Issue link: https://resources.twc.edu/i/1193403
7 The Washington Center • Course Guide SU26-4783 Political Psychology Professor: Elizabeth Marsden Day/Time: Mondays | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Modality: In-Person What impacts people's political behavior, and how they view politics? This course lives in the intersection of psychology and politics, examining social and cognitive psychological concepts and their influence in the field of political science. In this course, we will be exploring different political phenomena by evaluating the psychology of individuals and groups, how identity shapes behavior, political polarization, the role of social media and misinformation, attitude formation and change, rationality, and distrust, among other topics. Professor Bio: Elizabeth Marsden is a current PhD candidate in political science whose work bridges political science, international education, and secondary humanities instruction. Ms. Marsden brings extensive applied research experience from her work with RTI International, where she has contributed to large-scale, USAID- funded education projects across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Her research and writing have appeared in institutional reports and policy-oriented publications addressing inclusive education, teacher professional development, and sustainable systems change. In her work at RTI, her work has appeared in institutional reports and policy-oriented publications addressing inclusive education, teacher professional development, and sustainable systems change, while her previous academic work emphasizes racial and gender-focused analyses, including papers and presentations on privacy and technology, race and gender equity, and how systems respond to change. Alongside her research, Ms. Marsden is also an experienced secondary humanities educator who has taught social studies both in the United States and abroad for seven years. Her current pedagogical interests include exploring effective and ethical use of artificial intelligence in high school humanities classrooms. Education: Ph.D. Candidate, George Mason University (Political Science); M.S.c., University of Edinburgh (International Development); M.Ed., Stanford University (Secondary Social Sciences Education); M.A., University of Chicago (Social Sciences); B.A., Santa Clara University (History) SU26-3633 Weapons of Mass Destruction Professor: Erin Mahan Day/Time: Mondays | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Modality: In-Person Issues of weapons of mass destruction, whether chemical, biological, or nuclear, dominate the current national security agenda. This course introduces students to the intricate, dynamic policy area of non-proliferation and preventing WMD terrorism. Students learn about how non-proliferation fits into current national security strategies; historical and contemporary policy priorities; non-governmental organization (NGO) perspectives; multilateral arms control entities; competing interagency perspectives and contemporary implementation and verification issues. Specific topics include the treaty fabric for nuclear arms control; combating the proliferation of chemical and biological weapons; current policy strategies for dealing with Iran and North Korea; and the role of the United Nations and regional institutions in the nonproliferation policy debate. Professor Bio: Dr. Erin Mahan is currently the chief historian at the Pentagon/Department of Defense. Dr. Mahan has been an instructor for TWC on and off since 2004 and was an intern in the spring of 1990. Additionally, she has also been an adjunct professor at American University, 2019-2023. Prior to becoming chief historian at the Department of Defense in 2010, Dr. Mahan was a research fellow at the National Defense University Center for Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction (2008-2010), a staff member of the Commission on the Prevention of WMD Proliferation and Terrorism, May-October 2008, and a historian and the Department of State, 2000-May 2008.