The Politics of Good and Evil
The Politics of Good and Evil will offer you the opportunity to examine what political psychologists have learned about good and evil and how it is manifested in the political world. Why is it that some people are willing to risk their lives to help others while others commit terrible and horrific acts? You will consider the important ethical question, "How should I live?" while examining your own personal life choices and experiences as you seek to answer that question for yourself.
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During the Fall 2013 semester, you will take FYS 1131: The Politics of Good and Evil (which fulfills the first-year seminar graduation requirement) and will be oriented to the discussion of the ethical/moral requirements for human behavior. You will be exposed to the psychological, social, and political
underpinnings of terrorism, genocide, torture, and mass killings. You will also investigate how emotions and the perceptions of threat ultimately lead to a willingness to violate individuals' basic rights and civil liberties while discovering the factors that contribute to heroic and altruistic behavior.
Engaging Politics Beyond the Classroom
The Politics of Good and Evil will provide you with the opportunity to witness the "real world" impact of good and evil. You may take a trip to visit one of the
United States Holocaust Museum's traveling exhibits or witness the important impact of activism through your exposure to such organizations as the
End Genocide Action Summit. You may also participate in some unique Furman activities during the upcoming "Year of Altruism" on campus.