POLI07004 2017 Community Development & Local Government
Full Title
Community Development & Local Government
Transcript Title
CDLG
Code
POLI07004
Attendance
80 %
Subject Area
POLI - Policy Studies
Department
SOCS - Social Sciences
Level
07 - NFQ Level 7
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
€
Start Term
2017 - Full Academic Year 2017-18
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Sinead Barrins
Programme Membership
SG_HJOIN_H08 201700 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Humanities in Joint Majors: Sociology and Politics
SG_HJOIN_H08 201900 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Humanities in Joint Majors: Sociology and Politics
SG_HJOIN_H08 202100 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Humanities in Joint Majors: Sociology and Politics
Description
This module will explore the principles of community development, incorporating both its economic, political, social and cultural contexts and the philosophies and practices that underpin it. On one hand community development can be described as collective engagement, a process of bringing people together to achieve a common goal, on the other hand it can be described as a force for empowerment, encouraging shared capacity building, enhancing social capital and developing structures of participative governance. This module will introduce the principles and practices and provide students with an understanding of contemporary debates in community development.
The module also addresses questions around the role of local government in Ireland today, its policy development and administrative duties and explores the dynamic between the forces of representative and participative democracy at a local level.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;
1.
Identify and discuss the key values and theoretical perspectives that underpin community development practice.
2.
Examine the historical development of community development within the Irish context and identify key contemporary topics with the community development sector.
3.
Appraise the role of local government in Ireland today.
4.
Critically reflect on the contribution of community development practices to local communities, the enhancement of social capital and to wider civil society.
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Teaching and learning strategies will include principles of UDL, incorporating role play, case studies, group discussion, small group activities, class field trip with the supports of the IT’s VLE.
Module Assessment Strategies
The assessment strategy will consist of a Community profile, this can be area or identity-based. This Profile is designed to apply community work theory and to develop work skills such as data gathering, analysis, networking and collaboration.
Repeat Assessments
Repeat assessment will be developed based on failed components.
Indicative Syllabus
Defining Community Development: What is a community? What do we mean by the terms community development, community action?
The historical evolution of community development with a particular focus on its emergence within an Irish socio-political, economic and cultural context.
The principles and practices underpinning community development work will be explored. Case studies will be used to examine national and international best practice. An examination of the role of community development in addressing issues of inequality and its important contribution to social capital
The Processes V Outcomes Approach within the community development process.
Politics at a local level: the competing roles of participative and representative democracy in local level governance.
Local Government Reform: The specific role of local government in policy development and public administration in Ireland.
The role of the Community and Voluntary sector, the wider civil society and its contribution to policy development, growing professionalism, advocacy and the role of social partnership.
Coursework & Assessment Breakdown
Coursework & Continuous Assessment
100 %
Coursework Assessment
| Title | Type | Form | Percent | Week | Learning Outcomes Assessed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Community Profile | Continuous Assessment | Assessment | 100 % | Week 12 | 1,2,3,4 |
Full Time Mode Workload
| Type | Location | Description | Hours | Frequency | Avg Workload |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | Not Specified | Lecture | 3 | Weekly | 3.00 |
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours
Module Resources
Non ISBN Literary Resources
Jackson, A. & O’Doherty, C. (2012) Community Development in Ireland: Theory, Policy & Practice. Gill & MacMillan: Dublin.
Ledwith, M. (2011) Community Development: A Critical Approach (2nd.ed). Polity Press: Bristol.
Powell, F. & Geoghegan (2004) The Politics of Community Development: Reclaiming Civil Society or Reinventing Governance. A & A Farmar: Dublin.
Twelvetrees, A. (2008) Community Work. Palgrave Macmillan: UK
Hawtin, M. & Percy-Smith, J. (2007) Community Profiling: A Practical Guide. Open University Press: Maidenhead, England.
Additional Information
None