Methods and Techniques for Community and Economic Development

Catalog description

Understanding and applying methods and hands-on experience with techniques used in community and economic development. Lab. CEDEV 575 Methods and Techniques for Community and Economic Development (3) How do I find out what is happening in my community? The economy? The environment? What methods and techniques should I use? I need a toolbox for change! This is a hands-on course designed to provide students with an understanding of community and economic development methods and techniques, and experience in applying them to a variety of problems that they might expect to encounter in the field. The course is based on modules developed and offered by faculty in the Community and Economic Development graduate program. The specific content varies from year to year depending on the needs of each cohort of students. Typical topics include several methods and techniques from each of the following three areas: General Community Assessment Techniques, including identifying power structures, industry structure and employment, natural resources and amenities, human and social capital, local government and services, and land use patterns. Specialized Techniques for Community and Economic Development, including retail trade area analysis, use of GIS, program evaluation, IMPLAN, Input/Output modeling, location quotient, shift-share analysis, survey design and implementation, and the use of social and economic indicators. Leadership and Process Skills, including visioning, goal setting, and strategic planning; grant writing; small group dynamics; conflict management, negotiation, principled bargaining, and deliberation; public speaking and working with the mass media; coalition building, project management; and use of the Internet, design and implementation of Web pages. This is a required course for all students in the MS in Community and Economic Development.