100% of the final mark will be based on an 2000 word essay, which will assess all learning outcomes.

Formative Assessment:
The tutor will provide regular comment on-line as well as through emails on each student's understanding of concepts and knowledge and the quality of their communication of these. Formative assessment will also be provided through tutor participation in the on line forums and through tutor response to non-assessed tasks.

Introduce concepts of `community' and `neighbourhood', including geographical communities and communities of interest.

Introduce key theories that now underpin our understanding of community, in particular the theory of social capital and concepts of capacity building.

Understand the function of social networks in underpinning community.

How collaborative partnerships are formed in developing community oriented services.

The role of voluntary organisations and advice agencies in particular in local partnerships.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (45 Hours)
30 hours of tutor led sessions including lectures and tutor guidance
10 hours group work within the classroom/ward
5 hours tutorials

Guided Independent Study: (105 hours)
30 hours accessing world wide web
30 hours reading and library study
15 hours preparation for completion of assignment
30 hours groups activities in preparation for group tutorials

A computer with internet access.
Key texts.

Cilchrist, A. (2004) The Well-Connected Community, Community Development Journal 35(3): 264-75.
Pierson, J. (2008) Going Local, London, Routledge
Taylor, M. (2003) Public Policy in the Community, London, Palgrave Macmillan

1. Understand the concepts of `community' and `neighbourhood' and why they are so prominent in government policy and welfare practice SG1, 3, 9 (Knowledge and Understanding)

2. Understand the key theories that explain how communities function SG9 (Knowledge and Understanding)

3. Evaluate and interpret current policies that aim to strengthen communities SG2, 9, 10
(Analysis, Application)

4. Communicate an understanding of community policy and its relevance to advice SG1, 7, 10
(Communication)

5. Identify relevant research findings and understand their current and future implications for the advice sector SG9, 10, 11 (Enquiry)

6. Relate their knowledge and understanding of community and neighbourhood to advice work SG1, 10
(Application, Reflection)

This module will introduce concepts of 'community' and 'neighbourhood', including geographical communities and communities of interest. It explores key theories that now underpin our understanding of community, in particular the theory of social capital and concepts of capacity building.

It will enable you to understand the function of social networks in underpinning community and consider how collaborative partnerships are formed in developing community oriented services.