2013-2014 Academic Catalog

Nov 27, 2024

2013-2014 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

PSYC 264 - Social and Cultural Psychology of Genocides

This seminar reviews social psychological theories on the psychology of genocide, addressing processes among victim, perpetrator, and bystander groups. Perspectives from cultural psychology that allow for a more contextualized understanding of the evolution of mass violence are also included. While most of the available literature has dealt with the Holocaust, we will also read and discuss the Armenian genocide; genocide in Cambodia, Rwanda, and Sudan; and other relevant contexts and events. In addition to discussing psychological processes and societal factors that enable the evolution of genocide, we will address topics such as rescuing behavior and resistance during genocide, propaganda and hate speech, and psychological reactions to extreme mass violence. The aftermath of genocide and questions of transnational justice will also be briefly touched on.

Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and a First seminar or Instructor’s permission

Anticipated Terms Offered: Offered periodically