1. Personal Development Journal 6 entries x 330 words = 2000 words 30% [Learning Outcomes 1-5]

2. Individual Presentation, 1000 words, 20% [Learning Outcomes 4,5]

3. Essay 4000 words 50% [Learning Outcomes 1-5]

A pass (50-59%) is awarded only when all of the assessment is complete and the work meets the learning objectives of the module.
A merit (60-69%) is awarded for an exemplary performance in meeting the learning objectives of the module.
A distinction (70% +) will be awarded for excellence in meeting the learning objectives of the module.

This module will allow students to develop advanced skills in working with communities, broadly defined. The module will begin with a consideration of the ethical implications of working with community groups as well as the National Occupational Standards relating to community development work, youth work, and any relevant standards for community and participatory arts and regeneration practitioners. The module will then go on to provide advanced skills-based sessions, which may include topics such as: partnership working, working with groups, using social media, and creative thinking.
The course will conclude with a component on reflective practice, in which students will consider how reflection on and in practice helps improve their work.

This module incorporates a number of inter-related learning strategies. The main focus of learning will be on self instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying largely (but not exclusively) on materials supplied. Week by week you will work through self-instructional course material (delivered via Blackboard), which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking the specific tasks set. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor. (24 hours) The Blackboard sessions will be used for the consideration of core issues and themes relating to the concepts and skills necessary for working with communities. The independent study will require reading around selected topics, the development of individual responses to the reading and the preparation for the assessments. The module will run over 16 weeks including 4 weeks to complete assessments.

Ledwith, M. and Springett, J. (2010) Participatory Practice: Community-based action for transformative change, Bristol: Policy Press.
Ledwith, M. (2005) Community Development: A critical approach, Bristol: Policy Press.
Gibson, A. et al (2009) Social by Social: A practical guide to using new technology to deliver social impact, NESTA. Available @
http://www.socialbysocial.com/sites/www.socialbysocial.com/files/social_by_social_pdf_download_creative_commons.pdf

Course textbooks to be supplied by the university.
Computer and internet for access to Blackboard and relevant websites.
Library, where you will find relevant electronic textbooks, electronic journals, and audio-visual materials.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment; details will be supplied in the module handbook.