In the first half of the course, The Architecture of Power and Cooperation, we investigate how power operates in social relations, how leadership and followership are co-constructed, and how strategic influence shapes perception and legitimacy. Students examine classic and contemporary theories of power, persuasion, and trust, engaging with experiments, simulations, and applied cases to better understand the conditions under which cooperation becomes possible.

In the second part, Challenges of Cooperation, the focus turns to the complexities that arise when people with competing interests and perspectives attempt to work together. Topics include conflict escalation and mediation, the strategic dynamics of coalition formation, and the often-overlooked role of culture in shaping assumptions and miscommunication. Through negotiation games, role-play scenarios, ad cultural analysis, students confront the interpersonal, structural, and ethical tensions that arise in real-world collective action.

The course draws on leadership studies, social psychology, political science, and communication theory, and is especially relevant for students interested in navigating conflict, exercising influence, and building trust in high-stakes or divided contexts.

Coordinator

Dr. Richard Ronay

Timetable

All lectures will take place on-campus and we assume you can be physically present during the scheduled hours. You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Registration

Registration is possible for students participating in an Honours program. The registration period for the Honours courses will be from Friday, November 28, 10:00 am to Tuesday, December 2, 11:59 pm. You can register through the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. (registration is NOT through SIS)

Please note: Placement is not guaranteed if you register after December 2, so make sure you register on time. You will hear which course(s) you are registered for before December 31. 

For questions about registration, please contact us at: Honours-iis@uva.nl