module specification

SS7003 - Community, Continuity and Change (2020/21)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2020/21
Module title Community, Continuity and Change
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Social Professions
Total study hours 200
 
30 hours Assessment Preparation / Delivery
140 hours Guided independent study
30 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 70%   Report on policy development and implementation
Group Presentation 30%   Presentation on current issues
Running in 2020/21

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Autumn semester North Monday Evening

Module summary

This module provides a critical perspective on youth and community issues. It focuses on contemporary issues, placing these within historical context of struggle and empowerment. You will critically engage with key concepts such as power, class, ethnicity and gender, applying relevant theory to current events and debates. You will benefit from a range of perspectives of staff who are working at the cutting edge of policy and practice in fields such as community and youth work, housing, education, crime, health and migration. You will be able to place your own community and youth practice in the context of long-term changes in society, and be able to respond to the challenges that face young people and communities today in an effective way, informed by current research and best practice

The aims of the module are to:
• identify current challenges in youth and community work, placing these in the context of long term changes in society and policy;
• critically evaluate current policy and practice responses to community and youth work issues;
• identify power relationships between the state, the market and individuals in communities, and how individuals may be empowered;
• reflect on the professional values of youth and community workers, and how these can be used to address complex challenges in policy and practice; and
• enable students to engage in anti-discriminatory practice to address policy and practice issues.

Syllabus

• the social and political context to youth and community work: change and continuity LO 1 / 3
• identifying and evaluating current policy initiatives in, for example, housing, education, crime, health and migration LO 1 / 3
• concepts of power and empowerment and how these are demonstrated in current policy and practice in, for example, housing, education, crime, health and migration LO 2
• anti-discriminatory practice in a complex national and international context LO 4

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The module is delivered in a series of lectures, seminars and workshops. These will examine the theoretical and policy context to youth and community work. Sessions will focus on significant current issues and will be delivered by a range of individuals who are experts in their field. Independent learning will be supported by materials and tasks on the Virtual Learning Environment.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1. analyse current challenges facing young people and communities, placing these within longer social and historical change;
2. critically evaluate concepts of ‘empowerment’ and policies and practices which aim to empower young people and communities;
3. evaluate local and national policies affecting young people and communities, identifying lessons in terms of policy development and implementation; and
4. integrate anti-discriminatory practice in policies and practices relating to young people and communities.

Assessment strategy

This module will be assessed by an essay on policy development and implementation, and a presentation which will critically examine a significant current issue in community/youth work.

Bibliography

Reading lists are held in the University’s reading list repository at the following link:

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/modules/SS7003.html