SP46 - SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY II (A-H)

courses

ID:

SP46

Duration (hours):

64

CFU:

SSD:

PSICOLOGIA SOCIALE

Located in:

CHIETI

Url:

Course Details:

PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCES/CORSO GENERICO Year: 3

Year:

2025

Course Catalogue:

https://unich.coursecatalogue.cineca.it/af/2025?co...

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (29/09/2025 - 30/12/2025)

Course Objectives

Knowledge and UnderstandingThe student will acquire knowledge related to:a) the social psychology of groups;b) the psychosocial theories and the main research developments on leadership;c) the psychosocial mechanisms of disinformation and fake news in the public sphere, within the context of the digital transformation of the media.
Applying Knowledge and UnderstandingThe student will develop the ability to analyze and understand:the role of group membership in the definition of social identity;how identities emerge within the social context and the role of groups in social change;leadership phenomena in the contemporary era;the emergence and impact of disinformation and misinformation in the public sphere.
Independent JudgmentThe student will be able to autonomously analyze psychosocial phenomena concerning intra- and intergroup relations, leadership dynamics, and the processes of disinformation and misinformation in the public sphere.
Communication SkillsThe student will be able to clearly and concisely communicate the topics addressed during the course.
Learning SkillsThe student will be able to independently explore and deepen the topics covered during the course.

Course Prerequisites

Understanding of the main theories and research methods in Social Psychology (as covered in the 'Social Psychology I' course)

Teaching Methods

The course is delivered in person and employs an integrated approach that combines various teaching methods, selected in alignment with the intended learning outcomes. Specifically, the teaching activities are structured as follows:

Lectures aimed at presenting theoretical models and key strands of empirical research;

Case studies designed to apply the theoretical models and develop analytical, interpretative, and critical thinking skills;

Attendance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended, as active participation in the various learning activities significantly supports the achievement of the course objectives.

Assessment Methods

The examination consists of an oral test aimed at assessing the student's learning achievements, conceptual understanding, appropriate use of language, and ability to apply acquired knowledge, demonstrating analytical and critical thinking skills. The exam lasts approximately 20 minutes. For attending students, written midterm tests (multiple-choice questions) or early exam sessions may be scheduled during the semester. Further information will be provided during the lectures.

Texts

BROWN R. e PEHRSON S. (2023, 3° Edition) Psicologia sociale dei gruppi, Il Mulino. pp. 390, Paperback € 38,00

HASLAM A. S., REICHER S. D., & PLATOW M. J. (2020, 2nd Edition) The New Psychology of Leadership Identity, Influence and Power, Routledge. Paperback £28.99; eBook £26.09

RIVA G. (2018) Fake news. Vivere e sopravvivere in un mondo di post verità, Il Mulino. pp.200, € 14,00; e-book € 9,99 ePub, Kindle format.

The advanced course in Social Psychology focuses on the social psychology of groups and leadership, as well as on communication in the public sphere.The following topics will be covered:

The influence of groups on the self and self-esteem; the meaning and consequences of group membership; intragroup and intergroup processes, including group formation, norm development, social influence, leadership, conflict, prejudice, solidarity, intergroup contact, and collective action;

Developments in psychological theories of leadership, with particular emphasis on the concepts of identity, influence, and power;

Processes of disinformation in the public sphere and the technological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying the emergence and spread of fake news.

Course Language

Italian

More information

Student Office Hours are held weekly in the instructor’s office, located on the top floor, at the end of the last corridor of the Humanities Building (Palazzina di Lettere) on the Madonna delle Piane Campus in Chieti Scalo, or remotely via Microsoft Teams. Appointments must be requested in advance by emailing chiara.berti@unich.it.