Course objectives

The aim of the course is to introduce the theories and partly also the practice of educating people with mental disabilities, with a focus on the initial theoretical questions of the subject of psychopedagogy, and a new perspective on working with people with mental disabilities in an inclusive society. The course also includes defining disability and its categorization, etiology and symptomatology, the history of caring for people with mental disabilities in the world and in our country, some reflection on the direction and characteristics of the personality of people with mental disabilities.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes: Professional knowledge: - the student is familiar with the scientific discipline of psychopedics, can classify it in the system of sciences and characterize it - the student knows the basic theoretical concepts and terminology of psychopedics - the student is familiar with the terminology related to mental disability - the student is familiar with the development and history of care for people with mental disabilities throughout history in our country and abroad - the student knows the basic educational system and educational options for children, pupils and adults with different degrees and types of mental disability Professional skills: - the student is familiar with the educational options related to the degree of mental disability of the pupil - the student analyzes the personality of a person with mental disability according to basic rules and knowledge of personality characteristics in general General Competencies: - the student is able to adapt the process of educational and other activities to a specific person with a certain degree of mental disability - the student is familiar with the diversity of the educational system used for children and pupils with mental disabilities

Teaching methods

Study aids: PIPEKOVÁ, J., VIKTORIN, J. Psychopedia. In E-learning course for students of the Special Education study program of the Faculty of Public Policy in Opava. Opava: Silesian University in Opava, 2022.

Assessment methods

Student requirements: Review of a film with a psychopedic theme. Active participation 100%. Written test, 70% correct answers are required to successfully complete the course. 

Another requirement for completing the course is mandatory IN-PERSON participation in at least two educational activities (overall for the entire semester) as recommended by the guarantor of the study programme or the lecturer (e.g., lectures, seminars, or webinars given by external experts). 

Students going abroad (ERASMUS) must successfully complete a written test (see above).