TEAC 7043 Engaging Communities

This is an archived copy of the 2021-2022 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 102148

Coordinator Erin Mackenzie Opens in new window

Description From 2020 students should note that core subjects are now taught in semesters rather than half yearly sessions. Community engagement is variously seen as a strategy for improving educational outcomes, increasing community ownership and/or empowering citizens to take collective action. Although appeals to ‘community’ often assume a homogeneous ideal, active community engagement needs to respond to a diversity of needs and experiences. This subject begins by exploring the notion of community, its uses and meanings in different discursive and professional contexts. Students will be introduced to theory and praxis aimed at identifying community needs, partnering across diversity and working effectively and inclusively to build community strengths and engagement. The subject’s applied learning focus requires students to develop and implement a community engagement strategy for a selected setting.

School Education

Discipline Teacher Education, Not Elsewhere Classified.

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in a postgraduate program, with the exception of those students enrolled in the 8083 Bachelor of Research Studies.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  1. Critically evaluate notions of community and community engagement
  2. Audit a community’s membership, strengths and assets
  3. Analyse community profile data to determine needs
  4. Respond to a diversity of community needs and interests
  5. Develop a community engagement strategy
  6. Evaluate various forms of feedback and develop recommendations to enhance engagement

Subject Content

  1. Notions of ‘community’ - ideals and realities
  2. Diversity within and between communities – strengths and tensions
  3. Sites and contexts for community engagement
  4. Engagement – purpose, process and dilemmas
  5. Mapping community
  6. Skills and strategies for working with community
  7. Critical competencies for cross-cultural engagement
  8. Establishing and maintaining effective partnerships
  9. Building inclusive communities

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Item Length Percent Threshold Individual/Group Task
Case Study - Community Mapping & Initial Engagement Strategy 1,500 words 40 N Individual
Report - Report on Design and Implementation of Community Engagement Strategy 4.000 words 60 N Individual

Teaching Periods

Structures that include subject