Graduate Diploma in Community Development Practice and Social Policy (Community Development Practice)
ObjectivesIn this course you will develop an appreciation of community development theories and practices informed by a diversity of critical theory. You will develop specialised knowledge in community development and explore the ‘use of self’ in professional practice. You will undertake an exploration of working with various communities and the importance of context. Combining reflection on work in the field with an appreciation of a range of theoretical frameworks, personal awareness and ongoing experience will contribute to your ability to undertake critically reflective practice.
Entry requirementsA three-year bachelor degree or equivalent in a related discipline plus at least two years’ relevant work experience, or a four-year bachelor degree or equivalent in a related discipline plus at least 12 months’ relevant work experience.
Academic titleGraduate Diploma in Community Development Practice and Social Policy (Community Development Practice)
Course descriptionOur community development practice courses provide those who want to make a positive difference in the world a thorough understanding of contemporary notions of a community, linking local concerns to global issues. They will prepare you for a variety of areas for community focused practice. Rather than promoting a particular approach, model or philosophy, they facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and practice skills and prepare you for the challenges of contemporary practice.
In these courses you will explore perceptions of community, the numerous roles involved in community practice, and expectations of ‘community’ in changing contexts. Key principles include human rights, participation, empowerment and reflective practice, which are reframed through discussion of current initiatives and debates. You’ll explore the ‘new communitarians’ alongside related themes including globalisation, social entrepreneurship and community partnerships.
Community Development Practice Major (Within the Graduate Diploma in Community Development Practice)
Introduction
This major provides those with experiences and/or interests in this field of work with a professional qualification. It provides an appreciation of community development theories and practices informed by a diversity of critical theory. Specialised knowledge in community development and the 'use of self' in professional practice are discussed along with an exploration of working with various communities and the importance of context. Combining reflection on work in the field with an appreciation of a range of theoretical frameworks, personal awareness and ongoing experience contribute to a critically reflective practice. On completion of this major, students are encouraged to undertake further study to complete the Master of Arts (Community Development Practice).
Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
11462 v.2 SW 534 - Advanced Practice - Reflexivity in Practice 2.0 25.0
307046 v.2 SW 601- Community Development Theory and Practice I 3.0 25.0
7522 v.8 Research Methods 602 2.0 25.0
7818 v.5 Professional Ethics 501 2.0 25.0 100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
300722 v.3 Professional Evaluation 602 2.0 25.0
304385 v.3 SW 697 - Independent Study Research Proposal Preparation 2.0 25.0
OR
304392 v.2 SW 698 - Independent Study 1.0 25.0
306339 v.2 SW 522 - Social Development 3.0 25.0
307044 v.2 SW 603 - Community Development Theory and Practice II 3.0 25.0 100.0