This 20-credit module will introduce theoretical concepts of community organising and community development. It will develop student’s understanding of Social Movement Theory and Community Activism, the 'neighbourhood' concept, including a critical discussion of ‘community’ based around Etzioni’s model of communitarianism. Community will be discussed in terms of its geographical and communities of interest definition, recognising Sparke’s (2008) notion of messy community.
Key theories that now underpin our understanding of community, in particular the theory of social capital and concepts of capacity building will also be considered. The module will enable students to understand the function of social networks in underpinning community, how collaborative partnerships are formed in the development of community and voluntary services and why local partnerships are essential. Finally, ideas and concepts of activism will be explored, culminating in students planning and participating in a community activist project, an activist campaign or a simulated campaign.

1. Action Plan and Rationale: This assessment will require students to refer to the theory of community-based and community-led actions, in addition to requiring a fully justified action plan on proposed campaign activity. This will assess LO 1
2. Students will be required to prepare a presentation outlining their plans for a campaign, using their action plan and rationale for the campaign. The campaign must directly address an identified problem within the community and incorporate learning from the module. This element is mapped to LO 2.

The Blackboard VLE will offer a structured framework for the delivery of the module, which will be both theoretical and practical based. A blended learning approach will be adopted. Session delivery may include:

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (48¿hours)¿¿
Seminars and whole group discussion and collaborative tasks
Practical activities (scenario based)
Individual and group design workshops¿¿
Module & Assessment support

Guided Independent Study: (152¿hours)¿¿
100¿hours: Independent reading - You will be expected to read the recommended reading and utilise the learning materials which you will have full access to via Blackboard.¿¿
52¿hours: Assessment preparations

1. Analyse the underlying concepts and principles of community organising and
development and articulate arguments for the chosen campaign action
1. Knowledge & Understanding
2. Learning

2. Apply key principles of community-based action and demonstrate the ability to
anticipate and evaluate problems as they arise to find an appropriate solution
5. Problem-solving
7. Application

PC/Access to internet

Beck, D. and Purcell, R. (2020) Community Development for Social Change. Oxon: Routledge

Etzioni, Amitai. "Communitarianism." The Blackwell Encyclopedia of Sociology (2007): 1-8.

Goodwin, J. and Jasper, J.M. eds., 2014. The social movements reader: Cases and concepts. John Wiley & Sons.

Ledwith, M. (2011) Community Development: A Critical Approach. Bristol: Policy Press

Robertson, E. and Robertson, K. (2019) How to Make a Difference: The Definitive Guide from the World's Most Effective Activists. London: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd

Pierson, J. (2008) Going Local, Working in Communities and Neighbourhoods. Oxon: Routledge

Putnam, R.D., 2015. Bowling alone: America’s declining social capital (pp. 188-196). Routledge.

Schutz, A. and Miller, M. eds., 2015. People power: The community organizing tradition of Saul Alinsky. Vanderbilt University Press.

This 20-credit module will introduce you to community organising and community development. You will explore the 'neighbourhood' concept and reflect on different understandings of community - geographical communities and communities of interest, in addition to key theories that now underpin our understanding of community. The module will enable you to understand the function of social networks in underpinning community, how collaborative partnerships are formed in the development of community and voluntary services and why local partnerships are essential. Finally, you will consider the ideas and concepts of activism where you will draw on your learning from the previous year by developing your campaign plan further and participating in a community activist project, an activist campaign or a simulated campaign.