PROJECTS

Why People Hate: Interdisciplinary Perspectives

Gonzaga University has been working for the past year on developing this course with an interdisciplinary approach to examining the topic of hate. The spring 2009 semester is the first time it was be offered. Due to the interest in the class, it was offered again in spring 2010. In both semesters, the class filled up and had a waiting list.

This course explores the construct of hate from historical, psychological, sociological, organizational, and criminal justice perspectives. First, through the analysis of racist and nativist legislation, we will study the institutionalization and sanctioning of hate by the United States government and the American people's support for and opposition to this process. As we come to understand how hate is institutionalized, we will focus on what psychologists know about stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. Along with the psychological perspectives, we will consider sociological theories and the role that culture and social structures play in encouraging us to hate and fear those that are different. We will examine how this hate finds expression in our organizations in the form of discrimination, violence, bullying, and harassment. An important component of the course is that we will not only study why hate occurs and how it is expressed but we will also explore ways in which we can prevent the growth of hate and fear.

You can view the syllabus here.

The faculty who are teaching this class include:

Dr. Donnelly, History
Dr. Bartlett, Psychology
Dr. Marin, Sociology
Dr. Pepper, Business
Dr. Gumbhir Sociology/Criminal Justice

This class is currently closed for new registrants. It closed after only two days of registration.