The social psychology of groups: key concepts. Group structure and processes, intragroup and intergroup conflict, social identity and intergroup relations.
Analysis of asymmetrical relationships, gender's differences, power distribution among groups and communities, empowerment policy.
Speltini, G., Palmonari, A. (2007). I gruppi sociali. Bologna: Il Mulino.
Forsyth, D. R. (2014). Group dynamics (6th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire knowledge in order to analyze and recognize dynamics and variables for the formation of the group; reletionship within the groupos and between the groups.
The course will develop the understanding of the structural, functional and communicative aspects of formal and not formal groups.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Students will acquire specific knowledge about the relationship within the groups and between the groups. It will be occurred using cases analysis, tutorials and seminars Students will be able to apply the knowledge acquired in different contexts such as: social and community, educational, organizational. This knowledge will permit to develop interventions for health promotion, education and training based on the dynamics and group relationships.
Making judgements
Students will be able to analyze and personal relational and social phenomena in a personal and critical way. Will be able to analyze the most important fields of study trough the recent scientific evidence results of the most important research in the field. The independence of judgment will be promoted through the study, analysis and discussion of the results of research.
Communication skill
Student will acquire theoretical and practical knowledge that will permit them to develop communication skills useful to interact within the group. They will acquire knowledge of the principles of pragmatic communication in order to produce the change in to the groups.
Communication skills will be acquired using the methodology of learning by doing.
Learning skills
Student, having acquired the knowledge on dynamocs and relationship within and between the groups, will be able to increase their knowledge in several fields such as: clinical, educational, and organizational.
Prerequisites
none
Teaching Methods
Lectures.
Further information
none
Type of Assessment
Written and oral exam aimed at evaluating knowledge and understanding:
The knowledge and the ability to understand key issues will be evaluated with a written exam.
Applying knowledge and understanding
Applying knowledge will be evaluated analyzing student's work groups that will take place during the course, and the outcome that the student should present at the end of the course.
Making judgements
Making judgements are evaluated in the final test which require students to express a critical opinion on some scientific evidence discussed during the course.
Communication Skills
Communication skills will be evaluated during the presentation of the results of work groups. Capacity of synthesis, focusing on key issues with appropriate language will be evaluated.
Learning skills
The acquisition of a critical knowledge will be evaluated during the written and the oral examination
Course program
The social psychology of groups: group structure and group processes, hostile relationships within the group and among groups, social identity and intergroup relations.
Basic elements about empowerment, social networks, methods in research and in intervention, action research.
Individual, group and community membership. Health promotion and risk, prevention of conflict, empowerment promotion.