Radical Minds: The Psychology of Political Change

This course is part of the UBC Future Global Leaders on-campus program for high school students ages 15–18. Combines morning classes and afternoon pre-university workshops.

This course explores the motivations and processes behind political radicalization through the lens of individual and social psychology, examining how personal grievances, group dynamics, and ideological commitment drive people toward extreme political action. We also analyze how radical organizations are structured, the psychological mechanisms that foster unwavering devotion to a cause, and the role of media in mobilizing movements.

Through lectures, discussions, and film analysis, students gain deeper insight into both historical and contemporary radical movements, their tactics, and their impact on global politics. Examination of two films, The Battle of Algiers (1966) and Paradise Now (2005), allow us to critically examine real-world case studies of insurgency and resistance, unpacking the psychological and strategic dimensions enacting political change.

In today’s world—where radicalization influences everything from political extremism and online mobilization—understanding these forces is more relevant than ever.

This course appeals to anyone interested in political science, politics, international relations and current world events.

Dr. ROBERT FARKASCH, PhD, is a Faculty lecturer in the Political Science Department at UBC, where he teaches international political economy, international relations and terrorism studies. He received his doctorate in political science from York University, master’s degree in international political economy from the Norman Paterson School for International Affairs and bachelor’s degree (hons) in economics and psychology.

Course format

This course is held on the UBC Vancouver campus. You attend class from 9am–12pm and university preparation workshops from 1:30–3pm, Monday through Friday. University preparation workshops prepare you for success at university and improve your chances of getting into the university and career of your choice. 

Choose to live in a student residence on campus or commute daily to UBC Vancouver:

Commuter Option includes lunch in residence dining hall, Monday through Friday, and UBC Recreation Card.

Residence Option includes private room and full board, airport pick-up and drop-off, local medical insurance for all international students (and custodianship if required for visas), weeknight and weekend social activities (e.g., trips to Grouse Mountain, Granville Island and Robson Street), and UBC Recreation Card.

Cost details

*All fees are subject to change

To register

A Family Account in UBC’s Lifelong Learning registration system is required to register for UBC Future Global Leaders on-campus.

After you add the course to your cart and go to check out, you’re asked to create a new Family Account or log in if you already have a Family Account.

A parent or guardian needs to set up the Family Account with their primary email address. After the account is created, the parent/guardian adds the student as a family member to their Family Account using the student's primary email address (the student’s email address cannot be the same as the parent/guardian email address).

Add the student to the course session in your cart and complete the checkout process.

After completing the checkout process, and while logged into your Family Account, select New Application to access the FGL information package. Your registration is not final until the information package has been completed and submitted. You may partially complete the information package and return to it at any time within your Family Account.

If you are located in China or Russia, you will need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to create a Family Account, register for a course, fill out the information package and complete payment. If you do not have a VPN or need assistance, please contact us.