Intro Community Development

The course provides students with a theoretical and practical introduction to the field of community development. The course considers human development, physical development, and organizational development, as they relate to community development. The course offers a progression from theory to praciice, beginning with a theoretical overview, an historical overview, and the approaches to community development (e.9., ecological, interactional, structural-functional; moving to the practice of community development) including technical assistance, action research, evaluation research, the role of local organizations and leadership, and coalitions; and ending with critical issues such as inner city development, youth in community development, health care, public schools, and sustainable development.