Examination of how psychological processes and concepts can
influence political attitudes and behavior. This includes
various aspects of human psychology, such as personality,
motivation, values, and morality, as well as information
processing, emotions, and group identities.
Athena Title
Political Psychology
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in POLS 4400E, POLS 4400H
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will critically examine competing psychological and theoretical explanations for political behavior and public opinion formation.
Students will develop well-reasoned arguments using empirical evidence and theoretical insights.
Students will apply psychological theories to real-world political phenomena.
Students will compare and contrast findings across studies and identify significant trends in political behavior or opinion.
Students will write clearly organized essays that articulate evidence-based claims.
Students will explore the role of group identity, partisanship, and socialization in shaping their own and others' political attitudes.
Topical Outline
a. Experimental Research in Political Science
b. Political Cognition
c. Political Group Identities
d. Intergroup Relations
e. Personality and Politics
f. Political Ideology and Values
g. Political Development
h. Biology and Politics
i. Emotions in Politics
j. Priming and Framing in Political Communication
Institutional Competencies
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
