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ANTHRO 4118

The Good Cause: Psychological Anthropology of Moral Crusades

RELIGIOUS STUDIESANTHROPOLOGY

Why do people join moral crusades? These are social movements based on powerful moral institutions, ranging from the abolitionist and suffragette movements to witch hunts, insurgency and ethnic riots. Such movements are extremely diverse, yet their unfolding and the dynamics of recruitment show remarkably common properties. We will examine a series of empirical cases, including recent events, and assess the relevance of models based on individual psychological dynamics, intuitive moral capacities, and human motivation for participation in collective action.

Instructors

Pascal Boyer

2.3
Quality
2.3
Difficulty
4
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Reviews

Quality: 2Difficulty: 4Pascal Boyer

I took two classes w Prof Boyer. His exams and quizzes are quite easy, but he grades the papers quite harshly and doesn't give feedback. I received my final grade which was dependent on a single paper after we all left campus and didn't even see any comments as to why I received the grade I did. I had a high A the entire sem to be dropped down.

2/24/2025

Quality: 1Difficulty: 1Pascal Boyer

Seems to take satisfaction from bullying his students, and treats struggling students with contempt. Should not be a professor.

12/24/2023

Quality: 4Difficulty: 1Pascal Boyer

Dr. Boyer is an amazing professor. He can be a little disorganized at times, and sometimes his explanations can be confusing, but overall there is more pros than cons.

9/4/2023

Quality: 2Difficulty: 3Pascal Boyer

Dr. Boyer did not adequately communicate the expectations of the course. The class was graded mostly on group projects and participation. Lectures were boring, and discussion was awkward. Boyer didn't have regular office hours and was very hard to reach. Would not recommend this course.

5/9/2023