Module Identifier RS22220  
Module Title SUSTAINING RURAL COMMUNITIES  
Academic Year 2006/2007  
Co-ordinator Dr Ioan Fazey  
Semester Semester 1  
Course delivery Practical   6 x 3 hour practicals per semester  
  Lecture   1 x 2 hour lecture per week  
  Seminars / Tutorials   3 x 2 hour seminar/tutorial sessions during semester  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Grant application Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5  60%
Semester Exam2 Hours Written examination Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 5  40%
Supplementary Assessment Alternative grant application  60%
Supplementary Exam2 Hours Written examination  40%

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, student should be able to:

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 quantitative 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

Brief description

This module will develop the understanding of the theory, processes and issues which shape and influence the rural community and assess the mechanisms and finance available for the countryside manager to achieve successful community involvement and development. Case studies of good practice and particular community groups are essential components of the module around which a model of rural community work is identified and evaluated. Practitioners and community groups will play a central role in the delivery and assessment of the module.

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

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

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

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5