Community Organization

Catalog description

This course combines an introduction to the social theories of communities with real-life examples of applications to understanding community problems and concerns. The focus is on the circumstances facing the range of places from small towns and rural communities to urban neighborhoods and suburbs. Topics covered include local community in a global economy, power and decision-making, the role of governments and other social institutions, community development and sustainability, and the importance of social as well as economic and physical infrastructure. Those taking the class will gain experience in conducting a case study of a Pennsylvania community, build skills in working in a team, and gain understanding of the complexity of factors that influence community and individual well-being. If your future career involves working within a community setting, this course can give you insights into its dynamics. And, even if you don't plan on working with communities in your job, you will still be living in a community. This course can help you to understand the ways that you can contribute to improving your own quality of life by becoming involved in your community.