module specification

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.

None

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)

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.

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)

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 a community profile (2000 words) and a reflective piece of writing (2000 words). 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.

This module has opportunities for formative assessment, and draft work is considered and commented on. Comments on draft work are provided a week before the final hand in date, so that students have opportunities to amend their work

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