Course coordinator
Dr Debby Lynch
Please email me on d.lynch@uq.edu.au to arrange individual face-to-face or online consultations via zoom over the course of the Semester.ﾠ
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Nursing, Midwifery & Social Wk
This course explores the relevance and importance of community development ideas and approaches in social work practice. It sets out to illuminate the community development process, its broad scope and critical or transformative potential. At its core, community development is about the movement from the private concerns of individuals to collective public action underpinned by values of ecological and social justice. Learning the practice of community development requires engaging with the values and theory base of the work; using 'method' to move a private concern to public action; structuring the work through forming groups and participatory and democratic organisations; and expanding linkages to develop coalitions and alliances to tackle trans-local and global issues. The course provides the opportunity for dialogue to explore the practice of community development and to practice key skills involved.
The Bachelor of Social Work (Hons) program is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). The AASW Accreditation Standards (2020) stipulate that accredited social work programs are required to include content that addresses five core curriculum areas. SWSP4213 contains content in curriculum areas 1-4:
- Constructions of social work purpose, place, and practice
- Power, oppression, and exploitation
- The history and contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Culture, identity, and discrimination
Welcome to SWSP4213. The course explores the relevance and importance of community development ideas and approaches for social work in a range of contemporary practice contexts. In a rapidly changing and unpredictable global environment, there is new impetus for social workers to draw on community development approaches in the face of complex practice challenges. Grounded in values of social justice and human rights, the course is designed to supportﾠcritical thinking and collective working to nurture dynamic and innovative forms of practice that can respond to community and societal issues. The course provides participants with the opportunity to explore community development practices. The search for a sustainable community includes the community context (place), the community content (space for community knowledge and skills) and community ownership (base). We draw on 'method' to enable social work students to develop an understanding of how practitioners can transform activities into organised structures. The course invites you to view method as a way of ordering and structuring practice around four community development practice dimensions: micro, mezzo, macro and meta method. Micro method for community development practitioners concerns building purposeful relationships with people. Mezzo method concerns people forming groups to undertake collective (public) action guided byﾠshared reflective analysis and visions for change. Macro method is about structuring the work, forming groups and participatory and democratic organisations that give the work some measure of stability and sustainability. The meta method dimension is about bridging, linking organisations into coalitions, alliances or federations in order to tackle trans-local or global issues.
Acknowledgement:
The University of Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Owners and their custodianship of the lands on which the University now stands. We pay our respects to their Ancestors and their descendants, who continue their cultural and spiritual connection to Country. We recognise their valuable contributions to Australian and global society. ﾠ
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Tutor
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
The course is undertaken as a weekly lecture and tutorials supported by learning resources on the Blackboard course site.ﾠ
Aims and outcomes
The aims of this course are to explore the relevance and importance of community development ideas and approaches to social work practice. The course sets out to illuminate the community development process, its broad scope and critical and transformative potential. Drawing on the community development method as a organising framework, the course will assist participants to understand how this method can help to transform community development activities into organised structures that strengthen community capacity. The distinctive feature about this courseﾠis that it concentrates on the structural imperatives of linking the method of work with programs, community organisations and local, social and global movements.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify and demonstrate purposeful steps that structure community development processes, including group processes.
LO2.
Demonstrate familiarity with key theoretical approaches, principles and values of community development and their use in practice
LO3.
Understand the processes, the political implications and the value base inherent in moving a private concern to public action
LO4.
Critically evaluate different models of organisational structure and how they enhance or inhibit the developmental processes
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay/ Critique, Reflection |
Community Development Table Talk
|
50% |
11/04/2025 1:00 pm |
| Essay/ Critique |
Community Development Practice Analysis
|
50% |
23/05/2025 1:00 pm |
Assessment details
Community Development Table Talk
- Team or group-based
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Reflection
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
11/04/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03
Task description
In the first half of the course, we will practice the micro and mezzo method of developmental community work. This first course assessment involves hosting a 'Table Talk' session in your own time to gain experience in identifying and analysing issues of concern within a community, and planning follow up actions. Drawing on the 'Table Talk' experience, you will write a 1,500 word (individual) reflective analysis. This description is only a brief summary of the task. For full details, including the marking rubric, please refer to the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site.
Use of AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools. For further information on students' use of AI, please see: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/study-and-learning-support/ai-student-hub/ai-your-learning
Submission guidelines
Please submit an electronic version of your assignment via Turnitin in the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Community Development Practice Analysis
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 50%
- Due date
23/05/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
For this assessment task, students are required to write a 2,000-word analytical essay based on one of the practitioner presentations that will be hosted in the second half of the course. This essay will focus on the contribution of a community development approach within a specific practice context. This is an exciting opportunity to explore a topic/field that interests you in more depth! You will have the opportunity to apply the theory, principles, values and methods discussed in the course, drawing on relevant practice examples from the practitioner's presentation. This description is only a summary of the task. For full details, including the marking rubric, please refer to the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site.
Use of AI: This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI tools. For further information on students' use of AI, please see: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/study-and-learning-support/ai-student-hub/ai-your-learning
Submission guidelines
Please submit an electronic version of their assignment via Turnitin in the course Learn UQ (Blackboard) site.
