Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Context of Community and Society in Psychology
Course Code
VPUPK_420
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Psychology
LQF
Level 6
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time
Study Course Implementer
Course Supervisor
Laura Juhansone-Daugule
Structure Unit Manager
Kristīne Mārtinsone
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts
Dzirciema Street 16, Riga, vppk@rsu.lv
About Study Course
Objective
Develop a scientifically sound and critical understanding of the fundamental issues of community psychology by integrating community processes, research approaches and ethical principles of professional activity in the sociocultural, institutional and digital context.
Preliminary Knowledge
Introduction to Psychology Science; introduction to Social Psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.1. Defines the subject matter, basic concepts, guidelines and main approaches of community psychology. 2. Describes the community as a social system and fundamental principles for its functioning. 3. Explains the concepts of sense of belonging, social capital, relationship of power and participation in community processes. 4. Explains basic concepts of social empowerment, community capacity, sustainability and social change. 5. Describes the role of the institutional environment in the functioning of communities. 6. Describes the role of digital and hybrid communities in social participation and community sustainability. 7. Identify the methods used for community research and the most frequent sources of data acquisition. 8. Explain ethical principles of professional activity in community research and interventions.
Skills
1.1. Analyzes processes in communities using community psychology concepts and analytical categories. 2. Describes the societal, institutional and digital aspects of community participation. 3. Identify the parties (actors), resources and their interaction with each other in the Community. 4. Formulate issues relevant to Community research and assess the appropriateness of research approaches and methods. 5. Evaluate forms of community participation and community initiatives using certain criteria. 6. Analyses the relationship of power and representation of interests in community participation processes. 7. Identify ethical issues in community research and engagement with communities, assessed in accordance with the principles of professional ethics.
Competences
1.1. Integrate concepts and approaches of community psychology into a common understanding of community processes in a societal, institutional and digital context. 2. Critically evaluate community participation and social change processes through analytical categories of community psychology. 3. Assess the conceptual role of social empowerment and community capacity in explaining the sustainability of communities. 4. Analyses the impact of social inequality and social determinants on community processes and psychological well-being. 5. Justifies in a reasoned manner the choice of Community research approaches and methods according to the research question. 6. Evaluate the ethical aspects of professional activities in community research and interventions. 7. Analyses the relationship of power and representation of interests in community participation.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Community mapping |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students in groups carry out structured community mapping, identifying participants, resources, forms of participation, social barriers and key needs. |
||
|
2.
Case study of the Community initiative |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
3.
Reflection on ethical aspects of working with communities |
-
|
Test
|
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination of theoretical knowledge |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Basic concepts and guidelines of Community psychology, social determinants, social empowerment and participation, principles of professional ethics and methodological and ethical aspects of community research. |
||
Study Course Theme Plan
FULL-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basics of Community psychology: paradigms, values and basic concepts
Description
Subject matter of Community psychology and differences from an individually centered approach; individual in a social, institutional and cultural context. The fundamental values of Community psychology (social justice, participation, cooperation, multi-level view) and their role in defining problems and shaping interventions. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basics of Community psychology: paradigms, values and basic concepts
Description
Subject matter of Community psychology and differences from an individually centered approach; individual in a social, institutional and cultural context. The fundamental values of Community psychology (social justice, participation, cooperation, multi-level view) and their role in defining problems and shaping interventions. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Individual in different environments: context analysis approaches
Description
Context analysis framework for explaining the interaction and psychological well-being of the individual – environment: ecological principles (interdependence, movement of resources, adaptation, succession), social climate, legal relations between social behaviour and power (including mechanisms for availability and distribution of resources). Daily environmental analysis: aspects of time and space, social roles and rules, subjective experience of participants in the cultural context, as well as physical environment conditions and neighbourhood risk and protection factors; the shape of the digital and hybrid community as today’s social participation and community organisation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community as a social system: structure, resources, social networks and community ownership
Description
Community concept and typologies (territorial, Relations and interest Communities); Community as a social system and its functioning (mobilisation and availability of resources, interdependence, adaptation and development dynamics). Social networks and social capital as Community resources; social support, membership and maintenance. A sense of community as a psychological construct: basic components and a connection to participation and psychological well-being. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community as a social system: structure, resources, social networks and community ownership
