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Academic Year 2004/2005
The Historical Evolution of Power and the Human Psyche
HIST 392 SP
We will examine theories about the contribution of biological and historical evolution to continuity and change in human psychology; and theories about the historical and psychological dynamics shaping various kinds of
human
pseudo-speciation and related power projects. To track the evolution of power we will explore mainly the evolution of modern imperial projects. We will also study how revolutionary liberation projects turned into empires
and, paradoxically, how escalating arms races served projects of liberation. On the psychohistorical side, we will study theories explaining, for example, the origins of paranoid political movements and their expression
in
different historical settings leading to scapegoating and genocide. After we explore the major theories, survey the historical terrain and important cases, students will select topics in fields of their interest,
present
their ongoing work to the seminar, and produce a research paper. Topics may range all the way from the study of theories about international systems to psychobiography.
MAJOR READINGS
David Abernethy, THE DYNAMICS OF GLOBAL POWER
Niall Ferguson, EMPIRE: THE RISE AND DEMISE OF THE BRITISH WORLD ORDER AND THE LESSONS FOR GLOBAL POWER
Michael Mann, THE SOURCES OF SOCIAL POWER
William McNeill,
THE PURSUIT OF POWER
Kenneth
Pomeranz, THE GREAT DIVERGENCE: CHINA, EUROPE, AND THE MAKING OF THE WORLD ECONOMY
Stephen K. Sanderson, SOCIAL TRANSFORMATIONS, A GENERAL THEORY OF HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
Charles Tilly, COERCION, CAPITAL, AND
EUROPEAN STATES
Fareed Zakaria, FROM
WEALTH TO POWER: THE UNUSUAL ORIGINS OF AMERICA'S WORLD ROLE
In addition, we will read psychological and psychohistorical texts relevant to identity and power, paranoid formulations of group identity, paranoid
constructions of power systems, and
psychological ties of leaders and led. The readings will range from Freud's writings on group psychology to contemporary writings on the subject.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Several discussion papers, class presentations, a research proposal, a preliminary and final bibliography, a draft of the research paper, an oral presentation of the project, and a final research paper of 25-30 pages.
COURSE FORMAT:
Seminar
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level:
UGRD
Credit:
1
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS HIST
Grading Mode:
Graded
Prerequisites:
NONE
SECTION 01
- Instructor(s): Pomper,Philip
- Times: .M..... 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: PAC413;
- Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)
- SR. major: 5 Jr. major: 5
- SR. non-major: 4 Jr. non-major: 4 SO: 2 FR: 0
Special Attributes:
- Curricular Renewal: Speaking, Writing, Focused Inquiry Course
Links to Web Resources For This Course.
Last Updated on MAR-21-2005
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459