81837 - Psychological Processes of Social Exclusion and Mediation

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student:

• knows the main psychological theories related to social exclusion, marginalization, interpersonal and intergroup relationships;
• understands the main psychosocial theories of intergroup conflict;
• is familiar with the key characteristics, psychological dynamics, and competencies related to the role of the mediator in various contexts (cultural, family, social);
• is able to design educational interventions in the field of mediation;
• possesses the theoretical and methodological skills to build a networked approach with different professional figures;
• is capable of initiating exchanges with social and cultural institutions in the development of mediation projects;
• can effectively manage interventions focused on social inclusion and mediation;
• is able to organize and conduct training courses for mediators and educational professionals working in the field of marginalization;
• is capable of evaluating a mediation intervention;
• can coordinate and lead the work of mediators and educational professionals working in the areas of marginalization and social exclusion;
• is skilled in interpersonal and group communication;
• is able to work in a team;
• is capable of applying acquired psychological methods and skills for self-directed learning;
• knows the tools to assess the psychosocial and educational aspects of their work in the fields of mediation, exclusion, and social inclusion.

Course contents

The course explores the main psychological processes related to social exclusion, ostracism, and rejection, which are considered precursors of inequality, social conflict, and prejudice. Particular attention will be given to participatory and community-based strategies for promoting social inclusion, such as participatory action research, community organizing, and social justice engagement. A specific focus will also be dedicated to the topic of mediation and negotiation, understood not only as tools for conflict resolution but also as preventive practices.

All topics will be addressed from a social psychology perspective, with attention to the cognitive, emotional, and relational processes involved, as well as the psychological consequences of exclusion on individuals.

Main Contents of Prof. Villano’s Module (24 hours, 4 ECTS):

• Definition and distinction between social exclusion, ostracism, and social rejection
• Theoretical explanations and psychological consequences of these phenomena
• Types and contexts of exclusion (e.g., exclusion in public discourse)
• In-depth analysis of conflict and mediation: models, phases, and psychological skills of the mediator.

Main Topics of Module 2 by Prof. Tzankova (24 hours, 4 ECTS):

• Stigma, dehumanization, and moral exclusion
• Prejudices and prejudice reduction
• Intergroup conflict and extreme conflicts
• Participatory, community-based, and community-level strategies for social inclusion
  (e.g., Participatory Action Research, Social Justice Engagement)

Readings/Bibliography

The required readings are as follows (for both attending and non-attending students):

1. Villano, P. (2013), Fuori dai giochi. La psicologia di fronte all'esclusione sociale, Milan, Pearson.

2. Giudice, E., & Ritorto, S. (2022), La gestione del conflitto, Rome, Carocci (Chapters 1, 2, 3, and 4).

3. Guerzoni, G., & Villano, P. (2023). Fare mediazione, oggi. Dalla prevenzione alla trasformazione creativa del conflitto. In B. Riccio & F. Tarabusi (Eds.), Incontrare le migrazioni, Città di Castello, I libri di Emil (the chapter is available on the Virtuale platform).

4. Additional articles and book chapters for further study will be made available on the Virtuale platform.

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 asked to contact the professor to define English-language alternatives.

Teaching methods

Students are strongly encouraged to participate actively in class. Questions, shared reflections, and opportunities for discussion and exchange provide valuable support for individual study.

Assessment methods

The examination consists of a written test comprising three open-ended questions.

Assessment Method

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

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

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

See the website of Iana Ivanova Tzankova