Social Psychology (2008/2009)

Learning outcomes

Educational goals are:
• Giving basic conceptual tools in order to frame individual behaviour within social dynamics.
• To go in depth with biosocial theories of behaviour, from a non-reductionist point of view.
• Analysing individual psychological processes and social dynamic in the context of educational professional environment.

The main theories in social psychology will be analysed from a historical perspective. Special attention will be given to theories such as social constructionism and cultural psychology to frame cognitive, affective and motivational processes.
Specific contents will be self definition, individual-group dynamic, social norms, communication processes, attitudes, prejudice.
Finally, some concepts will be applied to specific themes carachterising contemporary society such us migration, globalization, multiculturalism.

Texts:
Palmonari A., Cavazza N., Rubini M. (2002) “Psicologia sociale” Bologna: Il Mulino, charter from I to VI.
Inghilleri P. (2003) “La buona vita” Milano: Guerini, chapters 1,2,9,10.
Pedrazza M. (2007) “L’educatore extrascolastico” Roma: Carocci

Final written test.