This document outlines the course description, format, and requirements for a Community Psychology course offered at the University of Utah. The course, jointly listed as Family and Consumer Studies 365 & Psychology 365, is taught by Doug Perkins, Ph.D., during the Winter quarters.
Course Description
Community psychology is presented as the study and application of psychological principles to address community based problems. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of stressful environments, supportive social systems, and the well-being of individuals and families. The course prioritizes prevention strategies, self-help initiatives, empowerment, and interventions at the organizational, community, and societal levels, contrasting with traditional, individual-focused (clinical) mental health approaches. A core tenet of community psychology is its commitment to values, practical research, and action aimed at enhancing the overall welfare of the community. Students earn service-learning credit through participation in this course.
The course explores questions such as:
- How do social networks of friends and family provide support during major life traumas and everyday challenges?
- How did programs like Project Head Start influence societal perceptions of poverty and underachievement?
- What are the consequences of deinstitutionalization for individuals with mental illness and those convicted of crimes, and why has it contributed to homelessness?
- What motivates patients, workers, and neighborhood residents to organize and advocate for change?
Required Text
Heller, K., et al. (1984). Psychology and community change: Challenges of the future (2nd edition). Dorsey Press.
Class sessions are structured as seminars, where the instructor presents required readings and related information, followed by class discussions that encourage questions and debates. The class project, detailed below, is also planned and discussed periodically during class. Note that the schedule of topics and reading assignments is subject to change. Students are responsible for staying informed of any changes, preparing for class, and obtaining notes from classmates for any missed lectures. Active participation in the seminar-style format is encouraged to enhance learning and enjoyment for both students and the instructor. Students are expected to complete all assigned readings on time and actively participate in class discussions.
Requirements
The course grade is based on two equally weighted components:
- Final Exam: A comprehensive final exam covering both the required readings and class lectures. Students can choose to take the exam either orally (by appointment with the instructor) or in written format.
- Community Needs Assessment and Action Project: This quarter, the class will undertake a group project with two primary objectives:
- Assess specific housing and other social, political, and environmental needs, as well as crime and other problems, in two low-income and working-class neighborhoods in Salt Lake City.
- Produce a report based on the assessment, to be submitted to various Salt Lake City government offices, local community councils, and other neighborhood organizations.
Each student is expected to dedicate approximately 12 hours to the project in the community (excluding time spent preparing their 5-to-10 page section of the report). The draft report is due three weeks before the end of the term, allowing for feedback and revisions before the final report is compiled and grades are assigned. Detailed instructions on the project and report will be provided separately. Students are encouraged to communicate any challenges or concerns to the instructor.
Course Schedule
PART I: COMMUNITY VALUES, HISTORY, RESEARCH, THEORY
- Week 1 (9/27): Explanation of syllabus; Discussion of personal definitions of “community” and its most pressing problems.
- Week 1 (9/29): Chapter 1/Introduction to the course and text
- Week 2 (10/4,6): Ch.2/The historical limitations of individualistic psychology and mental health as a rationale for community psychology; The problem of homelessness.
- Week 3 (10/11): Ch.3 & pp.256-258/Community psych as a new approach to social research
- Week 3 (10/13): Ch.4/Community research methods
- Week 4 (10/18,20): Ch.5/Ecological and environmental influences on the individual
- Week 5 (10/25,27): Ch. 6/Social support and other methods of coping with stressful lives, environments and events
PART II: COMMUNITY ACTION STRATEGIES
- Week 6 (11/1,3): Ch.7/lndividual-level Empowerment: Prevention and health promotion; Crisis Intervention; Project Head Start, Interpersonal Problem Solving and other forms of Early Intervention
- Week 7(11/8,10): Ch.8/Organizational-level Empowerment: Consultation and Education, Organization Development
- Week 8(11/15,17): Ch.9/Institutional-level Empowerment: Community-based Alternatives, the Self Help/Mutual Support Movement
- Week 9 (11/22): Project Report due; project reflection, evaluation and discussion
- Week 10 (11/29,12/1): Ch. 10/Community-level Empowerment: Citizen Participation, Grass-roots Community Development
- Week 11 (12/6,8): Ch. 11 /Integration and future directions for community psychology;
- Week 12 (12/15, 7:45-9:45 AM): Final Exam