SUBJECT

Research in Political Psychology

lecture

master

Faculty of Education and Psychology

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2 Semester

Spring semester

Aim of the course:

To give an insight into the findings and methods of political psychology as applied empirical science by reviewing state-of-the-art research. Besides getting to know the most important findings, students shall also acquire practical knowledge about what rigorous (and, sometimes, not-so-rigorous) methods are used by professionals (e.g. public opinion researchers) applying political psychology, and what to be careful about when reading political psychological literature aimed at the general public.

Learning outcome, competences

knowledge:

• Knowledge of academic research based on current political psychological literature
• Knowledge of applied research and its problems

attitude:

• Using their knowledge, students shall be able to reflect on political topics in an objective and scientific manner, with an understanding of applied and practical aspects

skills:

• Ability to read the professional literature in English, methodological erudition, ability to assess practical research

Content of the course

Topics of the course

• Methods of political psychology
• What is specific about political psychology?
• Studies of prejudice from a political psychological point of view
• Ideological thinking
• Political information processing
• Political decision-making
• Electoral decisions

Learning activities, learning methods

• This is a practical course, so attendance of classes is mandatory. Students will discuss the various topics at classes, do projects in groups and also be given homework.

Evaluation of outcomes

Learning requirements, mode of evaluation, criteria of evaluation:

requirements

• Attendance (up to 3 classes may be missed)
• Homework (30%)
• Presentations (10%)
• Group projects (10%)
• Two mid-term tests (50%)

mode of evaluation: 5 point grade with a type C exam (continuous work)

criteria of evaluation:

• Quality and quantity of the work done

Compulsory reading list

• Sears, D. O., Huddy, L. & Jervis (2002). Oxford Handbook of Political Psychology. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
• Current and now-classic journal articles in political psychology (esp. papers from the journal Political Psychology)

Recommended reading list

• If any, it shall be specified in the course description for each semester.