PSK 478 - Political Psychology

Politics is a complex field encompassing the processes of governing societies, distributing resources, and making decisions. At the heart of these processes are always human behavior, perceptions, motivations, and beliefs. Many political phenomena, from voter behavior to leadership traits, from the formation of ideologies to political polarization, are closely related to psychological dynamics. Traditional political science courses often focus on structural and institutional dimensions, while not sufficiently addressing the psychological foundations of political processes.
Political Psychology offers students the opportunity to examine the psychological factors behind political behavior from a scientific perspective. By addressing critical topics such as political leadership, voter behavior, ideologies, identity politics, propaganda, and political communication, this course will enable students to gain a deep understanding of the psychological dimensions of politics and develop their ability to analyze the complex dynamics in this field.
 

This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological foundations of political behavior. It examines how human behavior, perceptions, motivations, and beliefs influence political processes. Students will explore the formation, change, and measurement of political attitudes and ideologies, while also analyzing the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that shape voter behavior. The course addresses the psychological traits of political leaders and the societal impacts of leadership processes, as well as the role of social identity, group dynamics, and identity politics in politics. Additionally, it covers the psychological aspects of propaganda, political communication, and persuasion, and discusses the underlying psychological factors contributing to political polarization, radicalization, and conflict.

David Patrick Houghton – Siyaset Psikolojisi: Durumlar, Bireyler, Olaylar (Çev. Hüsamettin İnaç & Duygu Şekeroğlu)

During the first week of the course, students will be informed about the course objectives, content, exams, learning outcomes, weekly topics, and course rules/framework. In addition, the method for accessing the course syllabus will be explained in detail.

1. Classes will be held for 3 class hours each week for 14 weeks.

2. Each class hour is 45 minutes, and there will be two 15-minute breaks.

3. The course assessment will consist of one midterm and one final exam for each semester.

4. Course slides, supplementary resources, and materials will be shared through the Campus Information System. The slides and materials for the relevant week's lecture will be uploaded to the Campus Information System as a PDF file on the first Friday following the lecture day.

5. The midterm exam will have a weight of 40% and the final exam will have a weight of 60% on the final grade.

6. The midterm and final exams will be in a multiple-choice test format.

7. A review of each exam will take place during the first class session following the exam, during which students can inspect their exam papers.

8. A minimum of 70% attendance is mandatory.

9. To not fall below the 70% attendance rate, a student must attend classes for at least 10 out of the 14 weeks.

10. Oversleeping, having a medical report, being sick, traveling, visiting one's hometown, or being in a Double Major/Minor program are not considered valid excuses for failing to meet attendance requirements.

11. Possessing a doctor's report does not mean that students can be flexible with the 70% attendance requirement.

12. The total absence rate, including absences covered by medical reports, must not exceed 30%.

13. Attendance will be tracked via a sign-in sheet during classes.

14. The signatures on the attendance sheet will be checked at the end of the third class hour. Students must only sign for the class hours they are actually present for.

15. Students' absence rates will be recorded in the Campus Information System weekly. Students are required to track their attendance rates weekly. If they believe there is an error (e.g., if their attendance was not recorded in the system despite their signature being present on the relevant week's attendance list), they must make an appointment to inform the course instructor and request a review.

16. Signing the attendance sheet on behalf of another student is strictly forbidden under any circumstances.

17. Students who wish to ask questions about the course or request a meeting for ideas, suggestions, criticism, consultation, etc., must communicate via email to make an appointment.

18. Students writing an email are expected to follow basic etiquette by introducing themselves and stating the reason for their message.

19. Before writing an email, students must carefully read the course syllabus and course framework.

20. Students should send their emails between 08:30 and 17:30.

21. I will respond to emails within three business days at the latest. If a student does not receive a response within this period, the email may be sent again.

22. My email address is: faik.tasci@izu.edu.tr

23. Students are subject to the Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations regarding matters such as passing/failing the course, attendance, etc.