of propaganda, political myths and rituals, political rhetoric and symbolic framing, news bias and media effects, conformity and authoritarianism, rebellion and human needs, civics education, gender role indoctrination, the complex relationships between freedom and power, and the effects of personality dynamics on political behavior. This is an interdisciplinary course, and students will read and discuss works from the fields of psychology, political science, sociology, anthropology and communications. Emphasis will be placed on understanding analytical theories and concepts for use in social and political inquiry and research.
Prerequisite
3 credits in either CPSYC, CPOLS, or CSOCL and one additional 2000 level class in psychology