Taught by Robb Willer, Professor of Sociology, Psychology, and Organizational Behavior
Where do individuals’ political attitudes and behaviors come from, and how can they be changed? In this class we will read and discuss cutting-edge research from social psychology, sociology, and political science on topics such as polarization, persuasion, elitism, social activism, and racial resentment. A central idea of the class is that social and psychological factors powerfully influence political views, and research in this area can help to understand our often confusing political landscape. Additionally, understanding the causal architecture of political attitudes and behavior is essential for taking effective political action, especially in this time of deep and growing political divides.