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2026-27 Fall - PPOL2320 - Experiments in Power: Why We Make the Rules We Make

Course

Description

Instructor(s)/Supervisor(s)/Coordinator(s): Marie BERNAL
This interdisciplinary course examines the psychological foundations of governance through hands-on simulations and empirical inquiry. Students explore how individual cognition, group behavior, and social context shape rule-making and public decision processes. Integrating principles from social psychology, behavioral economics, and public policy, the curriculum addresses topics including cognitive biases, authority dynamics, fairness, and identity-driven group interactions. Assignments engage students in real-time policy design, ethical analysis, and persuasive campaign development, fostering a deeper understanding of cooperative systems and societal leadership. No specific disciplinary background is required. Students from all academic fields will benefit from the practical insights into how governance is constructed, challenged, and communicated. The course emphasizes collaborative problem-solving, critical reflection, and communication strategies applicable across diverse professional domains.
Course period1/09/2631/12/26
Course levelUG
Course formatLecture