LEWISTON – The causes of conflict, war and terrorism and the resulting psychological impact they have on society will be explored in a course this fall at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College.

The course titled “Social Psychology of War and Terrorism” is offered as an elective in the social and behavioral sciences program.

The course instructor, Elaine Makas, Ph.D., says that the major objective of the class is to “apply basic principles and models from social psychology to explore the psychological causes and the psychological impact of war and terrorism.” Some of the topics will include an examination of terrorist groups and the cognitive causes of war, the influence of culture and the media, persuasion and aggression, group influence and conflict resolution.

The course will also give students an opportunity to learn and understand other cultures and their belief systems. Students will complete written assignments and conduct in-class presentations on such topics as media influence, recognizing bias, and how to examine both sides of a conflict.

This class (SBS 399) will meet from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays, beginning Sept. 12. Registration for this and other fall semester courses is open through the first week of classes. The complete fall semester course listing is available online at www.usm.maine.edu/lac/schedules. Call 753-6500 for more information, or advising assistance.