Course Description
In this course we apply an ecological perspective to explore the nature and process of community systems and approaches to planning. Experientially we explore meanings of community, capacity building, social capital, inclusion and belonging, citizen power, and social change. Through active involvement in class discussions and engagement with community organizations, we examine various approaches to community development in health and social services settings by applying leisure, recreation and therapeutic recreation concepts and practices. This course is eligible for the Global Competency Certificate.
Course Content
Definitions and theories of community
Ecological Frameworks and System Theory
- Brofenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory
- Foundations of community development
Fundamental Planning Approaches in Health and Social Services Settings
- Community development as a method, practice, process, movement
- Theoretical underpinnings, applications and examples of each approach
Assets Based Community Development (ABCD)
- Needs maps versus assets maps
- The role of the community developer
- Reflexivity
- Whiteness and intersectionality
- Stigma, prejudice and discrimination
Key concepts linked to community development
- Citizenship and citizen power
- Capacity building
Community Development and Leisure, Recreation, and Therapeutic Recreation
- Community development through leisure education
- Applying community development concepts and approaches to therapeutic recreation client groups andcontexts
- Program planning, implementation, and evaluation
Learning Activities
In this course, students engage in a variety of learning activities such as lecture, class discussions, small group work and workshops, community experiences, research, and student presentations.
Means of Assessment
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course. Typical means of assessment would include a combination of:
- Tests
- Written assignments
- Presentations
- Service-learning project
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- identify a worldview and how it influences beliefs, understandings, assumptions, and decision-making;
- understand and apply the central concepts of system theory and ecological frameworks to community organizing;
- compare and contrast definitions of community and approaches to community building;
- understand the fundamental approaches to planning and be capable of identifying them in practice;
- compare and contrast models of community development;
- describe the links between community development, recreation and therapeutic recreation;
- engage actively and appropriately with community organizations to better understand the realities of community development in various contexts.
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and materials are to be purchased by students. A list of required readings and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester.