Moral and Political Psychology (487-0-1)
Instructors
Eli J Finkel
Meeting Info
Kellogg Global Hub 5201: Mon 1:00PM - 3:50PM
Overview of class
Despite claims about "the end of ideology" (Daniel Bell, 1960) and "the end of history" (Francis Fukuyama, 1989), today's world is saturated with ideological claims, and consensus surrounding the primacy of liberal democracy is waning. In the United States, partisanship has surged in recent decades, especially in terms of disdain for opposing partisans. Although such trends are complex and multiply determined, psychology affords a particularly expansive vantage point for making sense of them. This course provides a graduate-level survey of moral and political psychology to help us understand today's politicians and the body politic. By the end of the course, students should be knowledgeable about, and capable of generating original research in, this research space.
Teaching Method
The weekly class meetings will consist of seminar-type class discussion and student presentations, along with occasional professor lectures.
Evaluation Method
Students are expected to: (1) read all readings carefully and submit discussion questions prior to attending each class session, (2) participate actively in class discussion each week, (3) serve as discussion leader at least once, (4) give a brief conference-style presentation, and (5) submit a formal research proposal.
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Pre-requisite: Student must be part of the Psychology PhD program to enroll.