Social Work Practice and Skills Lab III: Community Engagement and Development

Singapore University of Social Sciences

Social Work Practice and Skills Lab III: Community Engagement and Development (SWK391)

Synopsis

Community development in Singapore is shaped by its historical, social and political contexts. In this course, students will learn theories on community practice and apply them on projects related to community engagement and development. Students will also gain and apply skills related to community needs assessment, community mapping, community building, capacity development, programme planning, implementation and evaluation. In particular, students will learn to integrate micro and mezzo practice skills with macro practice skills in their projects. The course will focus on using strengths-based approaches and cultural competencies to enable community change.

Level: 3
Credit Units: 10
Presentation Pattern: EVERY REGULAR SEMESTER

Topics

Introduction to Community Development and Working with Communities
Community Development Models and Theories
Resource Systems Within the Community and Community Dynamics
Ethics in Community Development Practice
Community Practitioner Skills and the History of Community Development in Singapore
History of Community Development in Singapore
Community Engagement and Working with Stakeholders
Needs Assessments and the ABCD model
PREPARE and IMAGINE Models for Community Change
The Basics of Organisations
Programme Evaluation
Grant Proposals

Learning Outcome

Discuss the historical, social, political, and economic factors that have influenced and continue to influence community development in Singapore.
Appraise different theories of social work practice as well as Rothman’s (2001) and Thomas’s (1983) community development models.
Examine community dynamics and its components.
Indicate the skills that community practitioners use in community development practice.
Discuss how to work effectively with organisations, stakeholders and funders.
Discuss sustainability and social media in community development practice.
Demonstrate an understanding of the skills needed in conducting a needs assessment.
Analyse the dynamics in working with different community members and stakeholders.
Apply your knowledge of the PREPARE and IMAGINE models in the Singapore context.
Discuss what ethical dilemmas are as well as some possible ethical dilemmas that the community practitioner could face while working with a community.
Examine issues around social identities, interests and power in communities and organisations.