This seminar investigates the psychological, historical, and cultural factors that have produced charismatic leaders and their devoted followers. The readings will present basic psychological theories that can be used to organize research on character and style of charismatic leaders and the resonance those leaders develop among their devoted followers. Those theorists include Freud, Weber, and Erikson. Classic biographies in the field will be used as models for the seminar paper that will be a case study on a particular leader and her political culture. Questions about the universal appeal and cultural limits of the leaders chosen will be central to seminar discussions.