17 S950 Emotions And Politics Fall 2018

Why do voters make seemingly irrational decisions, and how do campaigns tap into our deepest anxieties and hopes? To truly understand modern political landscapes, we must look beyond logical policy arguments and explore the powerful psychological forces that drive human behavior. This text-only course provides a clear, foundational pathway into political psychology, showing you how emotional dynamics shape public opinion, voter turnout, and political polarization. You will learn to analyze political messages, media strategies, and public reactions through a scientific, psychological lens. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational theories of emotion and how they apply to political science. - Analyze how anger, fear, and hope influence voter turnout and decision-making. - Examine the role of modern digital media and algorithms in amplifying emotional responses and affective polarization. - Identify common psychological tactics used in political campaigns and public relations. - Evaluate how collective emotions shape national identity, social movements, and policy changes. - Practice analyzing real-world political speeches and campaigns using structured, written frameworks. The course begins by establishing key psychological concepts and historical theories of emotion before guiding you through practical applications in voting behavior, media consumption, and collective movements. You will engage with written case studies and analysis exercises designed to build your critical thinking skills. Designed for absolute beginners, this course requires no prior background in psychology or political science. Start reading today to decode the hidden psychological forces shaping our political world.