Middlebury

FYSE1309A-F10

The True Believer

The True Believer
When he published The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements, social thinker Eric Hoffer sought to explain exactly what inspires people to commit themselves passionately to causes defined by their unyielding belief. Like Hoffer, we will examine not only what has motivated individuals over time to join extremist social, political, and religious movements, but also the psychologies of those who have led them throughout history. We will try to determine precisely who the true believer is, and whether true belief is generally of greater benefit or harm to the believer and to broader society.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
92754
Subject Code:
FYSE
Course Number:
1309
Section Identifier:
A

Course

FYSE 1309

All Sections in Fall 2010

Fall 2010

FYSE1309A-F10 Seminar (Wyatt)