Psychology of American Democracy

Catalog description

This course examines democracy through a psychological lens, focusing on how people's thoughts, emotions, identities, and social interactions shape democratic attitudes, behaviors, and institutions. Drawing on research from social, developmental, political, and cognitive psychology, we will explore topics such as political polarization, persuasion, misinformation, social identity, partisanship, moral judgment and decision-making, collective action, dehumanization, and trust in democratic institutions. The course will explore how psychological processes influence voting, civic engagement, tolerance of dissent and change, and support for democratic norms, as well as how these same processes can both strengthen and undermine democratic societies. Students will critically engage with empirical research and foundational texts, apply psychological theories to real-world political issues, and develop evidence-based perspectives on the challenges facing modern democracies.