Interactive Syllabus

The purpose of this course is to acquire the basic knowledge of psychological theories and approaches that help to explain politically motivated intergroup conflict, intolerance, and collective action. The course interconnects traditional theories in social and political psychology (social identity, social cognition, socialization) with their recent extensions to the areas of populism, radicalism, authoritarianism, or intolerant online communities. It also emphasizes the applications to current political events in the Czech Republic and other European countries.

The final grade depends on the following criteria:

1) Attendance (maximum 11 points)
Student's attendance at every seminar/lecture is awarded with 1 point.

2) Assignments (3 x maximum 10 points)
Before each "seminar with reading" students have to submit an assignment (deadline is on Monday before the seminar). The assignment must be based on the reading material for the specific seminar (please see below). In the assignment, (a) briefly describe main points of the reading material (100-150 words), (b) evaluate the reading material in terms of its clarity and cogency, pinpoint its strengths/weaknesses and consider its implications – your own opinion (supported by arguments) is highly expected here (200-250 words), (c) ask questions if something from the reading material is unclear (optional). Overall, the assignment must have between 300-500 words. One assignment meeting all criteria and submitted in time is awarded with 10 points. Points will be deducted if the assignment does not meet required criteria, has a poor quality, or is submitted after deadline (3 points will be deducted for every day). In total, three assignments have to be submitted. Submit your assignments online in the Information System.

SEMINAR WITH READING 1 (10.10.2019)
Reading: Reicher, S. D., & Haslam, A. (2017). Trump's appeal: What psychology tells us. Scientific American. Retrieved from: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/trump-rsquo-s-appeal-what-psychology-tells-us/
Submit your assignment by Monday 7.10.2019

SEMINAR WITH READING 2 (7.11.2019)
Reading:  McKeown, S., & Dixon, J. (2017). The “contact hypothesis”: Critical reflections and future directions. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 11(1), e12295.
Submit your assignment by Monday 4.11.2019

SEMINAR WITH READING 3 (5.12.2019)
Reading:  McNamee, L. G., Peterson, B. L., & Peña, J. (2010). A call to educate, participate, invoke and indict: Understanding the communication of online hate groups. Communication Monographs, 77(2), 257-280.
Submit your assignment by Monday 2.12.2019

3) Final exam (maximum 60 points)
There will be an exam (multiple choice quiz) at the end of the semester, covering the lectures and assigned readings (all presentations and required readings will be available online in the Information System).

Grades will be assigned based on the final summary score:
A: 101-93
B: 92-85
C: 84-77
D: 76-69
E: 68-61
F: 60 and less

Note: There is no minimum required number of points for attendance, assignments or final exam.