The anti plagiarism software TURNITIN is being used at UQ. The electronic version of your assignment will be submitted via Blackboard, using the TURNITIN software. Work submitted may be subjected to a plagiarism detection process. If this process is used then copies of this work would be retained and used as source material for conducting future plagiarism checks. Please refer to ITS help if you experience difficulties in submitting your assignments in Blackboard or using TURNITIN.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0.1 - 29.9 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate most or all of the basic requirements of the course. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46.9 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates clear deficiencies in understanding and applying fundamental concepts; communicates information or ideas in ways that are frequently incomplete or confusing and give little attention to the conventions of the discipline. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49.9 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Demonstrates superficial or partial or faulty understanding of the fundamental concepts of the field of study and limited ability to apply these concepts; presents undeveloped or inappropriate or unsupported arguments; communicates information or ideasﾠwith lack of clarity and inconsistent adherence to theﾠconventions of the discipline.ﾠ |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates adequate understanding and application of the fundamental concepts of the field of study; develops routine arguments or decisions and provides acceptable justification; communicates information and ideas adequately in terms of the conventions of the discipline.ﾠ |
| 5 (Credit) | 64.5 - 74.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Demonstrates substantial understanding of fundamental concepts of the field of study and ability to apply these concepts in a variety of contexts; develops or adapts convincing arguments and provides coherent justification; communicates information and ideas clearly and fluently in terms of the conventions of the discipline.ﾠ |
| 6 (Distinction) | 74.5 - 84.49 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for a grade of 5 and with frequent evidence of originality in defining and analysing issues or problems and in creating solutions; uses a level, style and means of communication appropriate to the discipline and the audience. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 84.5 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: As for a grade of 6 and with consistent evidence of substantial originality and insight in identifying, generating and communicating competing arguments, perspectives or problem solving approaches; critically evaluates problems, their solutions and implications. |
Additional course grading information
Submission of all assessment items is a requirement to pass SWSP4213.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Referencing style
Please use APA 7th referencing style for written assignments.ﾠThe main library has an APA 7th Referencing Style Guide.ﾠﾠ
The use of AI
Please see guidance on the use of AI in the Task Description for each assessment item in the course. ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
These journals and websites are recommended:
Community Development Institute - http://www.communitydevelopmentinstitute.com.auﾠﾠ
Community Development Journal – the journal is available through the library website http://cdj.oupjournals.org/
Community Development Queensland http://www.cdqld.org/ﾠ
Coalition of Community Boards (CoCB) https://cocb.org.auﾠ ﾠ ﾠ
Neighbourhood Houses Tasmania: https://www.neighbourhoodhousestasmania.org.au/sites/default/files/resources/community-development-handbook/nht-community-development-action-handbook-neighbourhood-houses-web.pdf
Queensland Council of Social Services [QCOSS] Place-based approaches. http://www.qcoss.org.au/our-work/place-based-approaches
International Federation of Social Workers, IASSW and ICSW (2019) https://www.icsw.org/index.php/news/107-iassw-icsw-and-ifsw-joint-statement
International Social Work journal - available through the library website.ﾠ
The Informal Education Pages provide some excellent information about community development and a whole array of related practices – excellentﾠresources too! http://www.infed.org/index.htm
New Community Quarterly Journal: linked to Borderlands http://www.newcq.orgﾠ
International Association for Community Development http://www.iacdglobal.org/ ﾠ
Asset Based Community Development Institute http://www.abcdinstitute.org
Last-First Networks http://www.lastfirst.net/index.php?osCsid=fb66eb9e600a3544796e34243d4e5c34
Community Resilience in Queensland Database http://www.communityindicatorsqld.org.au/
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (24 Feb - 02 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Overview and Introduction to the course Welcome to SWSP4213 Community Development! The first class will provide an overview of the course and the teaching and learning approach. We will discuss the course structure, assessment tasks and learning resources. We'll begin to explore the term 'community' and ideas about community development in social work. We'll also examine the principles and values that guide community development practice. Please note: There are no tutorials in Week 1. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Week 2 (03 Mar - 09 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Foundations of Development Practice In today's class, we'll discuss 'developmental community work'. This approach will provide you with foundational concepts for community work practice which can be applied in different practice contexts. This is clearly demonstrated in the 'Circle of Men' project (see Week 2 required readings) which we will analyse and discuss in class. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 2: Tutorial Welcome to your First Tutorial! In this session, we'll get to know each other and start building our learning community. We'll work towards creating a supportive learning environment where students can practice community work skills and engage in meaningful group discussions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 3 (10 Mar - 16 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 3: Micro Method and Dialogue Today we will focus on micro practice skills in community development, such as building purposeful relationships and active listening. You will gain insights into how practitioners use these skills in practice. Additionally, you'll learn about the practice of 'strategic questioning' which can be used to facilitate dialogue and deeper exploration of issues for collective action towards positive social change. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 3: Tutorial In today's tutorial, we will practice micro skills by engaging in one-on-one conversations to identify and share common issues of interest, moving the dialogue further, before you undertake your own 'Table Talk' assignment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 4 (17 Mar - 23 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 4: Mezzo Method and Social Action Groups Get ready to dive into the mezzo method for community organizing! We'll discuss how to form and strengthen participatory groups that can drive social action. We'll explore examples of 'Table Talks' which will give you insight into this dynamic method of community engagement. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 4: Tutorial This tutorial will support you to prepare for your own 'Table Talk' practice task. Today we will focus on examining the structure of dialogue and moving private concerns to public action. We will discuss how to identify heuristic words in the Table Talk and move the conversation from I-You-We. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 5 (24 Mar - 30 Mar) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Collective Narrative Practice Today's class explores narrative practice with individuals, groups and communities. We will explore the practice more deeply through video material and analysis of 'Poverty Finds a Voice' (see Week 4 required reading). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Tutorial |
