And for today… a post from Professor Ashley Moore, Visiting Assistant Lecturer here in the Department of Psychology. Thanks for the post Prof Moore!

As a visiting faculty member in the psychology department, I have taught multiple different courses. From Lifespan Development to Abnormal Psychology, Social Psychology to Theories of Personality, and Internship to Community Psych…I’m a little all over the map. I love this variety more than anything, but what if someone made me choose just one?  If I absolutely, positively had to pick I’d say the teaching Community Psych might just be one of my favorites.

What is Community Psychology?  I’m glad you asked. 

Community Psychology is the study of community phenomenon to understand system-level problems and catalyze change in those systems.  It is understanding the individuals of a particular community in the context of that community.  It is problem solving, social justice, and change-making all wrapped up into one lovely package.  How could you not be excited by that?

I typically teach Community Psych in the spring semester, and this year is no different.  Every student in my class is required to choose one social issue that they are most interested in and, through a series of different assignments, eventually create an intervention program for that problem.  That’s right, I’ve had the privilege of watching students “solve” (or help solve) social issues ranging from immigration policy reform, to homelessness, to teenage pregnancy.  What is so extraordinary and humbling each time is that at least one student takes what they have suggested and implements it in some way-in real life. 

This classroom inevitably becomes filled with the problem solvers of the world, so why not spread the word?  This semester, we will be hosting a Pecha Kucha presentation event of some kind.  (Think super-speedy presentations-no more than 8 minutes apiece.) Students will present their issue, intervention program, and a product of some kind.  We’d love to have all of you join us!

Inevitably, when faced with solving the big, complex issues of the globe, my students ask me how to avoid despair and feelings of helplessness.  I tell them that they simply need to focus on taking the next step forward. We’d like to invite you to step forward with us.

Details of the Pecha Kucha presentations are not yet pinned down, but are forthcoming.  Keep checking back; as soon as we have a date and a time set, we will post the information here!

Community Psychology currently fulfills one of the requirements for our MHRT-C minor.  This is a certificate-based minor that results in students being hired post- graduation at a higher pay rate. If you have any questions about this class, or the Pecha Kucha event, don’t hesitate to contact Professor Moore via email or office phone. 

Contact:

Professor Ashley Moore

Decary 317

207-602-2464

amoore5@une.edu

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Thanks to Professor Moore for sharing this information about herself and her community psychology course!