Political Psychology and Comparative Politics

This seminar explores the intersection of political psychology and comparative politics. We consider when and why individuals engage in politics, how they form and update political preferences, and the relationship between preferences and political behavior through topics including the role of cognition, personality, and individual and group identities. In focusing on comparative politics, we pay particular attention to how context ¿ institutions, cultural values, and social environments ¿ shapes individuals¿ preferences and behavior. The final grade is based on in-class participation, a peer review exercise, and a research proposal.