This course provides future community psychologist with an opportunity to explore in depth a variety of critical issues in the socio-political structure of the Palestinian society; which intend to foster their professional work with individuals, groups and communities in this context. The course begins by providing the students with an overview of the way in which Palestinian society is organized, focusing on family, community, culture, social classes, and political processes. It then assists the students in developing the conceptual framework that can link Palestinian social dynamics and culture to an understanding of mental health in the local context. It ends by identifying the main differences in the way Palestinians perceive of their mental health, life quality, and well-being, compared to what is prevalent in the developed countries, and lays the foundation for a contextual understanding of mental health and wellbeing that is relevant for future practice in the local Palestinian context.
