Community Psychology
School: Notre Dame de Namur University
Professor: Gretchen Wehrle
PSYCHOLOGY 174:
COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY
Dr. Gretchen Wehrle, Psychology
Notre Dame de Namur University
gwehrle [a] ndnu.edu
(650) 508 3659
Fall 2002
Course Description:
Community Psychology studies a wide variety of forces and structures in the community
which affect the positive growth, development, and functioning of its members. This
class will include a review of the field of community psychology, a discussion of
underlying concepts (e.g., ecological approach, "blaming the victim" ideology,
prevention, social change, active citizenship), and training and experience in civic
engagement and community dialogues. As students become involved in the community,
they will meet regularly to reflect upon their learning experiences.
Community Partner:
The Community Psychology class of Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) will
partner with the Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center of San Mateo (PCRQ. We will be
working with PCRC's Civic Engagement Initiative as it relates to children and families
and will be involved in facilitation training, community dialogues, and reflection
activities. Our community partners at PCRC will be:
Katie Howard, Coordinator of the Civic Engagement Initiative, (650) 373-3490
Michelle Vilchez, Project Manager of Civic Engagement Initiative, (650) 373-3490
Course Outcomes:
Expected course outcomes are:
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Students should have a good understanding of the field of community psychology
and its underlying theories.
Students should have gained training and experience in civic
engagement/community dialogues and a greater recognition of their role as active
citizens.
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Through reflection activities, students should increase self awareness of their
strengths and competencies.
Through experiential activities, students should become more knowledgeable
about planned and unplanned social change.
Required Course Texts:
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SOUL OF A CITIZEN, Paul Rogat Loeb, St. Martin's Griffin.
THE MAGIC OF DIALOGUE, Daniel Yankelovich, A Touchstone Book.
PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER: The Civic Engagement Initiative's
Resource Guide 2000, Peninsula Conflict Resolution Center.
Other assigned readings will be distributed in class throughout the semester.
Class Requirements:
1. Class attendance and participation
Students are expected to attend each class session; absences will negatively affect your
final grade. Participation in class discussions/reflections and demonstrations of your
knowledge of assigned reading will be considered in the final grading.
2. Community-Based Learning Activities
In addition to class attendance, each student will be required to participate in the
following community based learning activities:
Attend one and a half days of facilitation training.
Participate in PCRC class presentation and dialogue.
Host a PCRC network support meeting at Notre Dame de Namur University. Participate
in four community dialogues with PCRC staff.
Plan and conduct a community dialogue with faculty, students, and staff at NDNU. Plan,
facilitate, and participate in a final reflection activity with PCRC staff.
3. Reflection Activities
For each of the above community based learning activities, students will be required to
write a 4-6 page reflection paper. You will record your activities, observations, insights,
and questions after each experience. (You will receive more details about what
information should be included.) Each student will also be expected to be an active
participant during class reflection activities and will be given the opportunity to share any
thoughts and feelings from his/her reflection paper.
4. Reading Assignments
On the dates below, be prepared to discuss the designated sections of the three readings.
There are no written assignments, but you will be graded on the extent of your class
participation.
o Loeb, SOUL OF A CITIZEN
Thursday, September 12: Chapters 1-3
Thursday, November 7: Chapters 4-8
Thursday, December 3: Chapters 9-12
o Yankelovich, THE MAGIC OF DIALOGUE
Tuesday, October 15: Chapters 1-7
Tuesday, October 22: Chapters 8-14
o PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER
Tuesday, October 29: Chapters I-VI
Tuesday, November 5: Chapters VII-XI
5. Class Project
Drawing upon the training and experiences gained throughout the semester, each of you
is required to do a class project. Students will be responsible for choosing a focus topic as
well as planning and conducting a campus dialogue of the NDNU community. The
NDNU community dialogue is scheduled for November 15th and students, faculty, staff,
and administration will be the invited guests.
6. Final Reflection Act
Students will plan and facilitate a final reflection activity at the end of the semester. Our
community partner, PCRC, will be invited to join us for a dialogue focusing on the
semester's experiences. Successes and challenges will be discussed with the goal being to
strengthen the community partnership for future collaborations.
Grading: Your final grade will be based on:
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Quality of the assignments (writing, presentations, depth, critical analysis) (25%)
Evaluation of your participation in community dialogues by PCRC staff (20%)
Your attendance and participation in class (25%)
Involvement in required CBL activities (30%)
Specific attention will be given to the student's:
Awareness of community
Involvement in the community
Commitment to service
Self awareness
Understanding of course content
Sensitivity to diversity
Class Schedule:
Introduction and Self Assessment
Overview of Community Psychology
Presentation by NDNU's Director of Community Based Learning
Discussion of "Blaming the Victim"
Discussion of Loeb, Chapters 1 3
Discussion of the Importance of Social Change
Presentation by Community Partner (PCRC)
Facilitation Training by PCRC (One and a half days)
Model Dialogue Conducted in Class by PCRC
Reflection Activity on Training/Model Community Dialogue
Presentation by a Faculty Member from San Jose State University
Focusing on a Case Study of a Community Dialogue
Initial Planning Meeting for Campus Dialogue
Discussion of Yankelovich, Chapters 1 7
Continue to Plan for Campus Dialogue
Discussion of Yankelovich, Chapters 8 14
Continue to Plan for Campus Dialogue
Discussion of PCRC Resource Guide, Chapters I VI
Reflection on Students' Experiences in the Community
Discussion of PCRC Resource Guide, Chapters VII XI
Continue to Plan for Campus Dialogue
Finalize Plans for Campus Dialogue Hold Campus Dialogue at NDNU
Reflection Paper on Campus Dialogue Due
Reflection Activity in Class
Host PCRC Network Support Meeting
Reflection Paper on PCRC Community Dialogues Due
Reflection Activity in Class
Final Reflection Activity with Community Partner (PCRQ)