Psychology Topics 8 - Politics/ Conflict Management NEW

“I really enjoyed the course. I have learned so much which I will use. I will also read more and hope to be back for more classes”

– Cath Gausden, learner, December 2025

Please note that, in view of Keith Rice’s retirement at the end of this course, this is the last time this course will be run for Rossett Adult Learning.

This course aims to

• Build on the introductory course, ‘Knowing Yourself & Others: an Introduction to Psychology’*
• Provide an academically-robust, more in-depth approach to key topic areas
• Create enjoyable learning experiences and foster a love of learning
• Stimulate students to explore areas that interest them in even greater depth

It is for

• Anyone interested Psychology who wants to explore their specific interest in one or both of the topics under discussion
• Anyone wanting generally to build their knowledge of Psychology

*Note: it will help if you have participated in the introductory course or otherwise developed a basic knowledge of Psychology. However, there will be recaps at various points in the course and additional study materials provided to enable those with little prior knowledge of Psychology to catch up.

For all sessions students will need

• An open and curious mind
• Willingness to participate in questionnaires, activities and exercises

Note: the topic areas can touch upon sensitive issues. Workshop participants will not need to divulge any information of a sensitive or confidential nature.

Additional Costs

• Learners should bring along a folder/binder they can keep their handouts in
• Learners should bring along a notepad they can make additional notes on

By the end of the course Learners should

• Feel equipped to study the specific topic areas in greater detail if they wish
• Be generally more confident in applying psychological concepts in general

Brief details of the topics to be covered each week

Week1 - Introductory

• Introduction to the course
• Introduction to fellow participants
• Introduction to pertinent psychological concepts - including appropriate recap of the introductory course 

Week2 – What is Politics…and why it matters

• A sociopsychological approach to the development of government
• The relationship between economics and politics
• Labelling Theory and the imposition of values

Week3 – Is Democracy the best form of Government?

• What is democracy?
• The assumptions of democracy
• Roles of the media in democracy

Week4 – Psychology and Politics

• Political preferences, brain biology and psychological development
• Why some ideas appeal to some people and not to others
• How politicians use ideas to manipulate voters

Week5 – Causes of Conflict

• 6 roots of conflict
• Conflicting identities with conflicting beliefs

Week6 – Appreciating and understanding different perspectives

• The nature of beliefs
• Identifying how different values and beliefs drive behaviour
• The in-group/out-group effect and the relationship between group identity and conflict

Week7 – Conflict Modes

• The relationship between motivation, beliefs and approaches to conflict
• Identifying and understanding different approaches to conflict
• How temperament can influence people’s approach to conflict

Week8 – International Conflict

• How values drive conflict across the globe
• Imperialism and Cultural Defence

Week9 – Managing Conflict

• Strategies for minimising conflict
• Collaborating to overcome conflict

Week10 – Integration

• Work with partners on a case study to do with the topics on this course
• Ideas for exploring your psychological interests further

Note #1: As the course builds understanding cumulatively, Learners should attempt to attend all sessions and catch up if they should miss one.

Note #2: ‘Homeplay’ mini-tasks will be given on some sessions to apply and consolidate the learning.

“One of the best modules yet. Engaging and thought-provoking. Fresh and relevant.”

– Ed Ryder, learner, March 2025

To view other comments from previous participants in Keith’s training sessions, go to http://www.integratedsociopsychology.net/services/training/course-quotes/

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