Conceptualize & Research Comm

Catalog description

The word “community” is used to describe various networks from towns and neighborhoods (Binghamton, the Southside); minority groups (LGBTQ, immigrants), major institutions (schools, churches), to special interest or political groups (unions, democrats). As a result of the diverse entities it has been used to describe, the concept of community has virtually lost its meaning. And yet community, rigorously studied, may provide a powerful framework for both research and action. Certainly any goal to “develop,” or “organize” or “change” communities requires that we have a firm conceptual understanding of what these entities are and how they work. Thus, our study this semester will draw upon the insights of various social science disciplines: criminology, sociology, anthropology, geography, and psychology to explore community as a construct and the most applicable methods for research and action. This course examines both theories and conceptualizations (e.g., human ecology, sense of community, social capital, communities of practice) of community as well as associated research methods (e.g., geographic information systems, social network analysis, PhotoVoice) and special ethical considerations when researching in and with communities. Offered: fall.