Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description
Social and Community Contexts of 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
To develop a scientifically grounded and critical understanding of the key issues in community psychology by strengthening the ability to analyze community processes, social determinants, participation, social empowerment, research approaches, and principles of professional ethics within sociocultural, institutional, and digital contexts.
Preliminary Knowledge
Introduction to Psychology Science; introduction to Social Psychology.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
1.Defines and explains basic concepts, values and key approaches to community psychology.
2.Describes the community as a social system, including resources, social networks, belonging, participation and social capital.
3.Explains the role of social determinants, social empowerment, community capacity, sustainability and professional ethics in community processes.
Skills
1.Analyse Community processes in a sociocultural, institutional and digital context using concepts of community psychology.
2.Identify community actors, resources, forms of participation, social barriers and needs.
3.Formulates questions appropriate for community research and justifies the choice of research approach and methods.
Competences
1.Critically evaluates processes of community participation, social inequality, power relations, and social change.
2.Justifies professionally responsible action in community research and interventions, based on principles of professional ethics.
Assessment
Individual work
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Community mapping |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
Students work in groups to carry out structured community mapping by identifying participants, resources, forms of participation, social barriers, and key needs. Minimum requirements: the community is defined; actors/resources and needs/barriers are identified; and course concepts are used. Assessment criteria: definition of the community boundaries and context; identification of actors, resources, and forms of participation; analysis of social barriers and needs; use of community psychology concepts; structure of the work, academic language, and critical use of sources, including digital information sources. |
||
|
2.
Case study of the Community initiative |
40.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
A specific initiative has been analyzed, community psychology concepts have been used, and participation, power relations, and ethical aspects have been evaluated. Assessment criteria: description of a specific community initiative and definition of its context; analysis of forms of participation, actors, and resources; evaluation of power relations, interest representation, and social barriers; use of community psychology concepts and analytical categories; identification of ethical aspects and well-argued conclusions. |
||
|
3.
Reflection on ethical aspects of working with communities |
-
|
Test
|
|
The reflection must identify at least two ethical issues related to a community research or intervention situation and justify professionally responsible action to reduce risks. Reflection on ethical aspects is a mandatory requirement for completing the course and is assessed as “passed/not passed”. Without a passed reflection, the final grade is not awarded. |
||
Examination
|
Title
|
% from total grade
|
Grade
|
|---|---|---|
|
1.
Examination of theoretical knowledge |
30.00% from total grade
|
10 points
|
|
The theoretical knowledge assessment is carried out as a test in the e - studies environment. The grade is based on the number/proportion of correct answers. The test assesses understanding of community psychology core concepts, theoretical approaches, social determinants, participation, social empowerment, 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
|
Community psychology fundamentals I: subject matter and paradigms
Description
Subject matter of Community psychology, differences from an individually centered approach, individual in a social, institutional and cultural context. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basics of Community Psychology II: defining value and problems
Description
Social justice, participation, cooperation and a multi-level view; the role of values in defining problems and shaping interventions. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Individual in different environments: ecological principles
Description
Interaction between individual and environment, interdependence, resource movement, adaptation, succession and social climate. 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 I: concept, boundaries and typologies
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). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community as a social system II: resources, networks and social capital
Description
Mobilisation and accessibility of resources, social networks, social capital, social support and membership. 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 I
Description
Social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at Community and institutional level. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology II
Description
Perspective of diversity and intersectionality, cultural sensitivity, power relations and representation of interests. |
-
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: ecological principles
Description
Interaction between individual and environment, interdependence, resource movement, adaptation, succession and social climate. 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 I: concept, boundaries and typologies
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). |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basics of Community Psychology II: defining value and problems
Description
Social justice, participation, cooperation and a multi-level view; the role of values in defining problems and shaping interventions. |
-
Class/Seminar
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology I
Description
Social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at 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 II
Description
Perspective of diversity and intersectionality, cultural sensitivity, power relations and representation of interests. |
-
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
|
Community psychology fundamentals I: subject matter and paradigms
Description
Subject matter of Community psychology, differences from an individually centered approach, individual in a social, institutional and cultural context. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Basics of Community Psychology II: defining value and problems
Description
Social justice, participation, cooperation and a multi-level view; the role of values in defining problems and shaping interventions. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Individual in different environments: ecological principles
Description
Interaction between individual and environment, interdependence, resource movement, adaptation, succession and social climate. 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 I: concept, boundaries and typologies
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). |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Community as a social system II: resources, networks and social capital
Description
Mobilisation and accessibility of resources, social networks, social capital, social support and membership. 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 I
Description
Social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at Community and institutional level. |
-
Lecture
|
Modality
|
Location
|
Contact hours
|
|---|---|---|
|
On site
|
Study room
|
2
|
Topics
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology II
Description
Perspective of diversity and intersectionality, cultural sensitivity, power relations and representation of interests. |
-
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: ecological principles
Description
Interaction between individual and environment, interdependence, resource movement, adaptation, succession and social climate. 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. |
|
Community as a social system I: concept, boundaries and typologies
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). |
|
Community as a social system II: resources, networks and social capital
Description
Mobilisation and accessibility of resources, social networks, social capital, social support and membership. 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 I
Description
Social empowerment as an individual and collective process; civic participation at Community and institutional level. |
|
Participation, social empowerment and social justice in community psychology II
Description
Perspective of diversity and intersectionality, cultural sensitivity, power relations and representation of interests. |
-
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