00870 - Social Psychology

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student: - knows the fundamentals of scientific psychology with specific reference to the functioning of cognitive processes, as a fundamental premise in education for understanding behaviour; - masters the knowledge of psychological processes that enable him/her to design and evaluate educational interventions; - is able to collect, interpret and reflect on psychological data relating to cognitive functioning, demonstrating critical and self-critical capacity. - is able to present information and solutions to teachers and those responsible for education with regard to the normal development of cognitive functions. - has the necessary and sufficient knowledge to undertake further studies in the field of developmental and applied psychology.

Course contents

The program concerns:

1. Main concepts and theories of general and social psychology: social perception, the Self, attitudes, social influence, prejudices and stereotypes, aggressive and altruistic behavior
2. Emerging adulthood between "normality" and "non normality" (school and work; migration; juvenile violence and delinquency; substance addiction)
3. The helping professions between potentials and risks

The period of the lessons is in the second semester (from February to April)

Readings/Bibliography

• Boca, S., Bocchiaro, P., & Scaffidi Abbate, C., Introduzione alla Psicologia Sociale. Il Mulino. (except chapter 1)
• Speltini, G. (a cura di), L'età giovanile: disagio e risorse psicosociali. Il Mulino. (only chapters 6-7-8-9-10)

Any edition of the books would be fine.

Teaching methods

The course is organised on the basis of:

• lectures supported by PowerPoint slides
• supporting material taken from different disciplinary fields (literature, cinema, essay writing)
• videos

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. A positive result is conditional on answering all three questions.

In order to take the exam, electronic registration is required, in compliance with mandatory deadlines.

In case of exams with a large number of participants, correction before the next exam may not be guaranteed. However, the six annual exams per student will be guaranteed.

ERASMUS students can choose to perform a written or oral form, always with the same modalities.

Teaching tools

Lessons will be accompanied by PowerPoint slides.

Students with DSA or disabilities: it is recommended that they contact the responsible University office as soon as possible. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, considering the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Stefano Passini