MVZb2061 Enemy Image and the Political Psychology of Conflicts in IR

Fakulta sociálních studií
podzim 2022
Rozsah
0/2/0. 4 kr. Ukončení: z.
Vyučující
Maya Higgins, Ph.D. (přednášející)
Garance
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D.
Katedra mezinárodních vztahů a evropských studií – Fakulta sociálních studií
Kontaktní osoba: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Dodavatelské pracoviště: Katedra mezinárodních vztahů a evropských studií – Fakulta sociálních studií
Rozvrh
Út 12:00–13:40 U32
Předpoklady
! MVZb2026 The Politics of Enmity
Proficiency in English to an academic standard. Background in the field of Political Psychology or Peace and Conflict studies is helpful, but not required.
Omezení zápisu do předmětu
Předmět je určen pouze studentům mateřských oborů.

Předmět si smí zapsat nejvýše 25 stud.
Momentální stav registrace a zápisu: zapsáno: 5/25, pouze zareg.: 0/25
Mateřské obory/plány
Cíle předmětu
The field of Peace and Conflict Studies is highly interdisciplinary. Much of its foundational theory (and practice) draws on psychology, thus providing an empirically grounded perspective on intra/interpersonal and intra/intergroup conflicts. The analysis of visual and other representations (the description or portrayal of someone or something in a particular way) is central to the fields of anthropology, sociology and cultural studies. Such representations are cultural productions, derived from ideologies, values and beliefs of the culture which produced and consumes them. Moreover, representations are produced within a political environment, where the issues of class, gender, power and social order are present. As such, the analysis of representations and image formation is essential when conflicts are concerned. By focusing on the portrayal of the adversary (‘Enemy Image’), this course will explore the intersection of political psychology and international relations when conflicts are concerned. Since it is impossible to cover the entire field in one semester, this course is designed as a curated overview including both theory and application, aimed to open up new lines of inquiry and provide inspiration for future research. The course is composed of two parts: We begin the semester by defining, exploring, and discussing relevant concept and theories (in-group and out-group, Enemy Image, Social Categorization, Scapegoating, Dehumanization, etc.). These are used as a launching pad, from which we investigate the landscape of political psychology pertaining to conflicts in IR. In the second part of the course, we turn to the depiction of adversaries in specific political conflicts spanning over time (past and present) and geographical locations. Such Conflicts include the Northern Ireland conflict ('The Troubles'), the Cold War, the Winter War, and the Israeli Palestinian conflict. In order to stay true to the nature of the field, this course is designed to be interdisciplinary. As such, the mandatory reading is deliberately eclectic, employing a wide array of research traditions, and a diverse set of methodologies.
Výstupy z učení
Upon completion of the course, students will exhibit a broad and deep understanding of: • The social and political environments in which conflicts materialize and are sustained. • The role of enemy image in cultivating conflict and its contribution to the conflict’s intractability, both generally and specifically. • The way individual and cultural differences can affect conflict dynamics. • Theoretical, empirical, and practical connections across disciplines. In addition, students will improve their ability to: • Apply theory to specific test cases and discuss the challenges of conflict at multiple levels. • Notice one’s own personal attitudes toward, assumptions about, and responses to ‘the enemy’ (real or imagined) and reflect on how this can affect conflicts and conflict resolution.
Osnova
  • An interactive syllabus will be provided to registered students via the IS.
Výukové metody
Lectures, class discussions and group projects (presentations).
Metody hodnocení
This is a fail/pass course. A passing grade will be given to students based on: 1. One short quiz (midterm). 2. Collaborative Presentations (in groups). 3. A Term paper, based on the collaborative presentation. *** A passing grade requires the successful completion of ALL assignments.
Vyučovací jazyk
Angličtina
Další komentáře
Studijní materiály
Předmět je vyučován každoročně.
Předmět je zařazen také v obdobích podzim 2021, podzim 2023.