module specification

SS4043 - Introduction to communities (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Introduction to communities
Module level Certificate (04)
Credit rating for module 30
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 300
 
228 hours Guided independent study
72 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 50%   Community Profile
Coursework 50%   Reflective report.
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Year North Thursday Morning

Module summary

Introduction to Communities engages students in 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, reflective writing piece and an evaluative report.

 

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.

Prior learning requirements

None

Syllabus

Topics include:

 

  • Community Development National Occupational Standards (CDNOS) (LO1)
  • Principles of Community work and reflective practice (LO1)
  • Young people and community work (LO3, LO4)
  • Community profiling and semi structured interview technique (LO5)
  • Key concepts of community work – social justice, participation etc. (LO1)
  • Reflective writing (LO1)
  • Transnational communities (LO2, LO3)
  • Youth-led CD work (LO3, LO4)
  • Models of CD work (LO1)
  • Diverse communities and community work (LO4, LO2)
  • Politically engaged community work (LO3)
  • New forms of community work (LO1)
  • Community work and refugee community organisations (LO4)
  • Freire, Alinsky & Gramsci (LO1)

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

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.

 

Extra personal tutorials help and support with writing skills and academic guidance will be available. Students will be encouraged to make use of this support.

Learning outcomes

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 (LO1);

2. Identify the key opportunities and constraints in regenerating communities and areas (LO2);

3. Address issues of empowerment and participation in developing sustainable communities and regenerating areas (LO3);

4. Explain inequalities in health, housing, education and crime and evaluate policy solutions (LO4); and

5. Carry out community profiling (LO5)

Bibliography

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/3BC52857-41DB-AD29-4C00-ABDB974C8689.html?lang=en-US&login=1