PSY 286 - Community Psychology

4.00 credits.

This course covers a range of central topics in the field of community psychology. Community psychology focuses on the social settings, systems, and institutions that influence groups and organizations and the individuals within them. The goal of the course is for students to gain a deep understanding – both through reading and fieldwork experiences – of what it means to optimize the well-being of communities and individuals with innovative interventions designed in collaboration with affected community members and with other related disciplines inside and outside of psychology. Theoretical perspectives, research findings, and related methodological issues are emphasized in the course lectures, readings, and examinations. The importance of a developmental perspective to community psychology issues is emphasized throughout the course. *Prerequisite(s): PSY 105. Signature Learning Experience: Community-Based Learning. Offered annually.