This 20-credit module will introduce concepts of developing community initiatives 'and community development. We will also explore the 'neighbourhood' concept, including geographical communities and communities of interest. We will examine the key theories that now underpin our understanding of community, in particular the theory of social capital and concepts of capacity building. 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/ voluntary services and why local partnerships are essential. As a civic university partnership work within the community will utilised and incorporated where relevant.

The presentation will link to:
LO. 1 Evaluate the importance of developing community initiatives
LO. 2 Demonstrate your critical understanding of the concepts of `community development’ and their relevance in relation to national and international policy.

This individual presentation will be prepared by you and will be based on key ideas about communities and community development. Current policy around this will be included.

The community audit will link to:
LO. 3 Identify local services and evaluate the application of their key principles designed to support children, young people and families.

This community audit and report will examine a range of ideas and theory and will explore how these can be applied at the community level.

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities: (48 hours)

You will attend lectures or workshops on key topics. There will also be opportunities to participate in small groups to explore some of the key issues raised in lectures and undertake practical activities. This will include scenarios, groups discussions/debates and presentations. You will also be asked to take part in peer review which will further support the giving and receiving of constructive feedback.

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: Presentation and Case Study preparation - you will need to undertake the necessary research and analysis to respond to the simulation activity. You will be expected to have made use of the relevant library resources/web-based sites to identify relevant academic texts/ journal articles.

Module Learning Outcome
1. Demonstrate through evaluation the importance of developing community initiatives.
University Learning Outcome
3 Enquiry

Module Learning Outcome
2. Demonstrate your critical understanding of `community development’ concepts and their relevance in relation to national and international policy.
University Learning Outcome
1 Knowledge and Understanding
6 Communication

Module Learning Outcome
3. Identify local services and evaluate the application of their key principles designed to support children, young people and families.
University Learning Outcome
7 Application

You will have access to a range of materials on Blackboard VLE including articles, session slides, and interactive activities.
You will also be able to access a variety of digital material through our Library and specialist databases.

Beck, D. and Purcell, R., 2020. Community Development for Social Change. Routledge.
Pierson, J. (2008) Going Local, Working in Communities and Neighbourhoods: Oxon: Routledge.
Phillips, R & Pittman, R. (2009) An Introduction to Community Development: Oxon: Routledge.
Ledwith, M. (2011) Community Development: A Critical Approach 2nd Edition.

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The aim of this module is to introduce the concepts of community initiatives and community development. We will achieve this by focusing on the neighbourhood concept including both the wider community and communities of interest. We will also Introduce key theories that underpin our understanding of community, in particular the theory of social capital and the concepts surrounding capacity building. In addition, we want you to understand the function of social networks, how they underpin community development and how collaborative partnerships are formed in developing community services. Hence the role of voluntary organisations in particular local partnerships will be explored and addressed.