processes used by cults, terrorist groups such as ISIS, al Qaeda, and – since there are plenty of white and Black terrorists too – Sinn Fein will be explored in depth, via analysis and unpacking of actual terrorist propaganda, recruitment videos, and training videos. Students may be required to read the monthly ISIS magazine “Dabiq,” legally available here

(http://www.clarionproject.org/news/islamic-state-isis-isil-propaganda-magazine-dabiq#).

HOWEVER, as noted, we will not be focusing strictly on terrorists. The nearly identical recruitment and training processes used by elite American forces such as the Marines and Army Rangers will be analyzed in equal depth. This course will include extensive analysis of contemporary concepts in social and political psychology, such as in group/out group prejudice, brainwashing, the formation of “team” identities, the Foucaldian concept of “the other,” and the contribution of independent variables like gender and religion to fanaticism.

Course Format: Class periods will be used to emphasize selected portions of your reading assignments, however, the majority of class will be used to supplement the text, through a variety of classroom activities, including lecture, debate, role-plays, presentations, and discussions. You are responsible for all of the material covered in the texts and class (i.e., lecture, debates, discussion etc), as well as any additional reading assignments.

IV. REQUIRED TEXTS: (Readings to be determined by instructor)

Houghton, D.P. (2015). Political Psychology: Situations, Individuals, and Cases (2nd Ed.). New York,

NY: Routledge.

Other readings as assigned.

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (6th Ed.). ISBN-13: 978-1-4338-0561-5

V. BLACKBOARD: Your assignments and materials are posted in several different areas. Take the time to click on each of the buttons on your course menu to familiarize yourself with the course content. Other information is provided under the course documents section.

VI. STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: The student learning objectives will be assessed using a variety of methods:

1. Write clear and effective prose in several forms, using conventions appropriate to audience (including academic audiences), purpose, and genre.
2. Listen and speak competently in a variety of communication contexts, which may include public, interpersonal, and/or small-group settings.
3. Find, analyze, evaluate, and cite pertinent primary and secondary sources, including academic databases, to prepare speeches and written texts.
4. Identify, analyze, and evaluate statements, assumptions, and conclusions representing diverse points of view; and construct informed, sustained, and ethical arguments in response.
5. Plan, organize, revise, practice, edit, and proofread to improve the development and clarity of ideas.
6. Distinguish between various kinds of evidence by identifying reliable sources and valid arguments.
7. Evaluate the significance of human expression and experience in shaping larger social, cultural, and historical contexts.