PSY 539 - Community Psychology Credits: 3

Community psychology is concerned with the interrelation and interdependence of individuals and their communities and environments. This involves how individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are shaped by the social, cultural, and physical environments in which they live, as well as how individuals shape their environment. In addition, community psychology takes an active, applied approach to the world, focusing attention and action on social issues and policies, underserved and marginalized groups, social justice and social change, prevention science, health promotion, and the design and evaluation of interventions aimed generally at promoting individual and community competence and empowerment. The goal of this course is to introduce you to the central concepts, theories, strategies, findings, and values of community psychology in order to help develop broader perspectives on individual and community functioning and wellbeing.