Psychology of politics and public administration WSE-ZP-PPiZP
The course aims to familiarize students with the determinants of political decision-making and the principles of management in public institutions. During the classes, participants acquire knowledge about decision-making processes in politics, analyze their rationality, and learn about the psychological, social, and institutional factors that shape public decisions.
The course develops students’ ability to observe, analyze, and evaluate public life phenomena and teaches them how to apply this knowledge actively in social and professional practice. Students prepare for conscious participation in public life—they learn to inspire and lead social activity, both their own and that of others.
Throughout the course, a variety of topics related to contemporary politics and public management are discussed. Participants learn about project management in politics through the example of political strategy development and reflect on the rationality of political decisions. The course examines the personalization of modern politics, including the role of the politician’s and citizen’s personalities, as well as the importance of ideology and values in shaping perceptions of social reality.
Particular attention is given to political identification and social identity, the psychology of emotions in politics, and the specific functioning of public institutions. Students also study decision-making processes in practice—for instance, through analysis of the governmental legislative process and regulatory impact assessment in its social context.
Another part of the course focuses on research in politics and social communication from the perspective of social psychology. Students analyze the psychology of political conflict, learn to recognize mechanisms of persuasion and social influence, and explore different forms of power motivation and their relationship to leadership styles in politics.
The course concludes with reflection on the ethical aspects of political psychology and public management. Discussions encourage critical thought about leadership responsibility, limits of power, moral dilemmas in political decision-making, and ethical challenges of communication in the public sphere.
As a result of completing the course, students gain theoretical knowledge and practical competencies essential for analyzing political decisions, understanding mechanisms of power, and effectively participating in public life—both as citizens and as potential leaders, researchers, or public administration professionals.
(in Polish) E-Learning
(in Polish) Grupa przedmiotów ogólnouczenianych
(in Polish) Opis nakładu pracy studenta w ECTS
Subject level
Learning outcome code/codes
Type of subject
Preliminary Requirements
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
W01 – Possesses knowledge in the field of political psychology, broadening and deepening their understanding of contemporary political issues.
W02 – Knows and understands selected aspects of public management within chosen government administration organizations.
U01 – Based on acquired knowledge, is able to accurately identify and formulate complex political and social problems related to the area of public management.
U02 – Is able to apply various management tools and methods, including project management techniques.
K01 – Is prepared to act independently in decision-making, demonstrate initiative in solving problems and creating new solutions, and critically evaluate their own actions as well as those of the team or organization they lead or participate in, taking responsibility for the outcomes of these actions.
Assessment criteria
For an excellent grade (5.0):
The student independently and critically analyzes all discussed issues and is able to explain the determinants of political decisions and public management processes. They demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between psychological, social, and institutional factors influencing political decisions (W01; W02). The student independently develops analytical and research projects, formulates original conclusions, applies theories in practice, and makes appropriate use of academic literature (U01, U02). They show a high level of engagement, actively participate in discussions, demonstrate a critical and reflective attitude, and display the ability to work effectively in a team (K01).
For a good grade (4.0):
The student correctly defines most determinants of political decisions and mechanisms of management in public institutions. They understand the interrelations between emotions, values, and ideologies in politics. The student is able to analyze examples of political decisions and assess their rationality (W01; W02). They independently prepare most topics, make use of relevant literature, formulate conclusions, and present logical arguments (U01, U02). The student shows engagement, frequently participates in discussions, and can justify their own opinions (K01).
For a satisfactory grade (3.0):
The student knows the basic concepts and processes related to political decision-making and public management. They can identify the main mechanisms of decision-making and indicate their psychological and social determinants (W01; W02). With the instructor’s support, the student prepares fundamental topics and makes use of basic literature in the field (U01, U02). The student participates in classes, makes an effort to be engaged, and presents their own opinions during discussions (K01).
Practical placement
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Bibliography
1. Dalton, R.J., Klingemann H.-D. (2010). Zachowania polityczne. Warszawa: PWN
2. Heywood, A. (1997). Ideologie polityczne. Warszawa: PWN
3. Maliszewski, N.E. (2008).Jak zaprogramować wyborcę. Warszawa: Difin.
4. Markowski, R., Cześnik, M., Kotnarowski, M. (2015). Demokracja, gospodarka, polityka. Warszawa: Scholar
5. Sears D., Huddy L. , Jarvis R. (red.), Psychologia polityczna, Kraków 2008.
Literatura uzupełniająca:
1. Bodio T. (red.), Przywództwo polityczne, "Studia Politologiczne", Vol. 5, Warszawa 2001.
2. Brzezińska M. M., „Gołąb” i „jastrząb”, czyli przywództwo i decydowanie polityczne kobiet i mężczyzn, w: K. Uklańska, O. Kotowska-Wójcik, Kobiece i męskie konteksty życia, Poznań 2020, s. 151-164.
3. Pietraś Z. J., Decydowanie polityczne, Warszawa-Kraków 2000.
4. Skarżyńska K., Człowiek a polityka. Zarys psychologii politycznej, Warszawa 2005.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: