Psychology 891PJ - S-Psych/International Justice

The goal of this course is to develop a recognition and understanding of international justice in conflicts around the world from psychological and other perspectives. We will start by looking at different forms of justice, their limitations and dangers, and how they were applied in international conflicts. We will then examine the relationships between justice on the one side and truth, morality, forgiveness, reconciliation, tolerance, peace, (just?) war, and empathy and emotions on the other side. While doing so, we will make connections to collective action, regime change, bystandership, the Responsibility to Protect and the Duty to Aid, and humanitarian interventions. You will also learn about International Criminal Law, human rights, and legal bodies such as the International Court of Justice. We will examine how they are used to prosecute minor players and state leaders accused of crimes, and analyze how people try to justify and excuse themselves legally and psychologically. At the end of the semester we will assess the effectiveness of justice processes, and investigate public perceptions of justice and the effects of justice on survivors of injustice and violence. We will conclude the course with the question of how to promote global justice and the connected problem of when, where, and whom to give justice.

Open to Graduate Psychology majors only. PSYCH 891RC