HLSC2241

Engaging Communities: Cross Disciplinary Perspectives

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2014

On-Line from Callaghan Semester 1, Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

Engaging communities can dramatically increase the effectiveness of professional practice in a wide range of industries. Community engagement is therefore of interest to a wide range of disciplines including engineering, architecture, health, arts, social work and education. When communities are treated as partners rather than as part of the "problem", new possibilities emerge. Research and case studies from a range of fields of study will explore different perspectives and practices in engaging communities. Students will use this information to examine current practices in their particular field of study. Students will develop foundation skills to enable an awareness of principles of practice and strategies for community engagement in a diversity of settings.

Objectives The objectives or this course are to:
1. Explore the reasons for community engagement from a cross sector perspective (e.g. engineering, human service delivery, mining).
2. Develop an understanding of processes and skills required to successfully engage communities.
3. Explore practical strategies for identifying community based assets and resources that could form the basis for partnerships within a variety of settings.
4. Critically reflect on personal beliefs and professional responsibilities that impact on community engagement.
5. Explore the implications and potential for community engagement in the students current or proposed field of employment.
Content Course content will cover:
1. What is community engagement?
2. Reasons for community engagement
3. Overview of research and best practice from Australian and international perspectives
4. Methodologies and tools for engaging communities
5. Cross sector perspectives: case studies
6. Critical reflections on the role of community engagement in specific fields of study
7. Ethical practice
Replacing Course(s) N/A
Transition N/A
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge Nil
Modes of Delivery Distance Learning : IT Based
Teaching Methods Self Directed Learning
Assessment Items
Essays / Written Assignments
Other: (please specify) Online group participation
Case Scenario/PBL exercises
Contact Hours Self Directed Learning: for 6 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2014 Course Timetables for HLSC2241