The purpose of this course is to examine, in depth, the psychology of good and evil. Through extensive discussion of the major theoretical frameworks of the area and by designing their own original research studies, students will gain an increased understanding of the diversity of perspectives on good and evil as well as the area’s multidisciplinary nature. Topics to be covered include but are not limited to: conceptual perspectives on good and evil, harming others: contexts, causes, and implications, self-concept in relation to good and evil acts, possibilities for kindness/altruism. An equally important goal of this course and the assignments you will complete is to continue to develop more critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. My hope is that this course will help you become a more informed consumer of psychological research and your own role in it. I encourage you to think about and question the information you receive in this class as well as in the outside world and feel free to discuss these issues both in this class and amongst yourselves.
Prerequisites: Psychology 101-102, 242, 278-279. Psychology 322 is strongly recommended.
Permission of the instructor is required.
Department of Psychology
Memorial Hall | tel. 902-566-0563 | fax. 902-628-4359 | email. psychology@upei.ca
