module specification

Principles of Community Work and Regeneration introduces students to the environment within which community work takes place, and to the policy context, particularly in relation to regeneration. This module is a building block for community work skills and knowledge. It introduces students to definitions of community work, its origins and development. The module explores the principles of community development work, drawing on the National Occupational Standards for Community Development. It aims to explore the concepts of Social Justice, Self Determination, Working and Learning together, Sustainable Communities, Participation and Reflective Practice. It is taught over 30 weeks and is assessed through an essay and an evaluative report.

None

This module aims to:
1. Introduce students to the principles of community work, drawing on national occupational standards;
2. Explain the history of community work and the current policy context;
3. Outline the opportunities and challenges of regenerating communities and areas;
4. Explain key concepts such as empowerment, participation, social justice and sustainability; and
5. Enable students to critically reflect on their own work practice. 

1. Principles of sustainable communities and community work, and how these relate to national occupational standards;
2. Involving communities and community organisations in decision making;
3. Evaluating regeneration and community-led initiatives;
4. Community work issues: crime, anti-social behaviour, health and housing;
5. Funding and fund raising;
6. Raising students awareness of the link between theory and practice;
7. Focus on investigative approaches and evaluation including community profiling; and
8. Poverty, welfare and Community Work.
 

The main concepts will be introduced in lectures. Students will be encouraged to carry out directed work in groups and bring their own knowledge and skills to discussions. Practical tasks will be set, using a range of sources to inform decision making. Extensive use will be made of Weblearn resources.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
1. Outline the principles of community work, and how these inform practice in the current policy context;
2. Identify the key opportunities and constraints in regenerating communities and areas;
3. Address issues of empowerment and participation in developing sustainable communities and regenerating areas;
4. Explain inequalities in health, housing, education and crime and evaluate policy solutions; and
5. Carry out community profiling.

The assessment of the module reflects the linkages made in the module between professional practice and wider social inequalities and changes. The module is assessed by an evaluative report (community profile), a reflective learning report and an essay. Students will be assessed in their understanding of the principles of community work and in how the use of secondary sources in the field can be used in an ethical way to promote community development.
For the first assignments students will write an evaluative report based on a profile of a community of Place (a specific geographical locality).  In the second assignment students will be assessed on their reflective practice, building on their knowledge of ways to engage and work with communities, and their knowledge of the concepts on equality, social justice, collective action and community empowerment, and how these values and principles become embedded in the practice of Community work.  The third assignment will offer a range of topics in the form of essay questions from which students can choose from, which will further embed their critical awareness and understanding of the principles of community work and the current policy context.

Barr, A and Hashagan, S. 2000. ABCD Handbook: a Framework for Evaluating Community Development. London: Community Development Foundation.
Craig G, Mayo M, Taylor M and Shaw M. 2011. The Community Development Reader: History, themes and issues. Bristol: Policy Press.
Endorsement and Quality Standards Board for Community Development Learning. National Occupational Standards for Community Development Work.
Henderson P and Thomas D. 2001. Skills in Neighbourhood Work. Oxford: Routledge
Imrie. R, Lees, L and Raco. M. 2008.Regenerating London. London: Routledge.
Tallon. A (2010) Urban Regeneration in the UK. Routledge.
Twelvetrees A (4th ed). 2008. Community Work. Basingstoke: MacMillan
Vertovec, S (2009). Transnationalism. Abingdon: Routledge.