Psychology of Justice

Catalog description

In this class, we examine various fields within psychology that study issues around justice and morality and apply it to real-world contexts. Students learn about moral development in children and adults, people’s justice motive, evolutionary and social psychological perspectives on punishment behavior, interpersonal and intergroup processes related to forgiveness as well as alternatives to punishment. Within the area of retributive punishment, we cover specific topics such as the importance of victim empowerment and the theoretical framework of punishment as communication. Students learn how societal and cultural factors shape experienced (in)justice as well as reactions to it, how to apply the theoretical insights to real-world situations of conflicts and perceived injustice, and how an interdisciplinary approach benefits psychological research on this topic. Prerequisites: PSYC-SHU 101 Introduction to Psychology or AP Psychology: Score of 5 or IB Psychology HL (Higher Level): Score of 7 or A Level Psychology: Score of A AND Sophomore Standing. Fulfillment: Social Science Focus Psychology 300 level.