Module POC3148 for 2023/4
Undergraduate Module Descriptor
POC3148: Political Psychology and Society
This module descriptor refers to the 2023/4 academic year.
Please note that this module is only delivered on the Penryn Campus.
Overview
| NQF Level | 6 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Credits | 15 | ECTS Value | 7.5 |
| Term(s) and duration | This module will run during term 2 (11 weeks) | ||
| Academic staff | Professor Daniel Stevens (Convenor) | ||
| Pre-requisites | None | ||
| Co-requisites | None | ||
| Available via distance learning | No | ||
When we study political attitudes and behaviour we are often content to look at what is influenced by certain political attitudes. Or we look at socio-economic correlates with attitudes and behaviours, from terrorism, racism and intolerance to voting. In other words, we ignore what is often referred to as the “black box”, or the psychological processes and dynamics that lie behind these attitudes and behaviours. Political psychology focuses explicitly on the “black box.” In this module, you will look at the psychology of mass political behaviour, looking first at the kinds of factors that seem to lead to ostensibly normal people engaging in abnormal behaviour, such as committing atrocities, and then at explanations for more benign behaviour such as voting and vote preferences. Political psychology has provided a wealth of new insights and approaches to the study of politics, many of which you will encounter in this module.
No prior knowledge skills or experience are required to take this module and it is suitable for specialist and non-specialist students.
| Module created | 16/02/2023 | Last revised | 16/02/2023 |
|---|
