Module descriptions for the Certificate in Community Development 2009

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

In this module the student is introduced to poverty, particularly as it relates to

community development. Various definitions of poverty and causes of poverty

will be explored, as well as models for poverty alleviation

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 the

church and missions. The concepts of culture, worldview, social and kinship

structures, values and belief systems are examined.

Sociology of Development

The aim of 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 effects 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 nongovernmental

actors and local economic legislation (governance).

Local Community Development

In this module the student is introduced to the basic needs development theory.

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 local community examples and case studies.

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. The study covers development as transformation,

people-centred development, expanding access to social power, development as

responsible well being, and development as a Kingdom response to

powerlessness.

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 programmes.

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.

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 an aim of

all development projects. 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.

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 to be successful in

delivering the goods as envisaged. This module is designed to understand why

any Community-based Organisation (CBO) needs 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 programmes/projects. Although there is a plethora of

techniques used in the various circumstances, this module brings “order in the

chaos” by identifying the basic principles underlying the various participation

methods used in practice; and moulding them holistically into the Community

Participatory Model, which seeks maximum overlap/synergy between the geophysical,

socio-political and economic spheres. The module concludes with

sensitising the student to ethical conduct and provides the skills needed to be a

successful community development specialist.

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 analysis

techniques and sensitises the student for scientifically based best practice needs

analyses in rural and urban. The student will be able to evaluate critically the

different techniques in search of best practices and apply that information in a

community development programme or project.

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

Students need to be prepared to be managers of self and others in the future.

There is therefore a need for students to be ever self-aware of their strengths and

weaknesses to ensure their own ongoing development. This module will ensure

that students 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

This module introduces students to the theory and practice of conflict resolution

and teaches them specific communication skills to enhance their relationships.

Students are provided with the opportunity to explore their attitude toward

conflict and to reflect on their personal approach to conflict. The module makes

use of case studies to assist students to reflect on the strategies, tactics and

approaches used during conflict situations and emphasises the link between

communications, behaviour and conflict.

Leadership in Development Projects

This module explores the theory and practice of leadership and management in

the context of Christian mission and 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.