Community Volunteering for Change

Subject SOCI20012 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 80-100 hours of placement, 8 hours pre placement, 2 hours mid placement, 4 hours post placement.
Total Time Commitment: 132-152 hours.
Prerequisites: Completion of 100 points of an undergraduate degree.
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:
Subject
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Contact

Michelle Maes
Manager, Internships & Work Placements
Student Engagement
8344 6827
mmaes@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject will provide an understanding of the community sector and community development through a substantial volunteer experience. The subject includes a placement of 80 hours with a not-for-profit organisation, offering an opportunity to contribute to a community through project work, research and/or engaging in the key activities of the organisation. The volunteering placement is supplemented by classroom seminars that will provide insight into the evolving needs of the community and the role of not-for-profit organisations in community development.

Students will have an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills acquired during their course to address issues of significance to a community and to enhance their understanding of approaches in the field of community/social development. Students will be required to identify a suitable not-for-profit organisation and make an initial contact (with advice from the LIVE Unit) prior to approval of the placement and project by the department. They will also examine the structure, culture and policy environment of the organisation, and complete a report on a workplace project.

Upon subject completion, students will have completed a community project, gained insight into workplace issues and enhanced their employability skills. They will also have developed a critical understanding of the nature of citizenship and volunteering and the role of not-for-profit organisations in contemporary society. Through enrolment in this subject, students will develop skills as global citizens and leaders in communities and will contribute significantly to the community.

Objectives: On completion of this subject, students will:
  • demonstrate a greater understanding of community development issues as demonstrated through their own community projects and the interaction and sharing of information with other students in the subject;
  • appreciate how the work of the not for profit sector contributes to community development;
  • appreciate the diversity of community cultures and expectations and how these impact on workplaces and society in general;
  • understand the complexity of issues impacting on the community sector and what this means for organisations;
  • have enhanced ability to undertake independent research;
  • demonstrate improved self-reflection and practical skills;
  • indicate greater appreciation of active citizenship and community leadership issues.
Assessment:
  • 500 word individual knowledge and skills development plan based on the supplied framework (10%) (due early semester)
  • Team-focussed activity eg E-poster, online discussion, blog contribution (20%) (due mid semester )
  • 20 minute presentation summarising the placement outcomes including self-reflection and analysis of the host organisation mission and activities (20%) (at post-placement seminar)
  • 2,000 word case study or placement project report based on a specific challenge experienced while working in the host organisation (supplied framework) (50%) (due first day of exam period)
  • 80 hours of satisfactory work placement (hurdle)
  • 80%+ attendance at seminars (hurdle) and minimum 80 hours at placement (hurdle)
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader and resource pack will be provided.
Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: This subject requires students to demonstrate and improve a range of generic skills. Students will:
  • be able to effectively manage themselves, their time and their skills to complete a workplace project through more highly developed planning and organising skills;
  • be able to use effective interpersonal and communication skills through interaction with a range of diverse colleagues and/or organisational clients;
  • demonstrate improved analytical, problem-solving, research, and report-writing skills through dealing with and incorporating into their reports, a range of issues that emerge within their placement;
  • develop an awareness of the legal and ethical frameworks of the organisation and sector.

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