This module provides students with the opportunity to explore in-depth a specialist area in community practice and its associated literature. Students will be able to devise and progress their own small research project, chosen in consultation with their tutor. Students will devote most of the learning hours to research in the library enhancing their knowledge of the chosen specialist area.

The module incorporates three inter-related learning strategies. There will be a whole group sessions, which will give students an overview of the requirements of the module and the assessments (1 hour). There will also be small group sessions or individual sessions, tutorials, in which students will receive support and guidance in relation to their individual research (9 hours). Finally, the students will pursue independent study (290 hours), which will allow them to research and write their independent study project.

The essay will require you to demonstrate the reading of relevant texts and use of other sources in order to demonstrate your critical understanding of the literature relating to community practice and your capability to carry out a small research programme on a chosen specialist topic.
[Learning Outcomes 1-5]

A proposal of 1000 words will require you to demonstrate your ability to plan a small research project and your knowledge of current literature in the field. [Learning Outcomes 3 & 4]

Boud, D. (1988) Developing Student Autonomy in Learning, Kogan Page
Robbins, D. (1988) The Rise of Independent Study: The Politics and The Philosophy of an Educational Innovation, Open University Press
Parker, J. et al (2003) Social Theory: A Basic Toolkit, Palgrave - Macmillan

Internet, where you will find relevant web-sites.
Library, where you will find relevant textbooks, journals, and audio-visual materials.