Description
Community concept and typologies (territorial, Relations and interest Communities); Community as a social system and its functioning (mobilisation and availability of resources, interdependence, adaptation and development dynamics). Social networks and social capital as Community resources; social support, membership and maintenance. A sense of community as a psychological construct: basic components and a connection to participation and psychological well-being. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology
Description
A perspective on diversity and intersectionality; cultural sensitivity and professional reflexivity in working with communities. Forms of power relations in community processes and social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at the community and institutional level. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology
Description
A perspective on diversity and intersectionality; cultural sensitivity and professional reflexivity in working with communities. Forms of power relations in community processes and social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at the community and institutional level. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social determinants at Community and societal level
Description
The relationship between social determinants (income, education, employment, housing, access to services) and psychological well-being and participation; structural barriers and uneven availability of resources. Mapping of Community resources and interventions aimed at reducing inequalities. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community research and ethical aspects
Description
Methodological considerations for Community research; research reflexivity and ethical challenges of professional responsibility in the context of communities (borders, confidentiality, representation and asymmetries of power in research/practice), including in the digital environment. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Individual in different environments: context analysis approaches
Description
Context analysis framework for explaining the interaction and psychological well-being of the individual – environment: ecological principles (interdependence, movement of resources, adaptation, succession), social climate, legal relations between social behaviour and power (including mechanisms for availability and distribution of resources). Daily environmental analysis: aspects of time and space, social roles and rules, subjective experience of participants in the cultural context, as well as physical environment conditions and neighbourhood risk and protection factors; the shape of the digital and hybrid community as today’s social participation and community organisation. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community as a social system: structure, resources, social networks and community ownership
Description
Community concept and typologies (territorial, Relations and interest Communities); Community as a social system and its functioning (mobilisation and availability of resources, interdependence, adaptation and development dynamics). Social networks and social capital as Community resources; social support, membership and maintenance. A sense of community as a psychological construct: basic components and a connection to participation and psychological well-being. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community as a social system: structure, resources, social networks and community ownership
Description
Community concept and typologies (territorial, Relations and interest Communities); Community as a social system and its functioning (mobilisation and availability of resources, interdependence, adaptation and development dynamics). Social networks and social capital as Community resources; social support, membership and maintenance. A sense of community as a psychological construct: basic components and a connection to participation and psychological well-being. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology
Description
A perspective on diversity and intersectionality; cultural sensitivity and professional reflexivity in working with communities. Forms of power relations in community processes and social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at the community and institutional level. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology
Description
A perspective on diversity and intersectionality; cultural sensitivity and professional reflexivity in working with communities. Forms of power relations in community processes and social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at the community and institutional level. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social determinants at Community and societal level
Description
The relationship between social determinants (income, education, employment, housing, access to services) and psychological well-being and participation; structural barriers and uneven availability of resources. Mapping of Community resources and interventions aimed at reducing inequalities. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community research and ethical aspects
Description
Methodological considerations for Community research; research reflexivity and ethical challenges of professional responsibility in the context of communities (borders, confidentiality, representation and asymmetries of power in research/practice), including in the digital environment. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basics of Community psychology: paradigms, values and basic concepts
Description
Subject matter of Community psychology and differences from an individually centered approach; individual in a social, institutional and cultural context. The fundamental values of Community psychology (social justice, participation, cooperation, multi-level view) and their role in defining problems and shaping interventions. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basics of Community psychology: paradigms, values and basic concepts
Description