Week 5: Tutorial In today's tutorial, we delve more deeply into the uses of collective narrative practice in community development through examples and group discussion. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
|
Week 6 (31 Mar - 06 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 6: Community Development Practice (International Context) Community Development in an International practice context (Nepal). Today, we host a guest social work practitioner. Join us for an inspiring class that highlights strengths-based and community-led change! We'll explore the processes of local capacity building, valuing local knowledge and practices and the importance of dialogue and mutual decision-making. We see how advocacy can be a powerful tool to address structural inequalities. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 6: Tutorial This tutorial will be tailored to support your written (individual) reflective analysis on your Table Talk experience which is due on 11th April at 1pm. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 7 (07 Apr - 13 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 7: Community Development Practice: 'Thriving Families' This week, we'll hear online from a community development practitioner in 'Thriving Families' which is a program located in the Nambour Community Centre in the Sunshine Coast. You'll gain important insights into how this family support service integrates community development into their approach. We'll explore how the program establishes partnerships based on trust, mutuality and co-operation through their supported community groups. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 7: Tutorial This tutorial will stimulate reflections on the 'Thriving Families' program through focused discussion. Students may decide to focus on this program in their forthcoming practice analysis assignment. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (14 Apr - 20 Apr) |
Lecture |
Week 8: Community Development Practice - Ecosocial Community Development Today we explore ecosocial work as a framework for community development practice that promotes understandings and actions to respond to a global environmental crisis and forms of social, environmental and ecological injustice! We host a community development practitioner who will guide us through ecosocial concepts, demonstrating skills and drawing on practice examples. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 8: Tutorial In today's tutorial, we will research ecosocial concepts using a Herb Spiral! We will also begin conversations about your forthcoming assignment, the Community Development Practice Analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Mid-sem break (21 Apr - 27 Apr) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break |
Week 9 (28 Apr - 04 May) |
Lecture |
Week 9: Community Development Practice: Community Radio In today's class, we discuss the role of community radio from 4ZZZ in Brisbane to community radio in international contexts such as Kenya and the emergence of 'listening women's groups' which have become a powerful mechanism for social change in that country. The team from Brisbane 4ZZZ will join us for a guest slot to share their perspectives. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 9: Tutorial This tutorial will stimulate reflections on community radio through focused discussion. We will continue to have conversations to support your forthcoming assignment - Community Development Practice Analysis. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 10 (05 May - 11 May) |
Lecture |
Week 10: Macro-method: Structuring the Work [Fieldtrip to Nundah Community Enterprise Cooperative] Today, we'll visit the Nundah Community Enterprise Cooperative and enjoy a morning coffee at the Espresso Train Café. We'll explore the macro-method of 'structuring' community development work and gain insight into how community development work is sustained. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 10: Tutorial In today's tutorial, we'll explore the idea of 'structuring the work' and discuss examples of organisations that are community-based and community-owned. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 11 (12 May - 18 May) |
Lecture |
Week 11: Exploring Methodology: The World Café Today we'll explore the World Café, a methodology for creating collaborative dialogue around critical questions. We'll evaluate how this methodology can be used in a community development practice context and generate some strategic questions to host our own World Café in the tutorial. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 11: Tutorial Students will have the opportunity to host a World Café conversation in the tutorial and reflect on this learning experience. Resources will be made available on Blackboard! Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 12 (19 May - 25 May) |
Lecture |
Week 12: Meta Method and Global/Local Practice Today we move on to explore meta-level community development and how by linking organisations, the work can be expanded through structuring it beyond the local. Potentially, this can link local initiatives to broader social movements. We examine typologies, characteristics and also, some examples of alliances. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 12: Tutorial In today's tutorial, we evaluate a methodology called Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as an approach to individual, organisational and community development. Reflective learning activities in the tutorial will assist students to finalise their Community Development Practice Analysis which is due on Friday 23rd May by 1pm. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (26 May - 01 Jun) |
Lecture |
Week 13: Putting it all together! Social Work and Community Development In our final class, we will bring together all you have learned throughout this course. This is your opportunity to consolidate your knowledge, engage in meaningful evaluation and review, and consider the next steps on your learning journey to become a social worker. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 13: Final Tutorial: Let's Celebrate! Let’s relax and bring some delicious food to share! It’s time to celebrate all your hard work and achievements over the Semester. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.