Ateneo - UPO

This course explores the psychological, cognitive, and
neurobiological dynamics affecting victims and managers in
disaster and crisis scenarios. Ranging from personal identity,
extended mind theory, and communication biases, it provides
operational tools to de-escalate stress, maintain leadership,
and rebuild agency within affected communities.

texts provided by the professor

Basic level: To understand a complex phenomenon like the sense of self, in its innate and socially constructed dimensions.
In particular:
-understand how the loss of personal objects and space damages identity structure.
-provide methodologies to shift emergency aid from passive distribution to co-production.

Advanced Level: To use the acquired knowledge to improve the understanding of different cultures.

None

Teaching methods comprise both lessons and active learning, based mostly on case studies analysis and discussion.
The course is mainly conducted remotely and in English.
Pre-recorded video lessons lasting approximately 30 minutes each and study materials (slides) are available on the course page.
E-tivietis are available too.
During the lesson in-person, case studies will be analysed in groups and then discussed in a plenary lesson.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning- disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the course’s teaching staff to define the examination modalities and teaching aspects.

The exam is written and in-person, and consists of a quiz 8 with multiple- choice questions. To pass the exam, students must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of at least the fundamental concepts of the subject. To achieve a high grade, students must demonstrate complete mastery of the topics covered.

Personal Identity, Trauma, and Neurobiological Responses to Stress
Reception Bias and Crisis Communication
The Extended Mind and Rebuilding Agency
Personality Psychology: Big Five Model in Crisis Management
Group Social Dynamics: "Us vs Them" (Ingroup vs Outgroup)
Cognitive Biases and Heuristics in Crisis Contexts
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

To understand the complexity of personal identity formation.
To understand the characteristics of identity that stem from different social structures, and to be able to predict elements of resistance and fragility within them.
To increase a sense of respect for the unique characteristics of people from different cultures.