The phenomena of cults reflects a convergence of social and cognitive psychology. Cults illustrate how authoritarian figures gain power over individuals through the manipulation of emotions and cognitions. They also illustrate numerous things about group dynamics. This course aims to illuminate the processes by which people become cult followers, examine the psychological underpinning that contributes to indoctrination, and also identify some key components of recovery from cult experiences. Students will learn to identify the influence of social psychological concepts like group think, conformity and obedience to authority, as well as aspects of mind control including cognitive dissonance and distortion, manipulation of emotion and fear, as well as identification.
Equal parts psychology and creative writing, as part of our study of writing craft, students will read nonfiction stories written by cult survivors. Building on craft elements present in the stories, students will write original works through a series of creative writing exercises. Craft elements studied include, but are not limited to, writing effective scenes, generating tension, character development, uses of setting, effective dialogue, underwriting, defamiliarization, embodiment, images, language choices, voice, structure, musicality, and more.
This program will be a strong fit if you’re interested in psychology, sociology, and/or creative writing.
Students will be expected to engage in 3 hours per week of asynchronous class activities, in addition to time spent on readings and assignments.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
4 - Psychology
4 - Creative Writing
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Academic Details
Psychology, creative writing, sociology.