Responding to the 100-year anniversary of the First World War, this course looks at what that conflict and others have taught psychologists about conflict, trauma and collective memory. The First World War is now recognised as having had a profound impact on the psychological understanding of trauma. The course is divided into three parts. Part One studies the political and social context of the start of the 20th century and the build-up to the Great War itself, through an examination of social identity and the process of conflict. Part Two analyses the history of trauma and the role of WWI and particularly the war in the trenches of Europe, which brought psychology into the understanding of the impact of conflict on the mind. Part Three considers the effects on memory and the place of anniversaries and commemorations, exploring the shifting and conflicting schema presented in this anniversary period 2014–19. The course includes several field trips around London to museums and sites.
Prereq: PSY 205/209 or equivalent introductory psychology course.
Limited enrollment: Psychology majors may take more than one Psychology (PSY) course, all others limited to one PSY course during the semester.
Limited enrollment: Psychology majors may take more than one Psychology (PSY) course, all others limited to one PSY course during the semester.
Department: Psychology
Location: London
Semesters: Fall, Spring
Credits: 3