Description
The general aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of major areas in the field of political psychology and approaches to study political behaviour. The readings selected are to provide students with a foundation in political psychological theory and research. The main goal of the course is to familiarise the students with conceptual and theoretical frameworks for understanding political processes. By examining behaviours and learning how to study them, we will understand the basics of behaviouralism, one mainstream field of study in political science.
In this course we address the following topics: the evolution and importance of political psychology, personality processes for the elite and the mass public, socialisation, media and its effect on attitudes and attitude change, political cognition and decision making, ethnocentrism, and racism.
The assigned readings include chapters from the books listed below, with an emphasis on the first two. The course should be completed with an original research paper (maximum 6,000 words) that fits one topic covered in class (at choice and after prior discussion with the instructor). Students are expected to read the assigned texts and contribute to the class discussions.
Coordinator
Prof. Dr. H. Dekker
Instructor: Sergiu Gherghina, Office: 5A27 Office Hours: Friday 17.00 – 19.00, and by appointment m.s.gherghina@umail.leidenuniv.nl
Study material
Martha Cottam, Beth Dietz-Uhler, Elena M. Mastors, Thomas Preston, 2004, Introduction to Political Psychology, London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers.
Jerrold M. Post, 2004, Leaders and Their Followers in a Dangerous World. The Psychology of Political Behavior, Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press.
Shanto Iyengar, William J. McGuire (eds.), 1993, Explorations in Political Psychology, Durham and London: Duke University Press.
Approximate number of pages to read: 350
Examination
The final grade is based on:
Final paper: 60% Two short assignments: 30% Class activity and participation: 10%.
Details are included in the syllabus and will be extensively discussed in class during our first session.
Time table
Wednesday November 5, till December 10, 17.00 – 19.00 p.m., in SA05
Exam December 17, 17.00-19.00 p.m., in 5A29