Community development and youth work are concerned with empowerment, equality and social justice. This module engages learners in reflection on advanced theories in community development and youth work and supports learners to integrate theory, knowledge and practice. Through an exploration of range of theoretical perspectives learners will analyse the lived experiences of the groups and communities they work with within wider socio-economic and political contexts. This analysis will consider how community development and youth work practice can support groups and communities to engage in the decision making structures and effect positive social change. Contemporary debates and the evolving role of community development and youth work will be considered. Learners will reflect on how their own practice is informed by theory, values and their own personal and professional experiences.
Theoretical Perspectives in Community Development and Youth Work
• Social Capital • Egalitarianism (Equality Theory) • Feminist Approaches to Community Development • Structural Change & Social Change • Empowerment - Freire (Latin America) - Neo-liberalism – Reclaiming the Radical Agenda • Participation • Role in Civil Society / Participatory democracy
Contemporary Debates & Issues in Community Development and Youth Work
• Engagement with the state (toward a just & equal society) • Community development and youth work (evolving role and relationship with the State) • Community development and youth work and globalisation ) • Engaging with public policy and advocating and campaigning for change
Reflective Practice and Professional Development
Identifying own values, believes, bias and prejudices - Impact of values / beliefs on your work - Examining the impact working in community / youth work settings may have on you - Strengthening/building reflective practice and personal development - Ethics
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 40 |
| Formal Examination | 60 |