COVID-19 UPDATES >
COVID-19 UPDATES >
  • STAFF
  • STUDENTS
  • Study with us
    • Study at Eastern
    • Browse Courses
    • Browse Units
    • Overseas Students
    • Timetables
    • Important Dates
    • Census Dates
    • Casual Study
    • Open Day
    • Admissions Information
    • Fees
  • Life at Eastern
    • Life at Eastern
    • News
    • Events
    • Alumni
    • Support Us
    • Library
  • About Us
    • Who are we?
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Governance
    • Statement of Belief
    • Quality, Accreditation and Standards
    • Policies
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Enquire
  • Students
Menu
  • Study with us
    • Study at Eastern
    • Browse Courses
    • Browse Units
    • Overseas Students
    • Timetables
    • Important Dates
    • Census Dates
    • Casual Study
    • Open Day
    • Admissions Information
    • Fees
  • Life at Eastern
    • Life at Eastern
    • News
    • Events
    • Alumni
    • Support Us
    • Library
  • About Us
    • Who are we?
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Governance
    • Statement of Belief
    • Quality, Accreditation and Standards
    • Policies
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Enquire
  • Students
  • Study with us
    • Study at Eastern
    • Browse Courses
    • Browse Units
    • Overseas Students
    • Timetables
    • Important Dates
    • Census Dates
    • Casual Study
    • Open Day
    • Admissions Information
    • Fees
  • Life at Eastern
    • Life at Eastern
    • News
    • Events
    • Alumni
    • Support Us
    • Library
  • About Us
    • Who are we?
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Governance
    • Statement of Belief
    • Quality, Accreditation and Standards
    • Policies
    • Financial Standing
    • Strategic Plan
    • Graduate Attributes
    • Employment Opportunities
Menu
  • Study with us
    • Study at Eastern
    • Browse Courses
    • Browse Units
    • Overseas Students
    • Timetables
    • Important Dates
    • Census Dates
    • Casual Study
    • Open Day
    • Admissions Information
    • Fees
  • Life at Eastern
    • Life at Eastern
    • News
    • Events
    • Alumni
    • Support Us
    • Library
  • About Us
    • Who are we?
    • Faculty and Staff
    • Governance
    • Statement of Belief
    • Quality, Accreditation and Standards
    • Policies
    • Financial Standing
    • Strategic Plan
    • Graduate Attributes
    • Employment Opportunities
Enquire

Community Development and Social Change

CD820
The problem of Community is introduced and different meanings of community are explored with special reference to community development and social change. The unit focuses on ways of making sense of change, its dynamic nature and the striving for peace and social justice. Learners are introduced to the assumptions and theory of practitioners who seek to bring about social change and to the practical ways of responding to the challenge of social inequality. Critical theory frameworks and perspectives on community work will be covered, drawing on texts by Butcher et al and three major contemporary Australian texts – Ife and Tesoreiro; Kenny and Weeks; Hoatson & Dixon as well as contributions of Friere. The unit will introduce key underpinning social theories including a range of concepts of particular relevance to community development such as: discourse (Foucault) social power and habitus/field (Bourdieu) social contract (Rousseau) state-society formation and roles (e.g. Weber, Marx) liberalism, socialism and social welfare (e.g. Marx, Mills) natural rights (Hobbes) and human rights the public sphere and communicative rationality(Habermas) civil society (Aristotle) structure and agency (Giddens) Students are exposed to the basic common elements of community change that include building the strengths and independence of community groups, organizations and networks; building equity, inclusiveness and cohesion amongst people and their groups and organizations; and empowering people and their organizations where appropriate to influence and help transform public policies and services and other factors affecting the conditions of their lives. The unit offers learners the opportunity to engage with compelling accounts of resistance, critique, hope and vision from communities whose stories are often invisible, trivialized or erased by the dominant society. Thus the role of narrative is explored to demonstrate how people have reclaimed and reshaped a traditional art form in the service of their ideas and demands for justice. Learners will also develop understanding of how groups are bringing out, bringing up and bringing back values of justice and fairness into their communities. Topics: + Understanding Community Development and Social Change + Frameworks for social change + Theoretical Concepts + Theories and Philosophies of Community Development + Power Imbalance. + Poverty and wealth + Challenges faced by minorities + What’s the real problem? + Learning to listen + Creative Strategies

Pre or Co-requistes

Pre-requisites
None.

Co-requisites
None.

Upcoming Unit Availabilities

Face to Face

Wantirna: Semester 1, 2022

(Frequency)

Online

Available: Semester 1, 2022

(Frequency)

Full Unit Details

2022 Intake

Now Open

Step out in faith and submit your application today! We’re exited to begin this next season in your life together.

Semester 2 Applications close 30th June

Apply Now

Get in Touch

Our friendly team is ready to answer any questions you may have.
Enquire Today

You can apply directly to the College via our online application form Below.

Apply Now
Eastern College Australia provides teaching, training and research from a Christian worldview that contributes to the church and the flourishing of humanity through the lives of its graduates.

Get in Touch

  • Contact Us
  • 03 9790 9200
  • info@eastern.edu.au
  • 5 Burwood Highway,
    Wantirna, VIC 3152,
    Australia

Useful Links​

  • About Us
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Browse Courses
  • Student Portal
  • Policy Portal

Centres & Departments

  • Centre for Theology & Psychology
  • Centre for Missional Engagement

Social Network

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin Youtube

Subscribe to our Mailing List

Stay in the loop about all the latest Eastern news and events. 

Subscribe Now

ABN: 61 551 855 405 | ACN: 641 764 785 | RTO No. 22065 | HE No. PRV12149 | CRICOS: 03853H

© Eastern College Australia. All rights reserved

Privacy Policy

We are co-located with Melbourne School of Theology

ABN: 61 551 855 405 | ACN: 641 764 785 | RTO No. 22065 | HE No. PRV12149 | CRICOS: 03853H

© Eastern College Australia. All rights reserved

Privacy Policy