Community Theory and Practice

2 Units

This theory and practice course introduces community (or macro) practice social work. This course advances multiple theories (critical social theory, community capitals theory, conflict theory) and methods of community practice for social workers as agents of social change. Students learn to design and implement a participatory assessment process at a community level and provides foundational theories and assessment methods. Students learn to conduct quantitative research for assessing community needs and assets. Course work focuses on the development and application of practice skills in work with communities and organizations, particularly models and skills in community building. Focusing on real world situations, the course includes both didactic and experiential teaching and learning. The course integrates and applies foundation learning in the areas of social policy, diversity, discrimination with theories of power and empowerment, human capabilities and asset based community development.