Religious Rights and Freedoms

Religion in world constitutions


Religious Education in Europe

Syllabus 2016

IR 308

Political Psychology       

Fall  2016

Aysuda Kölemen

Friday 09:00-11:30
Office Hours: by appointment

Email: aysuda.kolemen@kemerburgaz.edu.tr

COURSE GOALS

Political psychology is a relatively young and very exciting field. We have long assumed that human beings are rational beings. Some, on the other hand, theorized that human beings are irrational. A growing body of research shows us that neither extreme view is accurate. Human beings appear to have a bounded rationality. We are also predictable in our behavior to a certain degree. Our group identity and socialization colors our political views and behavior at an individual level. States and large organizations are not immune to the follies of the human psyche, either. Understanding and predicting political behavior is more achievable when we combine multiple social discipline: psychology, politics, sociology, etc. Political psychology is an interdisciplinary field and it is all the more richer for it, feeding from multiple diverse and distinct traditions and combining them to create an intriguing body of new knowledge. Come aboard and start the journey.

REQUIRED READINGS

Cottam et al. (2010) Introduction to Political Psychology, Psychology Press.

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, fast and slow. Macmillan.

Nudge, T. R. S. C. (2008). Improving decisions about health, wealth and happiness.

GRADE BREAKDOWN

Final                           (30%)

Term Paper              (30%)

Quizzes                       (40%)

           

Course Policies:

• Readings assigned for the week are due on Wednesday unless stated otherwise on the syllabus. It is ESSENTIAL that you read the daily assignments before you come to class. This will help you follow the lecture, and participate in discussions.

• Test questions will be drawn from readings, lectures and class discussions.

• A legitimate excuse explaining your absence (serious medical problem or family emergency) is required for taking a make-up exam.

• I may post announcements or supplementary readings on the course blog at http://socialsciences-researchmethods.blogspot.com.tr/.

• I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus as necessary.

•Cases of academic dishonesty (cheating and plagiarism) will be referred to the disciplinary committee.

Reading Assignment Schedule

Week 1 (Sep 30)

Introduction

Week 2 (October 7)

Thinking Fast and Slow: Humans v. Econs

Week 3  (October 14)

Thinking Fast and Slow: Humans v. Econs

Week  4 (October 28)

Cognition, Social Identity, Emotions

Quiz #1

Week 5 (Nov 4)
The Political Psychology of Groups

Quiz #2

Week 6 (Nov 11)
Voting, The Role of the Media and Tolerance

Quiz # 3

Week 7 (Nov 18)
Voting, The Role of the Media and Tolerance

Quiz # 4

Week 8 (Nov 25)

The Psychology of Voting and Democracy

Quiz # 5

Week 9 (Dec 2)

From Ethnic Conflict to Genocide
Quiz #6

Week 10 (Dec 9)

The Political Psychology of Nationalism

Quiz #7

Week 11 (Dec 16)

The Political Psychology of Terrorism
Quiz #8

Week 12 (Dec 23) 

The Political Psychology of International Security and Conflict
Quiz #9

Week 13 (December 30)

To nudge or not to nudge? That’s the Question.

Quiz #10