Admission requirements
Participation in the seminar is only permitted if the propaedeutic phase has been passed (60 EC).
Description
This course examines what psychology can tell us about political phenomena. The course is divided into three “sections” that draw upon different theoretical traditions in political psychology. In the first, our focus will be on what psychological theory tells us about social influence, e.g. how our parents, schools, friends, and fellow social group members influence our attitudes and behavior. In the second, we will focus more on the individual and consider the influence of predispositions such as personality traits, values, and moral convictions. Finally, we will peer inside the mind to consider the role played by memory, motivation, and emotion in linking “state" (social context) and “trait" (predispositions) together to account for human behavior.
Course objectives
The learning objectives for the course are as follows. By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Systematically explain the contents of psychological theories of public opinion and political behavior and critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses
2. Apply psychological theory to novel political questions
Schedule
The timetables are available through MyTimetable (see the button in the upper right corner).
Teaching method
Short lectures & seminar-style discussions
Assessment Method
The final grade is based on the following:
Class participation
Presentation
Essays
Reading list
The reading list will be comprised of research articles. The reading list will be provided via the syllabus.
Registration
General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website (https://www.student.universiteitleiden.nl/en/your-study-programme/courses-and-exams/enrolment/social-and-behavioural-sciences/international-relations-and-organisations-bsc?cd=international-relations-and-organisations-bsc&cf=social-and-behavioural-sciences#tab-1).
Contact
For substantive questions, contact the lecturer(s) (listed in the right information bar). For questions about enrolment, contact the Student Services Centre: ssc@leiden.edu.