Community Structure, Processes and Capacity

Catalog description

Social organization, processes and change in communities; use of sociological principles in analysis of community problems and development. CEDEV 452 CEDEV (R SOC) 452 Rural Organization (3)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 special circumstances facing small towns and rural communities, but the concepts are applicable in all communities, from urban neighborhoods to suburbs. Topics covered include local community in a global economy, power and decision-making, the role of governments and other social institutions, development of community and the importance of building social infrastructure as well as economic and physical infrastructure, multi community collaboration and building sustainable communities. Those taking the class will gain experience in conducting a case study of a small Pennsylvania community, build skills in working in a team, and gain understanding of the complexity of factors that influence community (and your own) well-being. If your future career involves operating within a community setting this course can increase your knowledge of that setting and how to function within it. And, even if you don't plan on working with communities in your job, you will 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. Grades in this class are based on the community case study report, take-home mid-term and final exams, short team exercises, and class participation. Graduate students taking the course also are required to write reaction papers to three different topics during the semester.