Many urban and rural communities in the UK face a range of dynamic social, economic and environmental pressures which have significant implications for their sustainability. The module introduces the concepts of neighbourhood and community and offers a debate about their relationship to the sustainable development of localities. The module then considers how socio-economic pressures have impacted on selected key elements of communities and neighbourhoods e.g. education, enterprise and employment, housing, health, public safety and crime, public spaces, transport and connectivity, recreation and leisure. This provides a basis for a critical examination of inequality, deprivation, poverty and social exclusion, and the implications for the development of a sustainable community/neighbourhood.

Formative Assessment:
Formative exercises will run alongside the weekly lectures enabling students to develop their understanding of the module themes. Students will also be provided with the opportunity to discuss their ideas and receive feedback on their report plans.

Summative Assessment
Produce a written report comparing and contrasting a rural and an urban community that demonstrates both:

a) knowledge and understanding of the implications of the social, economic and environmental factors that affect rural and urban communities
b) an assessment of the impact on the development of sustainable communities that inequality and social exclusion present

(1,500 words) (LO1 and LO2).

The learning strategy for this module requires students to commit 150 learning hours (including assessment). This will include 24 hours of class support and 126 hours of independent and self directed study. The 24 hours of class support with include formal lectures, case study analysis and group discussions. The module will also include field visit opportunities and self-directed learning.
The 126 hours of independent and self directed study will include guided reading from core texts and planning, research, drafts and the writing of the report.

Commission for Rural Communities (2008) State of the Countryside 2008 (and earlier annual reports)
Commission for Rural Communities (2006) Rural disadvantage Reviewing the evidence
Gordon, D, Levitas,R. Pantazis C (2006) Poverty and Social Exclusion in Britain: The Millennium Survey. Policy Press.
Powers, A,. & Houghton, J. (2007) Jigsaw Cities. Big places, Small Places, Policy Press
Rogers R. & Powers, A. (2000) Cities for a Small Country. Faber and Faber
Taylor, M (2008) Living Working Countryside The Taylor Review of Rural Economy and Affordable Housing. DCLG
Woods, M. (2005) Rural Geography Sage Publications: London.
Office of National Statistics (Neighbourhood statistics)

Teaching room with PCs, Interactive white board, access to Learning Resource Centre.
Moodle