Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE PSY2635

 
TITLE Political Psychology

 
UM LEVEL 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 5

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Psychology

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit provides an overview of contemporary research in political psychology. It starts with the psychological concern with political leaders in light of theories of personality, and proceeds to discuss various other concerns such as political attitudes, intergroup relations, the role of the media, racism and ethnic conflict, international security and terrorism, and conflict resolution. The unit locates these concerns within the political psychological literature, and examines a number of contributions that help in understanding the challenges of positive intercultural relations, the reasons for solidarity breakdowns, and policies that promise a resolve.

Study-unit Aims:

This study-unit aims to provide students with a learning opportunity to further their understanding of political psychology. This understanding is particularly topical in Malta, where the recent encounter with different others who have gained political rights in Malta is on the increase, as well as the political participation of expatriates resident in other European countries. The unit aims to provide students with an understanding of the ways in which individuals and communities strive to live together in spite of differences, whilst striving together to acquire a sense of social harmony and social order that protects the rights of every individual in humane ways.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to acquire an understanding of how individuals relate politically with similar as well as different others in ways that preserve their own psychological well-being as well as the social order. Students will acquire an understanding of how individuals’ behaviours are shaped by their cultural contexts, their own personalities, as well as the behavioural tendencies of others they meet in the course of their everyday lives.

2. Skills:

By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to understand and identify the main theories utilised by political psychologists to proffer explanations for political behaviour.

Main Text/s and any supplementary readings:

• Cottam, M.L., Dietz-Uhler, B., Mastors, E., & Preston, T. (2010). Introduction to Political Psychology (2nd ed.). New York: Psychology Press.

Secondary Texts:

• Moghaddam, F.M. (2008). Multiculturalism and Intergroup Relations: Psychological implications for democracy in global context. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
• Moghaddam, F.M. (2010). The new global insecurity: How terrorism, environmental collapse, economic inequalities, and resource shortages are changing our world. California: Praeger.
• Hook, D., Franks, B., & Bauer, M. (2011). The social psychology of communication. London: Palgrave Macmillan.

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES Pre-requisite Study-unit: PSY1606

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture and Seminar

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Multiple Choice Questions Examination (2 Hours) Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Gordon Sammut

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2023/4. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit