Course description
Psychology 357: Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Seduction
This course will consider real-world examples of extreme and systematic attempts at social influence. It will build on what students learned in Introduction to Psychology (Psychology 110) and Social Psychology (Psychology 204). Consequently, both of these courses are prerequisites. Topics to be covered include principles of social influence, the “brainwashing” of American POWs by the Chinese Communists during the Korean War, classical and operant conditioning, Communist interrogation tactics, the CIA’s MKULTRA mind control program, hypnosis, the seduction community, indoctrination and hazing, psychological warfare, and attitude change and persuasion. Through readings, lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will learn the reality of brainwashing, mind control, and seduction.
Students will write a short essay on the ethics of social influence.
