WEL2410

Community work

Ian Murray

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Second semester
* Caulfield

Objectives On completion of this subject students should be able to utilise a range of theoretical perspectives, models and roles in community work practice; demonstrate skills in analysis, planning and methodology in the design and carrying out of community projects; understand key concepts such as empowerment, participation and self-help and how these are facilitated in community work processes; apply research methods to need assessment, data gathering and the establishment of a community profile.

Synopsis An overview of community work. The communitarian approach to human services. The nature of community. Key concepts in community work: power, need, participation, task and process. Values, ideologies, goals and political issues. Practice roles and change strategies: locality development, social planning, social action. Research methods in community work. Professional issues and industrial awards.

Assessment Class presentation and report (2000 words): 35%
* Review of article (1000 words): 20%
* Community profile (3000 words): 45%

Prescribed texts

Zastrow C The practice of social work 5th edn, Brooks Cole, 1995

Recommended texts

Ife J Community development;creating community alternatives vision analysis and practice Longman, 1995
Kenny S Developing communities for the future Nelson, 1994
Popple K Analysing community work: Its theory and practice Open University, 1995