UNIVERSITY OF PÉCS
Centre for International Relations
Summer School Program - Psychology Department University of Pécs (UP)
Psychology Summer School
30th May – 24th June 2016
Psychological Responses to Permanent and Actual Challenges
Description:
The Psychology Module covers two of the major research fields of the Psychology Institute
of Pécs – Social Psychology and Evolutionary Psychology. Students who attend this program
will have the opportunity to learn about the social connectedness of the human psyche and
the evolutionary underpinnings of our species.
Module 1 : A Global Challenge: The Psychological Perspectives of Diversity
The Social Psychology Sub-Module: is divided into 4 topics. The topics will focus on those
psychological theories which are essential to understand and act on the global challenges
when facing diversity, transforming it from a cause of conflict and violence to a value of
innovation and a cornerstone for inclusive community construction. Furthermore we focus
on the psychological perspective to understand others, and the dynamics of intergroup
relationships. Through interactive sessions we would like to provide psychological tools and
other practical implications for understanding and dealing with minority issues and
intergroup conflicts.
Keywords: Symbolic coping; Meaning construction; Globalization; Identity construction;
Social representation – Social communication; National History; Narrative psychology
Topic 1 . Social Representation
At this topic we will take a look on the creation of the human knowledge. According to Social
Representation the origin of human knowledge comes from a series of interconnected
communication. SR deal with question for example how we create the social reality around
us. Social representation (Moscovici; Jovchelovitch; Wagner) is an important key to
understand human action from the social point of view. According to Jovchelovitch (2006)
Social Representation is a „symbolic coping” with the unknown aspects of our social life.
Every knowledge that is „inside” our head comes from the processes of Social
Representation. Reality as a social construct.
Lecturers: Sara Bigazzi PhD; Sara Serdült
Recommended Readings:
Jovchelovitch, S. (2006).Knowledge in context: representations, community and
culture. Routledge Publications, London, England.
7622 Pécs Vasvári Pál u. 4. Hungary
Telephone: +36 72 501 500/12418 Fax: +36 72 501 508
E-mail: international@pte.hu
UNIVERSITY OF PÉCS
Moscovici, S. (1981). On social representations. In J. P. Forgas (Ed.), Social cognition.
Perspectives on everyday understanding (181-209). London: Academic.
Topic 2: Narrativity
In this topic we would like to introduce the basic components of Scientific Narrative
Psychology – SNP (János László). Along the thoughts of Jerome Bruner and Theodore Sarbin
SNP thinks about the human psyche as a narrative construct. Narrativity as our basic
anthropological aspect (László, 2005). Identity and identity construction play a major role in
SNP. How does our identity grow from the different life-experiences? What is the role of our
personal life history in the forming of our own identity? Our psychological reality is utterly
(apriori) plastic and up for interpretation and also construction. Narrativity is a way for a
human being to connect (I narrate therefore I am.) Our thoughts, histories, identities and
actions are formed through narratives. With taking part in the narrative construction of the
world we can influence what is happening around us. We will take a little glimpse on the
neuroligical underpinnings of identity and the human psyche. This topic will also examine
the research methodology of SNP and will show through text analysis how this method
works and how it can help to improve our psychological knowledge.
Lecturer: Péter Restás
Recommended Readings:
Lászlo, J. (2014) Historical tales and national identity. An introduction to narrative
social psychology. Routledge.
Sarbin, T. R. (1986). Narrative Psychology: The storied nature of human conduct. New
York: Praeger.
Topic 3: History and Identity
Collective Memory (Orsolya Vincze, PhD): what is the role of history and rememberence in
our social life? How collectives remember and re-create their past? What are the carriers of
rememberence? What is the difference between the collective memory and personal
memory? What is the difference between the collective history and personal history? Impact
of the past on the present.
Recently there is a growing interest among social psychologist on historical variables to
explain intergroup phenomena. Besides the well-articulated social psychological
explanations, collective memory approach can complete them by providing the dimension of
time to intergroup relations. The notion of collective memory was developed by Halbwachs
(1992) who stressed the social framework of memory is conceived as an instrument that
7622 Pécs Vasvári Pál u. 4. Hungary
Telephone: +36 72 501 500/12418 Fax: +36 72 501 508
E-mail: international@pte.hu
UNIVERSITY OF PÉCS
people use to reconstruct their past. Collective memory refers to the shared information
about group history and held by the group members. The way groups remember their past it
also reveal the way how they construct their group identity. Social remembering is related
very much to social identity; to the self-concept of in-group and its relational qualities to
out-groups.
The lecture will introduce the basic processes of collective memory: how group members
construct, share and pass on memories of their group history. The lecture will discuss the
relation between collective memory and social identity and as a consequence the strategic
use of memory.
