Two-Year Program in Political Psychology: Exploring Collective Psychosis, Authoritarianism and Genocide

Duration: 2 years (part-time, flexible pacing)

Format: Primarily remote, with individualized supervision via video calls, asynchronous coursework, and optional in-person intensive seminars (2-3 per year)

Target Audience: Graduate students, researchers, mental health professionals, policymakers, or activists with a strong interest in political psychology

Prerequisites: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in psychology, political science, sociology, or a related field; commitment to intensive reading and research

Cohort Size: Limited to 10-15 participants for personalized attention

Cost: €16,000 (€8,000 per year).

Learning Objectives

By the end of the program, participants will:

1. Master key theories in political psychology through primary texts, including social identity, group dynamics, and authoritarian personality theories.

2. Critically analyze the psychological roots of collective psychosis, authoritarianism, and genocide using interdisciplinary frameworks.

3. Develop original research insights through intensive readings and supervised projects.

4. Apply political psychology to contemporary issues, such as misinformation, polarization, and human rights advocacy.

5. Produce a capstone project (e.g., thesis, policy paper, or intervention proposal) suitable for publication or professional application.

6. Cultivate critical thinking and ethical reasoning to address societal challenges responsibly.

Program Structure

The program is divided into four semesters (two years), with each semester focusing on a core theme. Participants work closely with a dedicated supervisor (a faculty member or expert in political psychology) who provides tailored guidance on readings, research, and writing. The structure combines intensive readings, one-on-one mentorship, periodic group seminars, and independent research, culminating in a capstone project.

Year 1, Semester 1: Foundations of Political Psychology

Objective: Build a theoretical foundation through intensive readings and critical analysis.

• Core Themes:

• Introduction to political psychology: Historical and interdisciplinary perspectives.

• Key theories: Social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner), group dynamics (Lewin), and obedience (Milgram).

• The psychology of power and conformity.

• Readings (Sample):

• Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1979). An Integrative Theory of Intergroup Conflict.

• Milgram, S. (1974). Obedience to Authority.

• Arendt, H. (1963). Eichmann in Jerusalem: A Report on the Banality of Evil.

• Selected journal articles on group behavior and political ideology.

• Activities:

• Weekly readings (100-150 pages) with annotated bibliographies submitted to supervisor.

• Biweekly 1-hour supervision meetings (via video call) to discuss readings and develop critical questions.

• One group seminar (2 hours, virtual or in-person): Discuss foundational texts and their modern relevance.

• Deliverable: 2,000-word literature review on a chosen aspect of political psychology (e.g., social identity or obedience).

Year 1, Semester 2: Collective Behavior and Psychosis

Objective: Explore collective behavior, groupthink, and collective psychosis through primary texts and case studies.

• Core Themes:

• Collective behavior: Crowds, mass movements, and shared delusions.

• Groupthink and its role in political extremism (Janis’ theory).

• Collective psychosis: Psychological mechanisms and historical examples (e.g., witch hunts, modern conspiracies).

• Readings (Sample):

• Janis, I. L. (1972). Victims of Groupthink.

• Le Bon, G. (1895). The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind.

• Staub, E. (1989). The Roots of Evil: The Origins of Genocide and Other Group Violence.

• Primary sources: Historical accounts of mass movements (e.g., French Revolution, QAnon manifestos).

• Activities:

• Weekly readings (100-150 pages) with reflective summaries.

• Biweekly supervision meetings to refine research questions and connect readings to contemporary issues.

• One group seminar: Analyze a case study of collective psychosis (e.g., Jonestown or online radicalization).

• Deliverable: 3,000-word analytical paper on a historical or modern case of collective behavior.

Year 2, Semester 1: Authoritarianism and Dehumanization

Objective: Investigate the psychological underpinnings of authoritarianism and dehumanization, with a focus on genocide.

• Core Themes:

• The authoritarian personality (Adorno’s F-scale, Altemeyer’s updates).

• Dehumanization and “othering” as precursors to violence.

• Psychological stages of genocide (e.g., Stanton’s framework).

• Readings (Sample):

• Adorno, T. W., et al. (1950). The Authoritarian Personality.

• Altemeyer, B. (1981). Right-Wing Authoritarianism.

• Stanton, G. H. (1998). The 10 Stages of Genocide.

• Case studies: Primary documents from the Holocaust, Rwandan genocide, or Bosnian genocide.

• Activities:

• Weekly readings (120-150 pages) with critical annotations.

• Biweekly supervision meetings to develop a research proposal for the capstone project.

• One group seminar: Workshop on analyzing authoritarian rhetoric or dehumanizing propaganda.

• Deliverable: 4,000-word research proposal outlining a capstone project (e.g., thesis, policy analysis, or intervention design).

Year 2, Semester 2: Synthesis and Capstone Project

Objective: Synthesize learning and produce an original contribution to political psychology.

• Core Themes:

• Integrating insights: Connecting collective behavior, authoritarianism, and genocide.

• Ethical applications: Using political psychology for conflict resolution, human rights, or policy.

• Emerging challenges: Misinformation, AI, and the future of political psychology.

• Readings (Sample):

• Kelman, H. C., & Hamilton, V. L. (1989). Crimes of Obedience.

• Sunstein, C. R. (2018). #Republic: Divided Democracy in the Age of Social Media.

• Selected contemporary articles on misinformation and digital propaganda.

• Activities:

• Weekly readings (80-100 pages) tailored to the participant’s capstone topic.

• Weekly supervision meetings to refine the capstone project.

• Final group seminar: Capstone presentations to peers and faculty, followed by feedback.

• Deliverable: 10,000-15,000-word capstone project (e.g., academic thesis, policy paper, or intervention proposal) suitable for publication or professional use.

Program Features

• Individualized Supervision: Each participant is paired with a dedicated mentor (a scholar or practitioner in political psychology) for personalized guidance throughout the program.

• Intensive Readings: Curated reading lists include foundational texts, primary sources, and cutting-edge research, totaling ~5,000-6,000 pages over two years.

• Flexible Pacing: Asynchronous coursework allows participants to balance professional or academic commitments, with deadlines tailored in consultation with supervisors.

• Optional Intensive Seminars: 2-3 in-person or virtual seminars per year foster peer interaction and collaborative learning.

• Capstone Project: Participants produce an original, publishable work under close supervision, ideal for academic portfolios, policy advocacy, or professional development.

• Small Cohort: Limited enrollment ensures deep engagement and meaningful mentorship.

Sample Reading List

• Foundational Texts:

• Freud, S. (1921). Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego.

• Fromm, E. (1941). Escape from Freedom.

• Tajfel, H. (1981). Human Groups and Social Categories.

• Authoritarianism:

• Arendt, H. (1951). The Origins of Totalitarianism.

• Altemeyer, B. (2006). The Authoritarians.

• Genocide and Dehumanization:

• Bauman, Z. (1989). Modernity and the Holocaust.

• Chirot, D., & McCauley, C. (2006). Why Not Kill Them All? The Logic and Prevention of Mass Political Murder.

• Contemporary Issues:

• Pariser, E. (2011). The Filter Bubble.

• Selected articles from journals like Political Psychology or Journal of Social Issues.

Registration and Contact

How to Apply: Submit an application, including a statement of interest and CV, at office@iph.edu.rs.

Application Deadline: September 1, 2025.