Class Descriptions

Concepts and Techniques of Community Participation

SW654

Course Description

This course examines concepts and techniques of community participation for diverse democracy. It analyzes the changing context and core concepts of participation, major models and methods of practice, and practical techniques for involving people in organizations and communities. It assesses formal efforts by agencies to involve people in their proceedings, indigenous initiatives by groups to influence institutions and decisions, and their potential for community empowerment and civic engagement in democratic societies which value diversity as an asset. Special emphasis is placed on increasing involvement of underrepresented groups located in economically disinvested and racially segregated areas worldwide.

Objectives

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the changing context of community participation in a diverse democracy, e.g., diversity such as ability, age, class, color, culture, ethnicity, family structure, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), marital status, national origin, race, religion or spirituality, sex, and sexual orientation, as well community of residence, and democracy. (Practice Behaviors 4.CO, 9.CO)
2. Analyze major models and methods of community participation practice, e.g., monocultural, pluralist, multicultural. (Practice Behavior 6.CO)
3. Apply advanced skills to promote participation e.g., assessing community conditions, designing the process, representing diverse interests, understanding political dynamics of participation, increasing group dialogue and intergroup relations, building collaborative alliances, and finding common ground. (Practice Behaviors 10.b.CO, 10.c.CO)
4. Describe organized efforts at participation, and the forces that facilitate and limit these efforts. (Practice Behaviors 3.CO, 9.CO, 10.d.CO)
5. Use group skills needed for increasing intercultural interaction and cross-cultural collaboration at the community level. (Practice Behaviors 4.CO, 10.a.CO)
6. Identify problems and issues of underrepresented groups in economically disinvested, racially segregated, and/or culturally diverse communities. (Practice Behavior 5.CO)
7. Address issues of ethics and values arising in the field. (Practice Behaviors 1.CO, 2.CO)

Design

Instructors may include readings, participation in discussions, written assignments, and individual and group experiential exercises related to course materials. Guest speakers may be invited to address special topics.