The educational objectives are aimed at ensuring that students learn both the main characteristics and psychological dynamics of the various types of groups, with a focus on those that are structured in the care sector, and the fundamentals of community psychology and how this discipline is complementary to the activity of the social worker and the sociologist.

The course is divided into three parts:

1. the characteristics and dynamics within groups will be explored, with particular attention to work groups, specifically the main theories on the dynamics that occur both within groups (intra-group) and between groups (inter-group) will be illustrated, taking into account the types of leadership, identification, socialization, roles, tendencies both towards cohesion and conformity, and towards deviance, conflict and schism. In some lessons, moreover, a focus will be made on Gestalt Counseling.

2. the operational methods of professionals working in the field of social services, with a focus on the difficulties of social workers and educators working in the youth policy sector

3. community psychology, with a focus on the theoretical bases of the discipline and its practical implications.

During the lessons, simulations will be carried out that will have as their object the discussion group and the methods of group work in the management of social fragilities: minors in problematic families, mental health, pathological addictions. Within the course there will be three lessons in which Dr. Vito Minoia will manage, with the support of the teacher, the integrative educational laboratory "Social Theater and Diversity", in which all the students attending will be involved.

Knowledge and understanding: possess basic knowledge related to the paradigms of group psychology, community psychology and Gestalt Counseling
Applied knowledge and understanding: possess basic knowledge and skills both for leading groups with people in a state of mental and social fragility, and for managing cases characterized by family and social problems in a team
Autonomy of judgment: ability to evaluate the most appropriate interventions both in a team and individually in cases of mental and social distress
Communication skills: ability to communicate interventions and solutions to cases of mental and social distress to specialist and non-specialist interlocutors.
Ability to learn: starting from the basics provided in the course, ability to delve into the functioning of groups

The teaching material prepared by the lecturer in addition to recommended textbooks (such as for instance slides, lecture notes, exercises, bibliography) and communications from the lecturer specific to the course can be found inside the Moodle platform › blended.uniurb.it

The teaching material prepared by the teacher (slides and handouts) and the specific communications of the teacher are available on the Moodle platform ›blended.uniurb.it

Teaching

Bibliographical references, films on group dynamics, simulations, and a theatre workshop will be added to the classroom teaching.

Attendance

Attendance at least three-quarters of the class hours. Study of the texts in the program and the material indicated by the teacher during the lessons.

Course books

Speltini G., Palmonari A., I gruppi sociali, il Mulino, Bologna, 2007.

Persi R., Lannutti V., L'intercultura tra politiche giovanili e reti territoriali, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2023, Capp. Introduzione, 1, 2, 3, Riflessioni conclusive

Santinello S., Vieno A., Lenzi M., Fondamenti di psicologia di comunità, il Mulino, Bologna, 2018

Booklet of the teacher

Assessment

Oral exam, based on at least four questions to assess knowledge and skills of group characteristics and dynamics and Gestalt Counseling, community psychology, with a request for simulations and analysis of cases/examples: teamwork, group management with drug addicts and people with mental health problems, the group with prisoners, etc.

The evaluation criteria are: the level of mastery of basic knowledge, mastery of the specialized language of the discipline, knowledge and application of the different research methods and tools.

Each of the criteria, of equal weight, is evaluated on the basis of a four-level scale (approximate mastery; limited mastery but sufficient for application; adequate mastery; excellent mastery with the ability to use methods and tools independently). The ability to independently elaborate and construct arguments by connecting the different study texts constitutes a further appreciable requirement.

The grade is expressed in thirtieths.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.

Teaching

Study of the indicated texts

Attendance

Oral exam, based on at least four questions to assess knowledge and skills of group characteristics and dynamics and Gestalt Counseling, with a request for simulations and analysis of cases/examples: teamwork, group management with drug addicts and people with mental health problems, the group with prisoners, etc.

The evaluation criteria are: the level of mastery of basic knowledge, mastery of the specialized language of the discipline, knowledge and application of the different research methods and tools.

Each of the criteria, of equal weight, is evaluated on the basis of a four-level scale (approximate mastery; limited mastery but sufficient for application; adequate mastery; excellent mastery with the ability to use methods and tools independently). The ability to independently elaborate and construct arguments by connecting the different study texts constitutes a further appreciable requirement.

The grade is expressed in thirtieths.

Course books

Speltini G., Palmonari A., I gruppi sociali, il Mulino, Bologna, 2007.

Persi R., Lannutti V., L'intercultura tra politiche giovanili e reti territoriali, FrancoAngeli, Milano, 2023, Capp. Introduzione, 1, 2, 3, Riflessioni conclusive

Santinello S., Vieno A., Lenzi M., Fondamenti di psicologia di comunità, il Mulino, Bologna, 2018

Booklet of the teacher

Assessment

Oral exam, based on at least four questions to assess knowledge and skills of group characteristics and dynamics and Gestalt Counseling, community psychology, with a request for simulations and analysis of cases/examples: teamwork, group management with drug addicts and people with mental health problems, the group with prisoners, etc.

The evaluation criteria are: the level of mastery of basic knowledge, mastery of the specialized language of the discipline, knowledge and application of the different research methods and tools.

Each of the criteria, of equal weight, is evaluated on the basis of a four-level scale (approximate mastery; limited mastery but sufficient for application; adequate mastery; excellent mastery with the ability to use methods and tools independently). The ability to independently elaborate and construct arguments by connecting the different study texts constitutes a further appreciable requirement.

The grade is expressed in thirtieths.

Disability and Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Students who have registered their disability certification or SLD certification with the Inclusion and Right to Study Office can request to use conceptual maps (for keywords) during exams.

To this end, it is necessary to send the maps, two weeks before the exam date, to the course instructor, who will verify their compliance with the university guidelines and may request modifications.