Lecturers: Orsolya Vincze PhD; Zsolt Péter Szabó PhD; Noémi Mészáros
Recommended readings
Jan Assmann (2011) Cultural Memory and Early Civilization: Writing, Remembrance,
and Political Imagination. Cambridge University Press
Maurice Halbwachs (1992) On Collective Memory, Univ of Chicago Press
James W. Pennebaker and Becky L. Banasik: On the Creation and Maintenance of
Collective Memories: History as Social Psychology. In: James W. Pennebaker, Dario Paez,
Bernard Rimé (1997) Collective Memory of Political Events, Social Psychological Perspectives,
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, New Jersey
James H. Liu & Denis J. Hilton: How the past weighs ont he present: Social
representation of history and their role in identity politics. British Journal of social
Psychology. 2005. 44.
Collective Victimhood (Zsolt Péter Szabó, PhD; Noémi Mészáros): The social psychological
processes related to victimhood within inter-group conflicts are relatively understudied
(Noor et al., 2012). The sense of self-perceived victimhood is a mindset which is shared by
group members. It results from a perceived intentional, undeserved, unjust, and immoral
harm inflicted on a collective by another group(s). The perceived harm can be done in the
present or (recent or distant) past. It can be partly imagined but usually is based on “real”
experienced events. It can be a result of a one-time even (e.g., loss of battle or war,
genocide, ethnic cleansing) or a long-term harmful treatment (e.g., slavery, exploitation,
discrimination, occupation) (Bar-Tal et al., 2009).
Bar-Tal et al (2009) suggests that not only the objective experiences matter but also the
social construction of it. Societies may choose to internalize past harms and to transform
them into powerful cultural narratives which become an integral part of the social identity.
The lecture will introduce important concepts related to collective victimhood such as
competitive victimhood, exclusive vs. inclusive victim beliefs, dual roles. We will focus on the
relationship between the past, the present and the future. Understanding victim beliefs and
victim identities are important when it comes to forgiveness and reconciliation. Reality as a
historical construct.
7622 Pécs Vasvári Pál u. 4. Hungary
Telephone: +36 72 501 500/12418 Fax: +36 72 501 508
E-mail: international@pte.hu
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Recommended readings
Bar-Tal, D., Chernyak-Hai, L., Schori, N., Gundar, A. (2009) A sense of self perceived
collective victimhood in inter-actable conflicts. International Review of the Red Cross, June.
229-258.
Wohl, M.J.A., Branscombe, N.R. (2008) Remembering historical victimization:
collective guilt for current in-group transgression. Journal of Personality and Social
Psychology, 94, 988-1006.
Topic 4: Minority and Intergroup Issues
Starting from the issue of identity (Tajfel: social identity), its construction (László: narratives)
and activation related to the social context (Halbwachs: social memory, Bar-tal: collective
victimhood), we will bound it to the knowledge in general (Moscovici: social
representations), and strictly to the knowledge about the Other (prejudice and perceived
social distance) and the subjective need of distinction and being distinguished. From another
perspective we will speak about those different psychological theories that confirm the
human need of inter-subjectivity and relatedness (Language philosophy: Bahtyn, Vigotsky;
Developmental Psychology, Neurological researches), and how the improvement of this
human skill need diversity. Finally we will focus in modelling diversity contexts (intercultural
contexts, interdisciplinary communities) their conditions (dialogue, cooperative structures,
equity, common goals etc.) and their possible individual and social consequences (empathy,
self-esteem, self-reflection, ability-action-responsibility, interiorized norms, inclusive
communities, searching for adaptive strategies). Reality as intergroup construct and
influenced by those who has the power over it.
The course will include a visit to a settlement in Baranya-county or a segregated district with
mainly Gypsy population.
Lecturers: Sara Bigazzi PhD; Sara Serdült; Ildiko Bokrétás; Ferenc Arató PhD
Recommended readings:
Tajfel, H. (1981): Human groups and social categories: Studies in social psychology.
Cambridge University Press. Cambridge
Aronson, E., and S. Patnoe. (1997). The jigsaw classroom. Addison-Wesley/Longman,
New York.
7622 Pécs Vasvári Pál u. 4. Hungary
Telephone: +36 72 501 500/12418 Fax: +36 72 501 508
E-mail: international@pte.hu
UNIVERSITY OF PÉCS
Module 2 : Evolutionary Aspects of Human Psychological Functioning
The Evolutionary Psychology Sub-Module is also divided into 4 topics. These include lectures
about the evolution of the human mind and language; group formation and social norms;
cognitive development and parent-offspring relations; sexual selection and human mate
choice preferences. This broad spectrum of topics is intended to provide a skin-deep
overview about the major tenets and most recent scientific findings of evolutionary
psychology.
Have you ever wondered what specific cognitive skills helped humans survive and prevail
throughout the evolution? What similarities and differences can be found between primates
and humans? What selective advantage did language give to our ancestors? Why do we live
in groups and how are we able to separate friend from foe? How can we interpret parentoffspring conflicts and discriminative parenting in an evolutionary point of view? Why do we
find certain physical traits attractive and how did sexual selection shape the mate choice
preferences of the sexes? You may find all the answers to the questions above in the
Evolutionary Psychology Sub-Module.
Keywords: Darwin; natural selection; sexual selection; theory of mind; social norms;
reciprocity; kin relations; cognitive development; physical attractiveness; human mate
choice.
