ATS2256 · The mind, the self and political behaviour

Overview

In this unit, you will develop a unique perspective of the political world around us by exploring political realities through a psychological, and especially a social-psychological, lens. The primary objectives of the unit are two-fold. The first objective is to examine the key social-psychological concepts, models and theories that are relevant to politics (e.g., personality, social identity, the dynamics of social groups, the role of emotions, etc.)- The second objective is to apply these concepts to various political topics to discern the psychological and social-psychological causes and consequences of political attitudes and behaviour (including opinions and ideologies, leadership, race and intergroup relations, media and political advertising, radicalisation and extremism, political violence, military enlistment and war, etc.)

Areas of study: Behavioural studies Politics

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. interpret broad findings from social psychology (and other related disciplines) and apply them to questions related to political attitudes and behaviour;
2. recognise and analyse the complex interplay between psychological factors, social context, and politics;
3. apply relevant theories to explain the causes and consequences political attitudes and behaviour;
4. apply relevant theories towards the development of sociopolitical policies and programs.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.