Module Identifier RS22220  
Module Title WORKING WITH RURAL COMMUNITIES  
Academic Year 2002/2003  
Co-ordinator Dr Alister J Scott  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Lecture   22 Hours 11 x double lectures  
  Seminars / Tutorials   18 Hours 6 x 3 hours  
Assessment Semester Exam   3 Hours Written examination Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 5   40%  
  Semester Assessment   Grant application form Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5   60%  
  Supplementary Exam   3 Hours Written examination   40%  
  Supplementary Assessment   Alternative grant application   60%  

Learning outcomes

1. Apply and critically review the principles and theories of working with communities in a rural context
2. Evaluate the effectiveness of participation techniques to secure community involvement and development
3. Analyse the various grant aid mechanisms to facilitate community development
4. Complete a grant application form for a specified community group/project
5. Evaluate rural community initiatives using qualitative and quantative techniques   

Aims

This module equips students with the necessary skills to work with community groups and manage rural community initiatives. In so doing students will be exposed to the range of theories, tools and grants available for supporting community development in the rural context.

The aims are:-
To understand the principles and theories of working with communities in a rural context
To appreciate the tools, mechanisms and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with rural communities
To understand the complexities of the grant process with particular regard to European schemes
To develop the interpersonal skills required for working with rural communities

Transferable skills

.2 IT and information handling

Students will have to download and complete PDF forms for objective 1 or Community Development fund applications. The assignment is completed electronically following exactly the process required by the scheme.

.3 Use and analysis of numerical information

Students will have to supply detailed capital and revenue costs for a project. This involves accurate and reliable costing and requires extensive research and understanding of costing people and resources. This forms a significant part of the application form.

.6 Careers need awareness

The module and assignment, in particular, equip students with the skill of submitting professional grant applications. This is a critical part of any managers work role. In addition the module will develop interpersonal skills through role playing scenarios used to support lecture material.

Reading Lists

Web Page/Sites
ACRE. (2000) Community work skills for rural community workers. Training Pack No 1. ACRE www.irs.aber.ac.uk/als/netpage/lectures/Distancelearning.htm
Scott A J. (2001) www.irs.aber.ac.uk/als/netpage/lectures/ruralcommunitiesohp.html.
Wilcox D. The guide to effective participation. www.partnerships.org.uk/guide/index.htm

Books
FRANCIS D and HENDERSON P. (1992) Working with rural communities. Macmillan
Francis D and Hendereson. (1993) Rural Action. Pluto: London
Norberg Hodge H. (1994) Ancient futures. Rider: London