Subject Overview: |
This subject will provide an understanding of the community sector and community development through a substantial volunteer experience. The aims of this subject are to enable you to undertake and report on a community-based project, gain significant insight into workplace issues, and further develop your employability skills in communication, planning and organisation, self-management and problem solving.
The subject includes a placement of 80-100 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 placement is supplemented by pre- and post-placement classes, including a compulsory induction in Week 1 and compulsory sessions in Weeks 2 &3, designed to prepare you for your placement, provide a theoretical framework of community development which will provide insight into the evolving needs of the community and the role of not-for-profit organisations in community development. The pre-placement seminars will also include self-assessment, reflexivity and professional skills. 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 are responsible for identifying a suitable work placement, by Week 1 of semester, with support from Student Programs staff. In the semester prior to the placement, students should access Leadership, Involvement & Volunteer Experience (LIVE) http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/live resources to help identify potential host organisations and attend Careers & Employment (C&E) http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/careers/ seminars and workshops to assist when approaching host organisations. Students should commence approaching organisations, at least 4 weeks before the placement. More information is available in the Subject Guide. Placements must be approved by the Coordinator. Students experiencing problems finding a placement should contact the Course Coordinator. 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.
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Objectives: |
On completion of this subject, students will: • Have an understanding of community development issues as demonstrated through their own community projects, personal reflection and collaboration 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; • demonstrate greater appreciation of active citizenship and community leadership issues.
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Assessment: |
• 1000-word individual knowledge and skills development plan based on the supplied framework (20%) Due Week 6. • 20 minute team presentation analysing the strategic plan and mission of your host organisations and their relationship to community development goals, including self-reflection and analysis of the host organisation mission and activities (30%) Presentations held during Week 10, 11 & 12. • 2,000 word case study or placement project report based on a specific challenge experienced while working in the host organisation, including a summary of the placement outcomes and self-reflection of the experience. (supplied framework) (50%) Due Week 12. • Participation in online discussion (hurdle) • 80 hours of satisfactory work placement (hurdle) • 100% attendance at seminars (hurdle)
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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 the ability to reflect on their place within the communities they belong to, and explore and reflect on their ability to become effective agents for change within the community sector • develop an awareness of the legal and ethical frameworks of the organisation and sector.
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