CoursesPeace Communication: The Use and Abuse of Communications in Intergroup Conflict
COMM 311

Peace Communication: The Use and Abuse of Communications in Intergroup Conflict

Why are conflicts between groups of humans so tragically predictable? What drives us to exclude, demean and fight with members of other groups? And what can we do about it? In this class, we will examine the biological roots of intergroup conflict between religious, ethnic and political groups, and take a critical view of the ways in which psychology and communication have been employed to help foment or transcend conflict.

In the first part of the course, we will examine the theoretical work from intergroup psychology. In the second part of the course, we will examine the specific biases that drive conflict (e.g., stereotypes, emotions, prejudice, dehumanization) and how they are measured using both explicit self-report and implicit measures (e.g., physiology, neuroimaging); in the third part, we will explore the interventions that have been demonstrated to work (and fail) to decrease intergroup conflict. No prior experience in psychology or neuroscience is required. The course is lecture-based but will include class discussions and in-class activities.

View the Syllabus

Other Courses of Interest

Inequity and Empowerment: Urban Financial Literacy

Instructor(s)

  • Brian Peterson

Semester

Fall 2023

A central premise of the “American Dream” is economic freedom, implying opportunity, security, and in the minds of many, wealth. The statistical and experiential reality, vividly evident throughout the nation’s urban cities, is a staggering inequitable distribution of resources and growing economic instability for scores of households, including those identified as middle class. This course equips and supports students for dialogue on financial issues and helps them to explore why this dialogue is sometimes avoided or feels difficult.

Learn More
PSCI 4991

How Washington Really Works

Instructor(s)

  • Ezekiel J. Emmanuel

Semester

Fall 2023

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of how decisions and policy are really made in Washington. Weekly travel to Washington D.C. required.

Learn More