Social Psychological Foundations of Intergroup Conflict

About the course

This course aims to provide students with a thorough understanding of the social-psychological processes involved in intergroup conflict. The course will contribute to a deeper understanding of the cognitive, motivational and affective aspects of intergroup conflict and bias, as well as the conditions under which in-group bias may be transformed into intergroup prejudice, discrimination and violence. Contending approaches on how to structure intergroup contact in order to reduce intergroup prejudice will be examined. To achieve this, the course familiarises students with key literature that, over the past 100 years or so, has shaped our understanding of intergroup relations. In the process, we will trace the research tradition from the current day research frontier back to its historical roots, and place this pivotal research in context. Apart from a few lectures, the course consists of seminars prepared through the writing of short memos. The course builds on active participation and engagement in discussions based on the course literature.