Sociology of Development
16 credits
undergraduate |
The aim of this module is to lay the conceptual foundation for further in-depth discussions
on community development issues. The module will, therefore, introduce both macro
theories pertaining to development and the basics of what we understand by community
development. The underlying meaning of popular community development jargon will be
critically revisited and debated to set the scene for further modules in community
development. This module will also explore poverty as a development concern. |
Community and Resource Mobilisation
16 credits
undergraduate |
The module introduces students to resource and community mobilisation, which are key
elements within most development projects and programmes. Students will explore real
cases of community and resource mobilisation, highlighting the value of community
participation as key components of the development process. |
Community Research Methods
12 credits
undergraduate |
This module aims to skill the student in community based research (i.e. tools, techniques
and methodologies); with the goal of helping a community identify an issue or problem,
collect and analyse information and act upon the problem in order to find solutions and to
promote economic, social and political development/transformation. One of the focuses of
the module will be to train the student on how to write a research proposal and to equip them
with qualitative and quantitative techniques for data collection and analysis for social
research. The module will review methodologies and approaches appropriate to community
based participatory research and provide opportunity for practical application of acquired
knowledge and skills. |
Population and Development
12 credits
undergraduate |
This module focuses on social demography, examining such themes as socio-demographic
indicators, population profile, health profile, urbanisation and migration profile, education
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profile, and human development profile. Students focus on local communities, South Africa
and the African continent as they analyse the consequences of social demographic factors
for research, policy, planning and development.
Contemporary Sociological Theory in Context. |
Urban and Rural Development
12 credits
undergraduate |
This module seeks to explore in depth the dynamics that are involved in both cities and rural
areas as unique spaces of social interaction. The module accords special attention to the
impact of urbanization on the poor, elderly, youth, other marginalised groups, as well as
rural areas. Specific themes discussed are the role of the urban and rural areas in the social
and political economy of developing societies, and current approaches toward the
management of the areas. It also seeks to help students outline the challenges facing urban
and rural development in developing countries and in South Africa in particular. The various
issues and themes are explored through field-based reflection, lectures and group
discussions. |
Community Development in Practice
12 credits
undergraduate |
This module looks at community development from a sociological point of view with an
emphasis on both the theoretical and practical facets of the developmental process. These
themes will be related to current development challenges in South Africa and will be studied
against the background of global trends as well as specific community issues. Whilst strong
emphasis will be placed on a holistic and people-centred orientation to development theory
and praxis, the economic prerequisites and requirements for development will also be
stressed. Theoretical insights will be translated into skills required for hands-on community
development. |
Organisational Development
12 credits
undergraduate |
Organisational Development explores the theory and practice of management in the context
of business and community-based organizations. The management component of the module
will examine practical issues such as managing change, strategic planning and human
resource management issues. |
Comparative Studies of Development Challenges in Africa
12 credits
undergraduate |
As a continent, Africa continues to be excluded from the benefits of the global market
economy. However, with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,
the quest for sustainable economic and social development on the continent has become even
more urgent. Using case study material comparing specific nations, this module examines
some of the reasons for Africa’s developmental challenges and considers possible solutions. |
Organisational Management in Community Development Practice
15 credits
undergraduate |
This module will focus on expanding knowledge and skills needed on the project,
programme and organisational environment in which community leaders mobilise and
manage their people and other resources to achieve desired outcomes and impacts in their
communities. Students will be guided to achieve personal, interpersonal, and organisational
effectiveness through the “frames” of ethical and theoretical guidelines. The module will
furthermore attend to the application of the impact value chain, log-frame planning,
monitoring and evaluation as it applies to project, programme and organisational
development. |
Policy and Legislative/Regulatory Framework for Community Development Workers
15 credits
undergraduate |
This module introduces students to the policy and legislative ecology that governs the
profession of community development and examines the need for and strategic importance
of policies and regulations with regard to their respective functions and roles in the
systemic structuring and application of community development. The impact that relevant
policies and regulations have on the practice of community development will be analysed in
order to maximise the efficiency and efficacy of community development professionals.
Students will also explore legal requirements and procedures to be followed in community
development practice. |
Social Research Methods for Community Development
15 credits
undergraduate |
This module focuses on the methodology of social science research and is designed to build
research capacity amongst future community development practitioners. During the course
students will be taught the logic inherent to social research methodology, covering the design
stage, data collection, data capturing, data analysis, data interpretation and research ethics.
A research proposal, which may form the basis of the Independent Research Project (IRP),
forms a major part of this module. |
Social Theory for Community Development
15 credits
undergraduate |
This module introduces students critically to the epistemological and theoretical foundations
of community development in order to build advanced analytical capacity among
community development practitioners. It s this by interrogating philosophical and
conceptual assumptions as well as analytical approaches in community development
practice |
Community Development in the Rural-Urban Continuum
15 credits
undergraduate |
This module interrogates contemporary theoretical approaches that translate in policies,
strategies and designs that ensure sustainable, rural and urban spaces/areas with a view to
improve the quality of life of these communities through regional economic development,
social equitable planning and ecological restoration. |
Local Economic Development
15 credits
undergraduate |
This module introduces students to the local economic development approach as a
mechanism that contributes towards sustainable community development. The module will
give due attention to the global and South African macroeconomic environment that impact
on local urban, semi - urban and rural economies. It will unpack a selection of the pressing
socio-economic challenges confronting South African communities and will explore the
most appropriate LED approaches to meet these challenges. Particular attention will be given
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to different approaches to LED, the range of LED tools and stakeholders involved, different
programmes, successes and constraints. |
Sustainable Community Development
15 credits
undergraduate |
In this module developing a human community is viewed as the outcome of ecological
processes. Through communities people come together and collectively not only survive but
may also increase their standard of living. The four principal ecological dimensions are
population, organization, environment and technology, acronym POET. The module thus
expounds the importance of: Population as the group of humans that occupy an area; How
they get organized into a community to gain sustenance; Their common environment
(including other communities); The application of knowledge, and the tools they use, to
adapt to their environment, in order to enhance their sustenance i.e. a population’s
technology. Particular attention is given to the principle and challenge of sustainable
community development in diverse community located settings. |
Youth Development
15 credits
undergraduate |
This module explores the concept of Youth Development on an International and local
(South African) level from the perspective of the Community Development Practitioner.
Youth development theories and youth development practices will be critically evaluated.
Dimensions of youth development and its application within a community will be discussed
as it relates to community transformation. |
