Community Psychology: Theories and Methods

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the field of community psychology as preparation for work with communities on issues relevant to the diverse contemporary urban environments of Southern California. Emphasis is placed on the role of extra-individual processes (e.g., social settings, policies, laws) in understanding the social contexts which shape individual behavior. Students learn new paradigms (e.g., principles of ecology, prevention, power, and empowerment) for working with communities to promote a balance between personal, relational and collective wellbeing. Class members engage in reading and critical discussions on the role of values in their work as family therapists in the broader community. Students learn theory and skills that promote engagement of the broader community in assessing problems in the community and addressing them through ameliorative and transformative interventions. This is the gateway course for the ACP specialization. Required for all MFT students. This course is a prerequisite for all courses in the Applied Community Psychology (ACP) Specialization.