Community Development from the Local to the Global

This unit introduces students to the theories and practices of community development. The unit begins with a discussion of the concept of community and the nature of community development work. The unit introduces the historical emergence and evolution of community development, both in Australia and globally. These include United Nations, Western models and Third World models. It also aims to familiarise students with existing and emerging linkages between community development and action at local, regional, national and global levels. In conjunction with this, students are introduced to issues and methods of research as a way to explore and analyse community development models.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Explore the theories that underpin community development practice at a local and global level
2. Develop an understanding of models of community development practice within a local and global context
3. Analyse specific scenarios or situations; and apply appropriate community development models and approaches
4. Participate in an academic community through reflective and critical engagement in academic texts and understanding of principles of academic integrity.