1. Individual Presentation 20% [Learning Outcomes 2,3,7]
a. Submit notes and bibliography

2. Portfolio 40% 3000 words [Learning Outcomes 4,6,7]
a. Annotated bibliography on Refworks - 5 items
b. Webquest with on-line discussion
c. Short essay demonstrating quotes 500 words
d. Short essay reflecting on competency in study skills and where improvement is needed 500 words

3. Briefing Paper 40% 3000 words [Learning Outcomes 1,5,7]
a. policy briefing paper for your organisation based on issues studied in sessions five and six

The module will investigate a number of aspects of contemporary concern with community empowerment. First, it will examine some of the concepts underpinning community empowerment, such as the definition of community and concepts of social exclusion and social capital. A variety of strategies for community engagement will be explored. The UK context of community work will be discussed, taking a historical approach to understanding work with communities and analysing contemporary ideas about the Big Society. Finally, the module will explore the global context of working with communities, and examine lessons that may be learned from other countries for work with communities in this country.

This module incorporates three inter-related learning strategies. The six day-long workshops will be used for the consideration of core issues and themes relating to the politics and policies of contemporary community practices. The tutorials will allow discussion of the individual research students are undertaking to prepare their assignments. The independent study will allow reading around selected topics, the development of individual responses to the reading and the preparation for the work-based case studies.

Internet, where you will find relevant web-sites.
Library, where you will find relevant textbooks, journals, and audio-visual materials.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

George, V. and Wilding, P. (2002) Globalization and Human Welfare, Basingstoke: Palgrave.
Norman, J. (2010) The Big Society: The Anatomy of the New Politics, Buckingham: University of Buckingham Press.
Somerville, P. (2011) Understanding Community: Politics, Policy and Practice, Bristol: Policy Press.