This course provides an advanced introduction to the profession of community psychology. Community psychology is the branch of psychology concerned with person-environment interactions and the ways society impacts upon individual and community functioning. It focuses on social issues, social institutions, and other settings that influence individuals, groups, and organizations.
As a science, community psychology seeks to understand relationships between environmental conditions and the development of health and well-being of all members of a community. The practice of community psychology is directed towards the design and evaluation of ways to facilitate psychological competence and empowerment, prevent disorder, and promote social change.
The goal is to optimize the well-being of individuals and communities through innovative interventions designed in collaboration with affected community members and related disciplines. The course emphasizes experiential learning and draws upon resources of students and the local community.
This course introduces students to community psychology by describing its background and history, presenting key concepts, and acquainting students with methods community psychologists use. The aim is to help empower students to contribute effectively to change in their communities.
Students will:
Class meetings consist of lectures, discussions, and presentations by leading community psychologists and representatives of community service agencies. Each week focuses on one topic. The course is also available through distance delivery with audio conferencing for rural Alaska students.
Learning extends beyond the classroom - students engage in community work alongside attending class and completing readings. Class time includes student presentations and discussions of community work progress.
Attendance, preparation, and participation are required. Students must complete all assignments regardless of absences and should be prepared to discuss readings, ask questions, challenge ideas, and integrate concepts from class discussions with their community work.
Students must complete required readings before class. Required texts include:
Additional readings are available at the library’s reserve counter.
Students must complete 20 hours of community volunteer work, which may include attending community events, volunteering at service agencies, organizing community action groups, conducting interviews or needs assessments. Students should keep a journal of their experiences and submit a final write-up.
Students will present their literature review papers during the final weeks of class.
A comprehensive take-home exam requiring integration and application of course knowledge.
Grading scale: A (450-500), B (400-449), C (350-399), D (300-349), F (below 300)
Weekly topics include Community Psychology foundations, Community-Ecological Theory, Social Problems, Social Support, Prevention, Health Promotion, Empowerment, Community Interventions, Social Change, and Intervention Research.
Students are encouraged to explore community psychology resources online, including the Society for Community Research and Actions, The Community Toolbox, and other professional websites focused on community development and intervention.