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Community Development

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Soci1014, General Sociological Theory

Course abstract

The aim of the study course is to provide students with knowledge about the community development approach and the practical aspects of its use in solving community socio-economic problems. During the study course the students are introduced to the concept and typology of communities developed in social sciences, community development approach and possibilities to involve communities in resolution of their socio-economic problems particularly focusing on territorial communities. The course also provides insight in theoretical and methodological approaches in community studies, which are useful in analysis of community processes; students are introduced to the process of community development and basic principles of its organization.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge. Knows and understands community typology, community structure and processes (case study); knows and understands the main principles of community development and its process (group work 1).
Skills. Ability to identify particular community types (case study); ability to choose appropriate methodological approach and methods for identifying community needs and problems (group work 2, case study); ability to plan community development process (case study); ability to perform tasks responsibly and within time and to explain and justify their choices (group works, case study); ability to discuss and communicate freely on task performance and results (group works, presentation of the case study). Competence. In collaboration with different stakeholders, ability to identify and analyse community needs and problems (case study); by employing community development approach, ability to respond to community needs and resolve problems (case study).

Course Content(Calendar)

Full-time studies (16 hours):
1. The concept of community and the typology of communities. - 1 hour
2. The essence and history of community development. - 1 hour
3. Community structure and processes. - 1 hour
4. Resilience and capability of the communities, factors influencing it. - 2 hours
5. Values and basic principles of community development. - 1 hour
6. Theoretical approaches to community development. - 1 hour
7. Community development strategies. - 1 hour
8. Community development process and its stages. - 1 hour
9. Community analysis: research approaches and methodologies. - 2 hours
10. Social agents involved in community development. - 1 hour
11. Community development cooperation. - 1 hour
12. Elaboration of a community action plan for development. - 1 hour
13. Implementation of the community development action plan and evaluation of results. - 1 hour
14. Community development opportunities in Latvia. - 1 hour

List of seminar topics (16 hours)

1. The community and the individual in modern society. - 1 hour
2. The internal and external environment of the communities. -1 hour
3. Analysis of community capability. -1 hour
4. Analysis of the values and basic principles of community development. -1 hour
5. Different and common aspects in approaches to community development. -1 hour
6. Group work 1: Community development strategies. -1 hour
7. Community development process planning. -1 hour
8. Professional ethics of community development specialists. -1 hour
9. Ethical aspects in community research. -1 hour
10. Group work 2: Research approaches in community analysis. -1 hour
11. Identification of social agents involved in community development. -1 hour
12. Aspects of cooperation in community development. -1 hour
13. Action plan for implementing the community development initiative. -1 hour
14. Community development opportunities and programs in Latvia. -1 hour
15. Presentation of case studies: Analysis of a particular community. - 2 hours
Part-time distance learning:
All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test. The final assessment is cumulative on the following topics and tasks: 1) Community development strategies (group work 1); 2) Research approaches in community analysis (group work 2); 3) Analysis of a particular community (case study and its presentation). Each task must be completed by at least 60%.
Study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with the Order of the Vice-Rector of Studies No. 2.4.-5/59 On distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. The students learn the topics included in the study course independently, using the materials created and placed by the lecturer in the e-studies (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics in distance learning is organised in the form of self-assessment tests, discussion forums and independent work, as well as in face-to-face or online consultations, lectures and final examinations according to the timetable.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Literature studies, preparation of for the group works and case study on a particular community.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Students must prepare two group works and a case analysis on a particular community. Each task must be completed by at least 60%.

Compulsory reading

1. Blackshaw T. Key Concepts in Community Studies. Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC: SAGE, 2010. 220 p.
2. Fulbright-Anderson K., Auspos P. (eds.). Community Change: Theories, Practice, and Evidence. Aspen Institute Roundtable on Community Change. Washington, D.C.: Aspen Institute, 2006. 555 p.
Pieejams: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/files/content/docs/rcc/COMMUNITYCHANGE-FINAL.PDF
3. Goodson L., Phillimore J. (eds.). Community Research for Participation: From Theory to Method. Chicago, IL: Policy Press., 2012. eBook. Pieejams elektroniski LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=469559&site=ehost-live&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_Cover
4. Katan R., Shiffman R. Building Together: Case Studies in Participatory Planning and Community Building, First edition. New York: New Village Press. 2014. eBook. Pieejams elektroniski LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=1713342&site=ehost-live&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_Cover
5. Stepčenko A. (red.) Sociālā spēcināšana rīcībspējai un pārmaiņām. Rīga: LU Akadēmiskais apgāds, 2019. 208 lpp. Pieejams: https://dspace.lu.lv/dspace/bitstream/handle/7/46623/Parskats_Sociala_specinasana.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y
6. Stoecker R. Research Methods for Community Change: A Project-based Approach. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage Publications, 2013, 280 p.
7. Ritchie I. Food, Freedom, Community: How Small Local Actions Can Solve Complex Global Problems. Te Ra Aroha Press, 2020. 306 p.
8. Spindel P. Changing Communities: A Guide for Social and Community Activists. Second Edition. Ontario, Canada: Canadian Scholars, 2021. 170 p.

Further reading

1. Noya A., Clarence E., Craig G. (eds.). Community Capacity Building: Creating a Better Future Together. OECD, 2009. 166 p.
2. The Aspen Institute Rural Economic Policy Program. Measuring Community Capacity Building. Version 3-96. 2009, 166 p. Pieejams: http://www.aspeninstitute.org/publications/measuring-community-capacity-building
3. Ohmer L.M., DeMasi K. Consensus Organizing: A Community Development Workbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Designing, Implementing, and Evaluating Community Change Initiatives. London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC: SAGE, 2009. 403 p.
4. Reilly T. (Ed.) The Governance of Local Communities: Global Perspectives and Challenges. Economic Issues, Problems and Perspectives. New York: Nova Science Publishers, Inc. 2017. eBook. Pieejams elektroniski LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=1443844&site=ehost-live&ebv=EB&ppid=pp_Cover
5. Twelvetree A. Community Work. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2008. 240 p.
6. Wenger. E. Communities of Practice: Learning, Meaning, and Identity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001. 418 p.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Community Development. Journal of the Community Development Society. Routledge, Taylor & Francis. ISSN: 1557-5330. Pieejams: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/rcod20/current
2. Community Research: A Community Research Lab Toolbox. December 2011. Pieejams:
https://hc-v6-static.s3.amazonaws.com/media/resources/tmp/Community_Research.pdf
3. Journal of Community Practice. Routledge, Taylor & Francis. ISSN: 1070-5422. Pieejams: https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/wcom20/current
4. Journal of Rural Studies. Elsevier. ISSN: 0743-0167. Pieejams: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-rural-studies
5. Pārresoru koordinācijas centra pētījumu un publikāciju datu bāze. Pieejams: http://petijumi.mk.gov.lv/
6. Smart Villages. Pieejams: https://enrd.ec.europa.eu/enrd-thematic-work/smart-and-competitive-rural-areas/smart-villages_en
7. Sociologia Ruralis. Wiley Online Library. ISSN 0038-0199 Pieejams: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14679523

Notes

Compulsory study course in the ESAF academic bachelor study programme “Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration”