The module is delivered on-line through a VLE. This virtual learning environment will be structured to take the student group through the module with each section of the course material assisting the student towards their discussion contributions and final essay. Key information about the module such as its aims and learning outcomes is contained within the section on Course Information.

The section, Course Documents, will contain the material written by the tutor which in effect take the place of lectures and which are designed to outline the main issues, explain key concepts and theories and promote thinking and discussion among the group. This section will contain all the material necessary to complete the module including links to other web-based documents and other sources of information.

Tutor and students will communicate through the discussion forums and via email and/or telephone if this is appropriate. Students are encouraged to communicate with the tutor for advice and support. They will have to engage in the discussion forums in order to complete the exercises.

For level 3 students there is additional guidance, additional tasks and exercises incorporated within the VLE teacking material. They are clearly located in separate sections of the VLE module.

The 30 contact hours for each student are spent on-line engaging with the study materials, communicating with the tutor and receiving feedback from the tutor.

The 120 independent study hours include regular contribution to the discussion forums and giving and receiving opinion to and from other students is also part of the contact time. It also includes engaging in the exercises and tasks within each section of the module, supplementary reading and preparation of the assessable assignments.

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

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

- Consideration of 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 and develop ways of analysing those networks.

- How collaborative partnerships are formed in developing community oriented services and analyse critically the functioning of such partnerships.

- The role of voluntary organisations and advice agencies in particular in local partnerships and analyse critically the role and function of such organisations.

70% of the final mark will be based on an 2500 word essay, which will assess all the learning outcomes

30% of the final mark will be based on the student's contribution to an on-line discussion (500 words), which will assess learning outcome 3

In order to pass this module students must achieve a minimum of grade point 2 in the online seminar and an average grade point 4 overall

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.

A computer with internet access.