SDS 298 SPECIAL TOPIC: COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY

First Semester, AY 2018-2019

Saturday, 9-12, CSS Dean’s Conference Room
Ma. Nancy B. Florendo, PhD mbflorendo1@up.edu.ph

COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY is the field of psychology which focuses on social problems. It represents
the discipline’s effort to address human problems by shifting to a perspective that recognizes the social
context in the understanding of individual behaviors and problems. Its goal is to optimize the well-being
of individuals, organizations and groups through community research and interventions in collaboration
with the affected groups and with other related disciplines.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1. To introduce the graduate student to the theory and values of the field of Community
Psychology;
2. To provide the student with a working knowledge of community research and community
intervention in Community Psychology;
3. To do a critique of one’s own community work using the conceptual and community research
tools learned in the course;
4. To engage in a critical analysis of community research and interventions to a social problem of
the student’s interest in the research literature; and
5. To conduct a community research and develop an intervention proposal.

COURSE OUTLINE:

I. INTRODUCTION: THE SCOPE AND FOCUS OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY, ITS HISTORY AND
GROWTH (Aug 11)

II. CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY: CORE VALUES

A. The Ecological Perspective

B. Community and a Sense of Community
C. Human Diversity (September 22)
D. Stress and Coping (September 29
E. Prevention (September 29)
F. Empowerment (October 6)
G. Social Change (October 6)

OCTOBER 13, 20, 27

III. Community Research Lecture-discussion
IV. Community Intervention Lecture-discussion

JOURNAL PRESENTATION (November 3) (Submit a soft copy before November 3; a hard

and soft copy are due on November 3, Attach a copy of the article)
25% of your final grade
 50% of your final grade
COMMUNITY EXPERIENCE (November 3) (Submit a one-page write-up on November 3)
SEMINAR (December 8 whole day) Submit a soft copy on December 5; Submit a hard
and Soft copy on December 8)

CLASS PARTICIPATION 25% of your final grade

BASIC REFERENCES

Kloos, B., Hill, J., Thomas, E. et.al. (2012). Community psychology; Linking individuals and communities.
(3rd ed.). US: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.
Nelson, G., & Prilleltensky, I. (2005). Community psychology; In pursuit of liberation and well-being.
New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Required Reading:
Carandang, MLA. (1996). Pakikipagkapwa Damdamin; Accompanying Survivors
of Disasters. Makati: Bookmark.

Additional References:
Shinn, M., & Thaden, E. (2010). Current directions in community psychology. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Duffy, K.G., & Wong, F.Y. (2003). Community psychology. (3rd ed.) Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Orford, J. (2008). Community psychology; Challenges, controversies and emerging consensus. New York:
John Wiley and Sons.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Thought Papers and Class Participation 25%

Critique of a Research-Action Journal article 25%
Design a Community-Based Intervention Proposal from your
Community Research (to be presented in the seminar) 50%

a. Community Experience:
Engage in 20 hours of community volunteer experience during the semester. The community
experience may be attending community events, volunteering at a community service agency,
organizing community action groups, interviewing individuals who are community service
program recipients, service providers/administrators and/or policy makers

b. Design an community-based intervention that would effectively address an existing need in the
Community during your community field work
1. Clearly define the need
2. Population to be served
3. Intervention design
4. Goals and desired outcomes

READING ASSIGNMENTS:
Aug 11 Nelson Ch 1, 2; Kloos 1, 2; Orford, Ch 1; Duffy Ch 1
Aug 18 Nelson et. al. Chapter 4; Kloos et. al. Chapter 5;
Aug 25 Nelson et. al. Chapter 5; Kloos Chapter 6;
Sept 8 Kloos Ch. 7
Sept 15 Kloos. Ch. 8; Duffy Ch 5
Sept 22 Kloos Ch. 9, 10;
Sept 29 Kloos Ch. 11; Orford Ch 7-12
Oct 6 Kloos Ch 12; Duffy Ch 3, 4;
Oct 20, 27 Nelson Ch 11-13; Kloos Ch 3, 4; Orford Ch 3; Duffy Ch 2
Nov 8 Nelson 7-10, 14-23; Shinn & Thaden;
Outline and Format of the Final Paper

Abstract

I. Introduction
Review of Related Literature
Theoretical Framework
II. Research Problem
III. Methodology
Study Design
Participants
IV. Results
V. Discussion
VI. Recommendation
VII. Conclusion
References