PSYC 345(F) Political Psychology (Same as Political Science 310)

PSCI 310(F) Political Psychology (Same as Psychology 345)
Political psychology studies human nature to better understand the possibilities and limitations of politics. For example, many political philosophers begin their political programs by asserting some foundational claims about "human nature." These claims are then used to support their vision of politics. Claims about progress often presume that human nature will be improved by implementing a liberal political agenda. For example, the enlightenment held that rationality would be strengthened by progress, thereby making democracy more viable. Those who defend authoritarian regimes often do so by proclaiming that the general public is incapable of self-rule and must accept rule by their betters. Many of these arguments turn on how rational people are and on their capacity for and willingness to pursue justice for all people. We explore what psychology tells us about people as political citizens and as leaders. The course pays special attention to the powerful, but surprising, roles that emotions play in all aspects of politics. Central to politics is the general issue of judgment, and its more important variants, moral and political judgment. If we are to trust ourselves to rule ourselves, how well will we 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). The issue of citizen competence for self and collective rule, then as now, was at the center of their attention. So, it shall be in this course.
Format: lecture/discussion. Requirements: a midterm, a term paper, and a final exam.
Prerequisites: a Political Science elective at the 200 or 300 level OR Psychology 101, 212, 221, 232, 242, 251, or 300-level course. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected 13).
American Politics Subfield
Hour: MARCUS