GISDepartment of Global and Interdisciplinary Studies

This course has been designed to provide a rigorous undergraduate-level introduction to the theories and methods of community psychology. Community psychology is concerned with person-environment interactions and the ways society impacts individual and community functioning. The field focuses on social issues, social institutions, and other settings that influence individuals, groups, and organizations. Community psychology aims to optimize the well-being of individuals and communities with innovative alternative interventions designed in collaboration with affected community members and with other related disciplines inside and outside of psychology. Students are expected to gain a comprehensive understanding of working knowledge and skills in community psychology, as practiced around the world.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to achieve the following goals:

(a) to develop an understanding of the role of social-historical factors in the development of community psychological perspectives while dispelling the popular myth about the field;
(b) to gain a working knowledge of different theoretical approaches for prevention of social and psychological problems in the community and begin to think about how these can be practically implemented and evaluated;
(c) to critically analyze the community psychological literature; and
(d) to appreciate professional careers and practices in community psychology.

Will be able to gain “DP 1”, “DP 2”, “DP 3”, and “DP 4”.

英語 / English

This course combines several different kinds of pedagogical strategies including lectures, class discussion, film discussion, and small group work. The requirements of the course include: (a) active participation, preparation, and engagement in class, (b) “Experiencing a Different Cultural Ecology (a field exercise, if classes held face-to-face)”, (c) Biography Paper, (d) Learning Logs (x2), (e) a take-home final. Feedback will be provided via individual face-to-face sessions and/or the Hosei Hoppi System.

Required Readings

Students are expected to come to class fully prepared to participate in class discussion and other activities. In order to do so, students are required to have read the readings for each module prior to coming to class sessions.

あり / Yes

なし / No

授業形態/methods of teaching：対面/face to face

※各回の授業形態は予定です。教員の指示に従ってください。

1[オンライン/online]：Introduction & Overview

Provides a course overview, expectations, & requirements

2[対面/face to face]：Community Psychology (CP): History, Values, & Assumptions

Introduces and discusses key historical events, values and assumptions in CP practice and research

3[対面/face to face]：Embracing Social Change

Discusses the nature of social change and theories

4[対面/face to face]：Empowerment

Introduces several empowerment models and theories of empowerment

5[対面/face to face]：Community and Citizen Participation

Discusses theoretical frameworks for community and citizen participation

6[対面/face to face]：Ecological and Environmental Approaches (1)

Introduces ecological models for understanding life space

7[対面/face to face]：Ecological and Environmental Approaches (2)

Discusses ecological interventions and a video presentation

8[対面/face to face]：Midterm Review

In-Class Review and/or Film Review

9[対面/face to face]：Appreciating and Affirming Human and Cultural Diversity

Discusses models of human diversity and interventions around the world

10[対面/face to face]：Prevention, Strengths & Promotion Approaches (1)

Discusses key concepts in prevention science

11[対面/face to face]：Prevention, Strengths & Promotion Approaches (2)

Introduces “best practices” in prevention interventions

12[対面/face to face]：Stress & Coping Approaches

Compare and contrast several clinical approaches to stress and coping with CP approaches

13[対面/face to face]：Social Justice Approaches

Introduces the idea of social justice for community psychology

14[対面/face to face]：Emerging Trends in Community Psychology

Ends the course with discussion on several recent trends and future directions in CP research and practice

Students are expected to complete all the reading assignments (if any), and are prepared to engage in class activities and discussion. The course requirements and assignments are explained above in the Method(s) section, but depending on the level of students’ preparation and interest, chances are that some of the requirements may be subject to change slightly, if not entirely. Preparatory study and review time for this class are 3 hours each.

Class readings will be available online. Some of the chapters will be drawn from the following textbooks, and from American Journal of Community Psychology, American Psychologist, Journal of Community Psychology, etc.

Kelly, J.G. et al. (2004). Six community psychologists tell their stories: History, contexts, and narratives. Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press.

Jason, L. A. et al. (2019). Introduction to community psychology. Downloadable free of charge from
https://press.rebus.community/introductiontocommunitypsychology/

Additional references will be introduced in class.

The following show approximate activity-by-activity percentage points toward your final course grade: (a) Active Participation, Preparation, and Engagement (10%); (b) “Experiencing A Different Ecology” (25%); (c) Biography Paper (15%); and (d) Learning Logs (30%), and (e) Take-Home Final (20%).

From time to time during class sessions, ideas and opinions are solicited from students re the class structure and format.

None.

Please note that successful completion of general psychology, social psychology, clinical psychology, and/or a few psychology-related courses may be assumed and desirable, but not required.

None.