Activating methods in community workLaajuus (5 cr)

Objective

• Students are able to understand and apply key trends and forms of community work to socio-pedagogical activities.
• Students will understand the relationship between the local community (micro level) and the larger society (macro level).
• Students will understand the importance of working in an emancipatory and inclusive manner.
• Students will learn to use activating methods in creating community networks.
• Students will practice promoting active citizenship in and with urban neighborhoods and community groups.

Content

1. Theories, concepts and methods:
• Socio-pedagogical community work theory and trends
This course gives students an approach to the concepts of community and community work. Intrinsic and cultural structures, layers and historical phases of community and subcultures. Examination of reality and starting social changes through participatory approaches as well as participatory action research methods. neighborhood work, networking and community work.
• Participatory action research methods in community work
Students will experiment with different participatory methods to look at subcultures, community structures, geographic/historical and virtual communities. They will also explore the role of tacit knowledge (silent knowledge), placemaking and how to make these visible and integrated in town planning and community work.
We look at the ways that the well-being of communities can be boosted by active citizenship and collaboration with public sector, local organizations, schools and independent cultural groups. What is the role of the social-pedagogical facilitator in such a process?
• This course will focus on a particular current phenomenon of interest as identified by the local community.