- Docente: Stefano Passini
- Credits: 8
- SSD: M-PSI/05
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Expert Social And Cultural Education (cod. 8776)
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student will:
- know the main psychological theories involved in the dynamics and conflicts between groups;
- know the theoretical and methodological aspects involved in group processes;
- have the skills to manage group dynamics;
- have the theoretical and methodological skills to build a business network with different professionals and other agencies in the area.
Course contents
The course's aim is to acquire knowledge about the processes of
group in the theoretical perspective of social psychology. The
constitutional aspects of a group will be examined: the
socialization, the development of the group (i.e. its changes over
time), the main dynamic phenomena, such as status and roles
systems, the construction of implicit and explicit norms,
structures and communication networks, and the various ways to
exercise leadership. Then, the forces that tend to keep together
the group (conformity and cohesion) and the forces that can
threaten this union (deviance, internal conflicts) will be
considered. Issues related to decision-making processes and the
efficiency of the working groups will be examined as well.
Finally, in the second part of the course the issue of the
relationship with the authority and the concepts of obedience,
disobedience and deviance will be addressed more specifically, with
the aim of providing a clear discussion of the underlying dynamics
of social change and stability.
The outcomes relate to the ability to more easily read the group
phenomena, to enhance the awareness of one's own role in the group
and the ability to be proactive and constructive in group
dynamics.
The program covers the following topics:
- the significance of group membership in human life
- the entrance in a group
- the structural phenomena of the group: status, roles, leadership, standards
- the dynamic phenomena of cohesion, conformity, deviance, conflict
- obedience and disobedience to the authority
The period of the lessons is in the second semester (from February to April)
Readings/Bibliography
1. G. Speltini, A. Palmonari, I gruppi
sociali, Bologna, Il Mulino, 1999
2. S. Passini, D. Morselli, Psicologia
dell'obbedienza e della disobbedienza, Roma,
Carocci, 2010
Teaching methods
Besides the lectures, some exercises will be carried out (paper-pencil, role-playing) in order to illustrate certain aspects of group life. Moreover, part of the course will take place via e-learning.
Assessment methods
At the end of the lessons, the student have to take an exam (the assessments will be with scale 30). The exam will be a writing with three open questions in a hour and an half. On the e-learning of the course, students can find the complete list of the possible examination questions will be provided by the teacher.
In order to take the exam, electronic registration is required, in compliance with mandatory deadlines.
Students who fail an exam cannot retake it at the subsequent exam date.Teaching tools
Lessons will be accompanied by PowerPoint slides. Part of the course will take place via e-learning (the details will be provided at the beginning of the course).
Office hours
See the website of Stefano Passini