Working with Communities

Explores the community development approaches to social issues and social problems predominantly within Australia that includes case study analysis of: unintended effects of social policy & planning, community disadvantage, social fragmentation, social isolation, environmental impacts, child and family crisis, homelessness, delinquency, substance abuse, violence, unemployment-underemployment, social health and disorder, and community issues within Aboriginal society. Community development is explored as an empowering strategic and is grounded in the notion that people with common experiences, issues or problems, can gain some control over their lives through collective action. Explores the social construction of social issues and social problems, and critically analyses government and non-government programmes and interventions seeking to address social issues and problems. The course also examines the role and structure of the social and community services industry. The course contributes to the development of analytical and creative abilities directed towards making significant, original contributions to social policy and social change. The course is experienced-based and relies on student participation and active involvement in the exploration of theoretical ideas as applied to scenarios through group tasks and experiential learning activities. Additional independent research is expected of the student.