SW 230 Theories and Politics of Community Organizing and Development

3 credits

This course will build upon the Introduction to Community Organizing and Development course to provide students with an understanding of the ways in which the history of community organizing and development informs community theory and policy across urban and rural settings. With an emphasis on group development theory, students will be introduced to the major theories and policies that impact neighborhood/community capacity, including theories of poverty and development, inequality, human rights, urban and rural community development, neighborhood organizing, restorative practice, social movements, community transformation, social capital. A particular focus is the intersection of these theories and policies within this framework that can create social capital, and foster entrepreneurship, social innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.

Prerequisite: SW 220 Introduction to Community Organizing and Development