Course Overview

The focus of this seminar is to explore current and emerging theories and practices of community development processes in both the U.S. and international settings. The course is designed to create a learning climate that encourages the participants to take initiative to understand and analyze a variety of community development concepts and methods. The purpose is to develop practical skills for effectively involving local people and mobilizing resources in community-based efforts. The seminar offers a series of case studies from international locations in order to combine conceptual frameworks with field experiences as well develop understanding on broad ranges of community issues. Another feature of the course is to assist participants to develop skills in cross-cultural strategies and adaptation processes in order to design and implement community development program at a grassroots level.

Objectives

The objectives of the course include the following:

• To create a learning environment where the class participants are encouraged to explore issues, research materials and co-facilitate components of the class
• To develop clear understanding about the multiple theoretical approaches of the community development processes and the implication to field practices
• To develop skills to design a community development project in a specific cultural context

Course Topics and Methodology

This seminar is designed to assist the participants to explore the multiple approaches, dimensions and perspectives of the community development processes. Within the backdrop of the present-day globalization discourse, the course aims to combine the discussion of issues related to working with disenfranchised communities in the U.S. and developing countries from both a conceptual and practical perspective. The course is developed on a learning premise that participants take initiative to co-facilitate discussions and to analyze the theoretical aspects of community development process and its interface with education in a broader sense.

Topics include the following:

* Comparative Perspectives of Community Development
(Definitions, meaning, practice, and approaches in the U.S. and the developing world)

* Culture, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Community Development
(Intersection of these concepts and implications for community development)

* Processes of Community Development
(Macro and micro processes of community development)

* Capacity-Building and Sustainability
(Issues of participation, empowerment, and institution building)

* Implications for Practitioners
(Field-based case studies, challenges for action and research)

The seminar is organized into three parts:

Part I reviews community development as an intercultural and interdisciplinary field. Using cases in domestic and international settings, the broader theories, approaches, values, and concepts of planned community change are examined. Participants use journal writing to do self-reflection on their philosophical values and perspectives.

Part II explores cross-cultural practices of community development. Here the macro and micro processes and related issues of community development are investigated using case studies, field experiences, and literature review. Field notes are used to provide a primary data source.

Part III provides an opportunity to synthesize learnings gleaned from readings, class discussion, and field observation. These learnings are shared through the presentation of individual projects and an evaluation of the class.

Course Materials

Articles from various sources comprise the weekly readings. These articles are organized as Collective Readings. Additional reading resources will be handed out in the class and/or sent as e-mail attachments. Two manuals published by CIE that illustrate community development models resulting from action research projects will serve as core sources. The manuals can be purchased from CIE in 268 Hills South.

Habana-Hafner, S., Bolomey, A., DeTurk, S. & Macfadyn, J. (1998). Learning Together: A Cultural Approach to Community Development. COCD/CIE, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Habana-Hafner, S., Reed, H. & Associates.Partnerships for Community Development. COCD/CIE, University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Grading and Course Requirements

The course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis unless a letter grade is required. If a letter grade is desired, inform the instructor in writing by the third week of class.

Course Requirements

General expectations of the course include the following:

• Regular attendance and participation in class discussion
• Co-facilitate a session along with other team members. (Participants organized in teams will be expected to lead discussion on one topic in Part II of the syllabus)
• Completion of three papers. (For details, see suggestions for the papers)