MPO 536 Community Engagement: Research and Practice
This graduate-level psychology course focuses on understanding how social learning experiences and social contexts influence human behavior and psychological practice. Students will develop critical thinking skills to examine the ways in which social learning shapes individual experiences, interpersonal interactions, and provision of clinical care. The course emphasizes objective analysis and evidence-based approaches aligned with current federal guidelines and professional standards of the American Psychological Association. Key topics include the role of learning experiences on personal development and behavior, as well as their impact on therapeutic methods. Students will explore the interplay between social learning factors and psychological processes. The course prepares students to apply this knowledge in clinical settings, with a particular focus on trauma-informed care and effective communication across multidisciplinary clinical settings. Course Objectives: 1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of key concepts related to social learning experiences and social dynamics; Analyze the relationship between social contexts and individual experiences using evidence-based frameworks; and 3. Apply approaches informed by social learning experiences to psychological counseling, with an emphasis on supporting clients while maintaining professional neutrality and respect for individual perspectives.