LEARNING OUTCOMES

Promote understanding of theories, methods and values of Community Psychology; know the effects of interactions, cultures and contexts on psychological well-being of individuals and communities; evaluate strategies to enhance the relationship between people and their environment; think in terms of prevention

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course will present the different applicative contexts of the discipline, giving particular relevance to the theories and tools of the community approach. In the first part the main constructs of community work will be examined, focusing in particular on the principles and processes that characterize research and guide professional practice in this area of ​​intervention. The analysis and intervention levels will then be analyzed, focusing attention on the contexts of application and on the implications for the promotion of individual and social well-being. The following topics will be dealt with:

- The concept of Community;

- The theoretical reference models of Community Psychology;

- The Sense of Community;

- Methods and tools of community work;

- The social network and network work;

- Self-Help groups;

- The characteristics of urban contexts and the Quality of Life;

- The contexts of application of Community Psychology

TEACHING METHODS

Theoretical lessons (with support of slides)

Students with disability or other special educational needs are invited to contact the teacher at the beginning of the Course to agree on teaching methods that take into account indiviidual learning  methods

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course will present the different application contexts of Community Psychology, giving particular attention to theories and tools in community approach. In the first part of the course, we will examine the main constructs of community work, focusing in particular on the principles and processes that characterize research and guide the professional practice in this intervention area. Then, we will analyze levels of analysis and intervention, focusing on application contexts and implications for the promotion of individual and social well-being.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

• Francescato D., Tomai M., Ghirelli G., Fondamenti di psicologia di comunità, Carocci, Roma, 2011 (except chapter 4, 5, 6, 10, 12)
• Prezza M., Santinello M. (a cura di) Conoscere la comunità. L'analisi degli ambienti di vita quotidiana, Il Mulino, Bologna, 2002 (except chapter 2, 3, 4)
• Mosso C., Testoni I., Dai gruppi alla comunità, UTET, Novara, 2015 (except chapter 2, 3, 7)

Papers and other materials in English are available upon request for international students.