Motivation to Teach Social Action:
I'm interested in participate in the Teaching Social Action program as I work to establish Community Psychology as a core course in my department. This course will primarily serve sophomore psychology majors, providing them with an early pathway into thinking about how psychology can be applied to social change and social justice efforts. I want students to leave the class not only with a conceptual understanding of these ideas but also with concrete experiences that allow them to practice change-making within their communities.
Being a part of this program would offer a structured opportunity to integrate student-led social action into my teaching in ways that are intentional, effective, and aligned with my broader commitments as a scholar-activist. As a community psychologist, I approach research and teaching through a collaborative, action-oriented lens that emphasizes shared decision-making, structural change, and community empowerment. I see this program as an opportunity to deepen my ability to facilitate these kinds of experiences in the classroom, ensuring that students are not just learning about social action but actively engaging in it.
I am especially excited to connect with others who are committed to this pedagogy, learn new ways to scaffold social action projects, and think critically about how to maximize both student learning and community impact. I want Community Psychology to be a course that empowers students to see themselves as agents of change both within their academic work and outside of the classroom, and I see this program as an important step toward that goal.
Course Description:
How can psychology be applied to strengthen communities and promote social change? This course explores how people influence, and are influenced by, the social environments they are part of. Examine the role of psychology in understanding and addressing social issues through collaborative, action-oriented approaches. Explore the psychological factors that shape community engagement, empowerment, and resilience. Learn about theories and methods that guide community-based research and intervention, with a focus on participatory approaches that prioritize the perspectives of those most affected by social injustices. This course prepares students to apply psychological principles to real-world challenges.
Taught By:
Katy Morgan
Assistant Professor
Psychology Department
The University of the South (Sewanee)
Read profile here.