250243 From compliance to violent resistance: on the relationship between citizens and the police (BS) (WiSe 2022/2023)

The police require public support to function in a democratic context. Believes on the legitimacy of the police facilitate compliance with rules and norms, and cooperation with authorities. At the same time, a legitimate police force requires little violence to confront opposition. Yet, the world has seen several cases of violent demonstrations as well as police excessive use of force during the last years. Why do people obey the police? Or why do people support violent forms of resistance?

The aim of this course is to provide students with an overview of different perspectives to understand police-citizen relationships: instrumental perspectives on compliance, theories of legitimacy, motivational posturing theory and procedural justice theory. The course will examine a range of different dispositions citizens can adopt when confronted with the police, ranging from compliance to violent forms of resistance. With these perspectives in mind, students will be encouraged to critically read academic literature as well as to apply the concepts and theories to real world examples.

Requirements for participation, required level

This course has a theoretical and applied character, considering an active role of students. In each lecture, concepts and theories will be outlined and specific activities will be developed to apply these frameworks to applied examples. Students will be expected to read current research in the field and discussions will be encouraged.

Master of Arts: Voraussetzung ist die Einschreibung im Master of Arts Erziehungswissenschaft im WiSe22_23.
M.Ed. UFP: Voraussetzung ist die Einschreibung im Master of Education, Unterrichtsfach Pädagogik im WiSe22_23.