B8291 - PSICOLOGIA CULTURALE DEI CONTESTI EDUCATIVI

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have knowledge of: (a) the main psychological theories in cultural psychology; (b) the psychological processes involved in self-knowledge and interpersonal relationships; (c) topics related to the formation of attitudes, opinions, and behaviors; (d) communication processes; (e) discourse as a social and cultural practice; (f) social influence and models of persuasive communication, useful for understanding and managing interpersonal and group dynamics.

Course contents

The course addresses the main topics of cultural psychology and examines the psychological processes that develop within educational and social settings. Particular attention is devoted to the theoretical contributions of key scholars such as Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, Michael Cole, and John Berry, whose work has highlighted the role of culture in shaping the mind, identity, and learning processes. The course explores the relationship between the self and culture, emphasizing how social and symbolic contexts contribute to the construction of individual experience.

The course also examines issues related to multiculturalism and interculturalism, with reference to the challenges posed by increasingly diverse contemporary societies. Special attention is given to cultural artifacts as mediating tools in cognitive and relational processes. The program further explores contributions from ethnopsychiatry, which provide valuable insights into the connections between culture, psychological well-being, and practices of care.

Another major focus is intercultural communication and the processes through which meanings are constructed in everyday interactions. Finally, the course dedicates specific attention to the study of prejudice, stereotypes, and intergroup relations, with particular emphasis on their implications in educational contexts.

Through the analysis of theories, empirical research, and applied examples, students will acquire conceptual and methodological tools to understand and appreciate the cultural dimension of education and social relationships.

Readings/Bibliography

The bibliography (the same for both attending and non-attending students) is as follows:

1. Inghilleri, P. (2009), Psicologia culturale, Milan, Raffaello Cortina Editore (Chapters 1, 2, and 4).

2. Villano, P. (2026), Pregiudizi e stereotipi, Rome, Carocci. New edition.

3. Additional readings for further study will be specified in the coming months.

And one text chosen from the following:

• De Ambrogio, U., Casartelli, A., & Cinotti, G. (2020), Il coordinatore dei servizi alla persona, Rome, Carocci.

Optional readings

Students are encouraged to review the basic concepts of the subject by consulting a recent social psychology textbook.

Erasmus Students

Erasmus students are kindly requested to contact the instructor to arrange alternative assessment options in English.

Teaching methods

During the lessons, students are encouraged to take an active part in the class. Questions, comments, and reflections are welcome, as they often help not only the discussion but also individual study.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a written test comprising three open-ended questions to be completed within 90 minutes.

Assessment Criteria

Students are informed that grading will be carried out as follows:

• Each of the three answers will be assigned a mark on a 30-point scale.
• The final grade will be calculated as the arithmetic average of the three marks obtained.

The assessment will take into account not only knowledge of the theoretical content, but also a range of transferable skills, including:

• the accurate use of psychological terminology;
• the ability to describe experiments and theoretical approaches;
• clarity of exposition;
• critical thinking and reflective skills.

Important note: passing the examination is contingent upon answering all three questions.

Teaching tools

Lecture slides will be made available on the Virtuale platform at the end of the course.

Office hours

See the website of Paola Villano