The Psychology of Intergroup Relations

This course is designed to provide an advanced overview of theories and empirical research on the psychology of intergroup relations. Over the course of the semester, the course will investigate five interrelated themes from this increasingly popular area within psychology. First, we will explore the blatant, subtle, and unconscious ways in which biases manifest themselves and discuss the tools used to study these biases (e.g., self-report, reaction times, brain-imaging, etc.). Second, we will examine the motivational, cognitive, affective, ideological, and evolutionary factors that underlie intergroup bias and conflict. The course will then transition to discussing research on how intergroup biases impact the self-concept, behaviour, and health of members of disliked and stigmatised groups. The course will then offer insight into the ways in which intergroup bias and conflict can be mitigated before delving into the complexities of living with diversity in pluralistic nations. We conclude the course by considering how the psychology of intergroup relations can be applied to areas as diverse as education, media, criminal justice, and politics. PSYC 466 utilises a flipped classroom teaching method where students encounter information before class, freeing class time for discussion and reflection.