PSY 0290 HONORS - PSYCHOLOGY OF GOOD AND EVIL

Institution:

Rosemont College

Subject:

Description:

This course investigates the psychological roots of good and evil. Since the late 1960s, psychologists have studied the causes of moral, altruistic, and empathic behavior. They have examined also the dark side of human nature. Why do evil and suffering exist in the world? What are the psychological and social dynamics of how good people can turn evil? This course emphasizes a social-psychological perspective that centers on the complex interaction of personal and situational factors underpinning both good and evil behavior. That is, the conditions under which people are kind and helpful to others or, conversely, under which they commit harmful and even violent acts. The course explores various formulations of good and evil and the different answers given to it. Examination of key theories, concepts, and findings from research in social psychology as well as drawing on examples from history are the goals of this course. The lectures detail how both personal and situational forces can work in concert to transform human character for the better or worse.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.rosemont.edu

Phone Number:

(610) 527-0200

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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