Cognitive Science 0209 - Political Culture

Every society offers public rituals, formal instruction and places of sacred memory whose purpose is to foster a common political identity like citizenship and nationalism. Some of these devices appear natural and timeless; others are obviously invented. Some exist in peaceful periods; others are meant to galvanize people for organized action and warfare. This course, whose focus is the contemporary US, introduces their analysis. Students will lead the discussion of readings, write a couple of brief essays and present a final project.

Mind, Brain, and Information Independent Work Writing and Research In this course, students are expected to spend at least six to eight hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time. This time includes reading, writing, research.