Topic 1: The evolution of the human mind
After a short historical introduction and clarification of the basic concepts of the
evolutionary psychology, we turn our attention to the origins of the human mind. We review
the primatology literature in order to pinpoint the similarities as well as differences between
the cognitive skills of humans and our closest relatives, the primates. After the discussion of
both the ecological and social theories of the evolution of the human mind we focus on
those “mental shortcuts” (heuristics) and emotional responses that aided our survival
throughout the evolution. Last, but not least we examine the evolutionary origins and
functions of one of our most powerful cognitive ability: language.
Lecturer: Prof. Tamás Bereczkei; Ádám Putz
Recommended readings:
Schaller, M., Park, J. H., Kendrick, D. T. (2007). Human evolution and social cognition.
In Dunbar, R. I. M., Barrett, L. (eds.): The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology (pp.
491-504). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Workman, L., Reader, W. (2004). Evolutionary Psychology: An introduction.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
7622 Pécs Vasvári Pál u. 4. Hungary
Telephone: +36 72 501 500/12418 Fax: +36 72 501 508
E-mail: international@pte.hu
UNIVERSITY OF PÉCS
Topic 2: Group formation and social relations
Humans are by nature social creatures. We have an innate motivation to belong to groups,
form alliances, friendships and romantic relationships (we will discuss this latter one in
another topic). During these sessions we analyze the evolutionary advantages and pitfalls of
group formation as well as review those cognitive abilities that make us able to follow and
enforce social norms (e.g. strong reciprocity) and even pass on our culture. Of course where
there are groups of people there will be conflicts as well. Thus, we won’t forget to talk about
aggression and rivalry, manipulation tactics (Machiavellianism), reciprocity and cheater
detection.
Lecturer: Andrea Czibor PhD; Linda Szijjártó PhD; Ádám Putz
Recommended readings:
Gintis, H., Bowles, S., Boyd, R., Fehr, E. (2007). Explaining altruistic behaviour in
humans. In Dunbar, R. I. M., Barrett, L. (eds.): The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary
Psychology (pp. 605-620). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Szijjarto, L., & Bereczkei, T. (2014). The Machiavellians’ “Cool Syndrome”: They
Experience Intensive Feelings but Have Difficulties in Expressing Their Emotions. Current
Psychology, 1-13.
Topic 3: Cognitive development and parent-offspring relations
Evolutionary psychologists argue that infants are born with an adaptive cognitive skillset that
aids their survival through many different ways. For instance babies have an innate ability to
follow external noises with their gaze which makes it easier for them to establish eye contact
with their caregivers. This in turn deepens the attachment between the parent and the
infant. Even their facial morphology (baby face) works as an innate releasing mechanism that
automatically elicits approach and protection in adults.
These sessions will not only guide you through the cognitive development of human babies,
but also review the effects of environmental stimuli and socialization on development.
Furthermore, we analyze parent-offspring conflicts and discriminative parenting in an
evolutionary point of view.
Lecturer: András Láng PhD; Ádám Putz
Recommended readings:
Bereczkei, T. (2007). Parental impact on development: How proximate factors
mediate adaptive plans. In Dunbar, R. I. M., Barrett, L. (eds.): The Oxford Handbook of
Evolutionary Psychology (pp. 255-272). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
7622 Pécs Vasvári Pál u. 4. Hungary
Telephone: +36 72 501 500/12418 Fax: +36 72 501 508
E-mail: international@pte.hu
UNIVERSITY OF PÉCS
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Bogin, B. (2000). Basic principles of human growth and development. In Stinson,
S., Bogin, B., Huss-Ashmore, R., O’Rourke, D. (eds.): Human biology: An
evolutionary and biocultural perspective (pp. 377-424). New York: Wiley-Liss.
Topic 4: Sexual selection and human mate choice preferences
On the last sessions of the course we intend to shed light on the evolutionary origins of
attractiveness judgments and human mate choice preferences. We investigate how different
morphological characteristics of the human face (e.g. bilateral symmetry, averageness,
sexually dimorphic shape cues, etc.) influence our perception of beauty and trustworthiness
(i.e. beauty-stereotypes). We also review several sources of individual differences (e.g.
hormone levels, socio-economic status, own attractiveness) in short- and long term mate
choice preferences. Finally, we discuss some alternative sexual strategies (e.g.
homosexuality) along with some evolutionary theories regarding infidelity and jealousy.
Lecturer: Ádám Putz
Recommended readings:
Barber, N. (1995). The Evolutionary Psychology of Physical Attractiveness: Sexual
Selection and Human Morphology. Ethology and Sociobiology, 16(5), 395-424.
Schmitt, D. P. (2005). Fundamentals of Human Mating Strategies. In Buss, D. M. (ed.):
The Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology (pp. 258-291). New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons,
Inc., Hoboken.
7622 Pécs Vasvári Pál u. 4. Hungary
Telephone: +36 72 501 500/12418 Fax: +36 72 501 508
E-mail: international@pte.hu