|
Module
Descriptions for the Certificate in Community Development
Sociology
Introduction
to Development
The aim of this module is to lay the conceptual
foundation for further in-depth discussions on community development issues. This module introduces a critical review
of frequently used and sometimes abused concepts related to the community development
discipline. The underlying meaning
of popular community development jargon such as let the people speak, bottom-up
development, grassroots participation, and transparent and democratic development
will be critically revisited and debated to set the scene for further modules in
community development.
The
Community of the Poor
This module is designed to explore the theological
issues related poverty and development. The class will examine poverty situations
from a ‘Power-Powerlessness’ and a Value Systems perspective before identifying
the basis for constructing a theology of holistic transformational mission that
addresses poverty and oppression.
Cultural
Anthropology
This module seeks to introduce
the student to the fundamentals of the science of anthropology and its methods and
techniques, especially as they relate to local community.
In this module, the concepts of culture, world view, social and kinship structures,
values and belief systems especially as they relate to cross cultural ministries
and community work will be examined. A key theme is the anthropological reflections
of impacts of our interventions in other cultures, and the necessary cultural attitudes
required to work effectively in a cross cultural setting.
Sociology of Development
The aim with this module is to broaden the
perspective of the student by introducing the student to how societies developed
through the major transitions through the ages to what we have today.
This module also sensitises the student for the global perspective and the
impact of globalisation on even the smallest isolated communities. Case studies
will reveal that development is equated to change, a phenomenon that often has both
positive and negative effect on local communities.
Local
Economic Development
The aim of this module is to create an understanding
for the possible and the impossible with regards to local economic development. The focus will be macro instruments
that are available to governments, the role of government and non-governmental actors
and local economic legislation (governance).
Urban and Rural Development
The module will explore ways in which more
effective management of rural and urban development might be pursued, addressing
the need for greater local participation in decision making (particularly in terms
of their control over natural resources), the promotion of more sustainable development
practices, and the development of skills and capacity to solve rural problems.
Perspectives
on Transformation
This module reviews
several perspectives on community development and the social transformation process.
It covers development as transformation, people-centred process, expanding access
to social power, development as responsible well being, and development as a Kingdom
response to powerlessness.
Community Mobilisation
To "own" something means that you take responsibility
for it. Ownership of community projects is vital for sustainable development. But how is it done?
To mobilise the community in line with positive development activities
is aim of any development project.
This module will look at best practices and bad practices in this regard to highlight
the value of community participation as a prerequisite for community mobilisation.
Community
Research Methods
Community development and research are two
sides of the same coin. Proper data-collection is needed to plan and design a proper
(indigenous) community development project.
In community development literature, this aspect is often left to a mere phase where
"anything goes", as long as the community's needs are determined.
This module introduces the student to various needs analyses techniques and
sensitises the student for scientifically based best practice needs analyses in
rural and urban. The student will be
able to critically evaluate the different techniques in search of best practices
and turn that information into a community development program or project.
Local
Community Development
In this module, the student is introduced
to the basic needs development theory and the concept of development is discussed
with reference to practical examples that introduce the student to the difference
between social engineering and social development with practical examples and case
studies.
Monitoring and Evaluation of Community
Projects
This module aims at equipping
development workers in government, NGOs and other organisations with skills, knowledge
and the necessary attitudes for effective results-based monitoring and evaluation
of development programs. This module highlights the concepts, roles, purposes and
processes of monitoring and evaluation in development projects, and seeks to equip
learners to engage and plan more effectively with evaluations.
Resource
Mobilisation
All development projects are dependent on
a variety of resources. People managing projects, especially in the voluntary sector
need to calculate and quantify the various inputs other than monetary recourses
also to be successful in delivering the goods as envisaged. This module is designed
to understand why any Community based Organisation (CBO) need resources and how
to discover the limitations of the current resources
Participatory
Methods
Community participation is generally seen
as one of the core elements in community development programs/ projects.
Though there are a plethora of techniques used in the various circumstances,
this module brings “order in the chaos” in search of the basic principles underlying
all these participation methods used in practice and mould it the holistic into
the Community Participatory Model which seeks for maximum overlap/ synergy between
the geo-physical, socio-political and economic spheres.
The module concludes with sensitising the student for ethical conduct and
provides the skills needed to be a successful community development specialist.
Community
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is a community-based—extension
of the academic programme in the Certificate in Community Development programme
at
Cornerstone Christian College
. The fieldwork is designed to be a multi-disciplinary application of what has been
learnt theoretically during one’s studies. As such it measures the practical capabilities
of the student within a field or sphere of learning.
Leadership Studies
Personal
Development
Learners need to be prepared to be managers
of self and others in the future. There is therefore a need for learners to be ever
self-aware of their strengths and weaknesses to ensure their own ongoing development.
This module will ensure that learners have the opportunity to seek and gain feedback
from a range of sources to this end. It will also develop relevant study skills
that will help students to progress in their academic study and social life.
Ethics
This module is designed to help the student
develop a practical understanding of ethical issues in community development work.
The philosophical and historical bases of ethics are examined and professional rules
and policies are evaluated in light of ethical principles. Students are encouraged
to examine their personal worldview, values, beliefs, and behaviour related to current
moral, social and professional issues.
Constructive
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation Skills
The module makes use of case studies to assist
students to reflect on the strategies, tactics and approaches used during conflict
situations. It reflects a strong emphasis on the link between communications behaviour
and conflict. Through this module students will understand the causes of conflict,
the effects of conflict and effective strategies for managing conflict.
Leadership
in Development Projects
To explore the theory and practice of leadership
and management in the context of development projects.
Organisational
Management
Organisational Management explores the theory
and practice of management in the context of the church and other community-based
and faith-based organisations. The module will examine practical issues such as
strategic planning, organising meetings, and effective team-building.
All
above modules are 6 SAQA credits except for Fieldwork (12 credits)
Back |
