Group and Intergroup Dynamics and Psychosocial Intervention

Presentation

.

Part of this Programme

Social and Organizational Psychology

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 6

Year | Type of course unit | Language

1 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULHT1705-14593

Recommended complementary curricular units

Social Psychology (BA in Psychology)

Prerequisites and co-requisites

n/a

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

1. The social psychology of groups and intergroup relations

1.1 Types, functions, and psychological models of groups: competing and complementary theoretical approaches

1.2 An integrative relational approach to groups and intergroup relations

2. Structure, dynamics, and group cohesion in small groups

2.1 Group influence and normative convergence

2.2 Formation, differentiation, influence and leadership

3. Theories and approaches on intergroup relations

3.1 Status, and social stratification

3.2 Theory of Social Interdependence

3.3 Social Identity Approach

3.4 Intergroup Contact Theory 

4 Social psychological intervention in groups and intergroup relations

4.1 Areas of intervention: intragroup relations, intergroup, and interethnic relations

4.2 Planning and execution of social psychological intervention: means, monitorization, and assessment of results

Objectives

This CU aims to develop in students up-to-date intellectual instruments for research, analysis and intervention in the psychological processes involved in group and intergroup dynamics based on a critical global view of the social psychology of groups and intergroup relations, with a focus on adapting each approach to specific social contexts.

For this, students should learn a) to understand the usefulness of the various theoretical approaches in social psychology to different types of groups; b) understand the basic processes that bond individuals to groups and the dynamics of formation and operation of small groups; c) understand the political dynamics linked to the large-scale social categories and social stratification; d) know how to choose and justify ad approach to social psychological intervention in groups and intergroup relations.

Teaching methodologies and assessment

The pedagogical and evaluation methods are based on the reading and discussion of mainly theoretical texts, complemented with some empirical texts. The texts will be provided in advance, so that the students can develop their own critical view of the theoretical proposals that will be presented and discussed with them in class.

The continuous evaluation consists of: three reaction papers (max 500 words) to theoretical papers chosen from among those provided by the professors, on parts 2-4 of the syllabus (individual assignments, 20% each); a group oral presentation on a proposal of psychosocial intervention (40%). Students who fail continuous assessment have recourse to a final exam on all points of the syllabus. Students must obtain a minimum grade of 10 to pass.

References

Kruglanski, A. W., & Higgins, E. T. (Eds.). (2013). Social psychology: Handbook of basic principles. Guilford Publications.

O'Doherty, K., & Hodgetts, D. (Eds.). (2019). The SAGE handbook of applied social psychology. SAGE Publications Ltd.

Sassenberg, K., & Vliek, M. L. (Eds.). (2019). Social Psychology in Action: Evidence-Based Interventions from Theory to Practice. Springer.

Vala, J. e Monteiro, M.B. (2013). Psicologia Social (9aed.). Lisboa: Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian. 

Office Hours