Group psychology and Community psychology (9 CFU)
The social psychology of groups: key concepts. Group structure and processes, intragroup and intergroup conflict, social identity and intergroup relations. Community psychology: theoretical framework, social networks, welfare state, methods for research and intervention. Health promotion, risky behavior, peer education, studies on marginalization.
COMPULSORY READING:
Speltini, G., Palmonari, A. (2007). I gruppi sociali. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Santinello, M., Dallago, L., Vieno, A. (2009). Fondamenti di psicologia di comunità. Bologna: Il Mulino.
and one of the following options:
- Marta, E., Pozzi, M. (2007). Psicologia del volontariato. Roma: Carocci.
- Zamperini, A., Menegatto, M. (a cura di) (2011). La società degli indifferenti. Relazioni fragili e nuova cittadinanza. Roma: Carocci.
- MinoriGiustizia (2011), Fascicolo n. 4, pp. 7-121.
- two papers:
Holtzman, R.J., Roberts, M.C. (2012). The role of family conflict in the relation between exposure to community violence and depressive symptoms. Journal of Community Psychology, 40(2): 264-275.
West, A.E., Williams, E., Suzukovich, E., Strangeman, K., Novins, D. (2012). A Mental Health Needs Assessment of Urban American Indian Youth and Families. American Journal of Community Psychology, 49(3-4): 441-453.
Suggested papers are available on line free of charge using a computer identifiable as coming from University of Florence (for instance in an university library).
Learning Objectives
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students will know the theoretical models and the main psychological researches about groups, in order to get skills to work in groups, particularly as regards conflicts in social contexts and in marginalization.
Main researches in community psychology will be analyzed, getting basic competences about instruments for community development (community profile, action research and projects evaluation).
Prerequisites
No
Teaching Methods
TEACHING METHODS
Lectures, workshops and seminars. Meetings with experts working in social contexts.
Attending seminars/workshops will be optional.
Further information
No
Type of Assessment
LEARNING ASSESSMENT
Written and oral examination.
Examinations are graded according to a scale ranging from 0 to 30, with 18 as a pass mark.
Course program
COURSE CONTENTS
The social psychology of groups: group structure and group processes, conflictual relationships within the group and among groups, social identity and intergroup relations.
Community psychology: theoretical framework, and basic elements about community setting, empowerment, social networks, welfare state, methods in research and in intervention, action research.
Individual, group and community membership. Health promotion and risk, peer education, outreach work, intervention in marginalization.