Subject matter of Community psychology and differences from an individually centered approach; individual in a social, institutional and cultural context. The fundamental values of Community psychology (social justice, participation, cooperation, multi-level view) and their role in defining problems and shaping interventions. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Individual in different environments: context analysis approaches
Description
Context analysis framework for explaining the interaction and psychological well-being of the individual – environment: ecological principles (interdependence, movement of resources, adaptation, succession), social climate, legal relations between social behaviour and power (including mechanisms for availability and distribution of resources). Daily environmental analysis: aspects of time and space, social roles and rules, subjective experience of participants in the cultural context, as well as physical environment conditions and neighbourhood risk and protection factors; the shape of the digital and hybrid community as today’s social participation and community organisation. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community as a social system: structure, resources, social networks and community ownership
Description
Community concept and typologies (territorial, Relations and interest Communities); Community as a social system and its functioning (mobilisation and availability of resources, interdependence, adaptation and development dynamics). Social networks and social capital as Community resources; social support, membership and maintenance. A sense of community as a psychological construct: basic components and a connection to participation and psychological well-being. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community as a social system: structure, resources, social networks and community ownership
Description
Community concept and typologies (territorial, Relations and interest Communities); Community as a social system and its functioning (mobilisation and availability of resources, interdependence, adaptation and development dynamics). Social networks and social capital as Community resources; social support, membership and maintenance. A sense of community as a psychological construct: basic components and a connection to participation and psychological well-being. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community as a social system: structure, resources, social networks and community ownership
Description
Community concept and typologies (territorial, Relations and interest Communities); Community as a social system and its functioning (mobilisation and availability of resources, interdependence, adaptation and development dynamics). Social networks and social capital as Community resources; social support, membership and maintenance. A sense of community as a psychological construct: basic components and a connection to participation and psychological well-being. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology
Description
A perspective on diversity and intersectionality; cultural sensitivity and professional reflexivity in working with communities. Forms of power relations in community processes and social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at the community and institutional level. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology
Description
A perspective on diversity and intersectionality; cultural sensitivity and professional reflexivity in working with communities. Forms of power relations in community processes and social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at the community and institutional level. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology
Description
A perspective on diversity and intersectionality; cultural sensitivity and professional reflexivity in working with communities. Forms of power relations in community processes and social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at the community and institutional level. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Social determinants at Community and societal level
Description
The relationship between social determinants (income, education, employment, housing, access to services) and psychological well-being and participation; structural barriers and uneven availability of resources. Mapping of Community resources and interventions aimed at reducing inequalities. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community research and ethical aspects
Description
Methodological considerations for Community research; research reflexivity and ethical challenges of professional responsibility in the context of communities (borders, confidentiality, representation and asymmetries of power in research/practice), including in the digital environment. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community research and ethical aspects
Description
Methodological considerations for Community research; research reflexivity and ethical challenges of professional responsibility in the context of communities (borders, confidentiality, representation and asymmetries of power in research/practice), including in the digital environment. |
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
24 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
Bibliography
Required Reading
1.
Kloos, B., Hill, J., Thomas, E., Case, A. D., Scott, V. C., & Wandersman, A. (2020). Community psychology: Linking individuals and communities (4th ed.). American Psychological Association.
2.
Moritsugu, J., Vera, E. M., & Wong, F. Y. (2025). Community psychology (7th ed.). Routledge.
3.
Clauss-Ehlers, C. S. (Ed.). (2021). The Cambridge handbook of community psychology: Interdisciplinary and contextual perspectives. Cambridge University Press.
Additional Reading
1.
Kagan, C., Akhurst, J., Alfaro, J., Lawthom, R., Richards, M., & Zambrano, A. (Eds.). (2022). The Routledge international handbook of community psychology: Facing global crises with hope. Routledge.
2.
Lightfoot, E., Blevins, J., & Dube, A. (2021). Asset mapping as a participatory research approach. In D. Burns, J. Howard, & S. Ospina (Eds.), The SAGE handbook of participatory research and inquiry (pp. 771–782). SAGE.
3.
Riemer, M., Reich, S. M., Evans, S. D., Nelson, G., & Prilleltensky, I. (Eds.). (2020). Community psychology: In pursuit of liberation and wellbeing (3rd ed.). Bloomsbury Academic