PV24TK079 Community development and participation

Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Summer 2025
Extent and Intensity
10/0/0. 3 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
Mgr. Nataša Matulayová, PhD., BSBA (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
Institute of Pedagogical and Psychological Sciences – Faculty of Public Policies in Opava
Contact Person: PhDr. Edita Ondřejová, Ph.D.
Timetable
Fri 28. 2. 14:45–17:10 C303, Fri 14. 3. 14:45–17:10 C207, Fri 28. 3. 14:45–18:00 C303
Prerequisites (in Czech)
FAKULTA(FVP) && TYP_STUDIA(B) && FORMA(K)
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 20 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 21/20, only registered: 0/20
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
- Introduce students to the importance of community development in the prevention of social pathologies: students will become familiar with the concepts of community development that can be applied in identifying and addressing risk factors associated with risky behavior, social exclusion, and other forms of social pathologies.
- Develop practical skills for working with communities: students will acquire methods for engaging communities and target groups in participatory processes aimed at preventing and addressing social problems.
- Enable students to apply a community approach in an interdisciplinary context: students will learn to integrate knowledge from the fields of social pathology, prevention, and community social work. They will develop the ability to design interventions focused on the prevention and resolution of social problems while considering the specific needs of institutions and target groups.
Learning outcomes
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
- Explain the key principles and approaches of community development and their significance in the prevention of social pathologies.
- Identify risk factors associated with social exclusion and propose strategies for community engagement to address them.
- Apply participatory planning methods in working with communities and target groups.
- Design preventive interventions aimed at reducing risky behavior and strengthening social cohesion within a specific community.
- Reflect on the specifics of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing social problems and utilize acquired knowledge in the practice of community social work.
Syllabus
  • 1. Introduction to the Course and Basic Concepts: Introduction to the course, its objectives, learning outcomes, and requirements for completion; definitions and history of community development and community social work; social pathologies and risk factors: the relationship between community development and prevention.
  • 2. Defining Community Social Work: Specifics of community social work compared to other areas of social work; the role of community social workers in identifying and addressing risk factors; practical examples: community interventions aimed at prevention.
  • 3. Theoretical Foundations of Community Work: Critical social work – principles and application in working with marginalized groups; empowerment: how to strengthen individuals and groups in the prevention of social exclusion; capacity building and social capital as tools for preventing risky behavior.
  • 4. Theories of Networking in Community Work: Networking as a tool to strengthen cooperation among key stakeholders in communities; identification of local risk factors (e.g., poverty, limited access to services); case study: successful examples of networking focused on preventing social exclusion.
  • 5. Models of Community Work: Rothman’s models: prevention through local development, social planning, and social action; Popple’s approach: critical models for working with marginalized communities.
  • 6. Ethics and Principles of Community Development: Ethical values in community work: respect, inclusion, equality of opportunity; principles of prevention: sustainability, responsibility, and cooperation.
  • 7. Participatory Approaches and Techniques: Participatory approaches as a key to effective prevention of social pathologies; practical techniques for engaging target groups (e.g., participatory problem mapping).
  • 8. Community Planning: The process of community planning aimed at preventing social pathologies; identification of at-risk groups and involvement of local stakeholders in planning; examples of community service planning and its role in prevention.
  • 9. Community-Led Local Development (CLLD): Definition of CLLD and its contribution to the prevention of social pathologies; specifics of implementing the CLLD strategy in the MAS Opavsko area; analysis of specific CLLD projects aimed at eliminating social exclusion.
  • 10. Current Challenges in Community Work: Globalization and its impact on marginalized communities; climate change as a risk factor for social exclusion; social inequalities: how community interventions can mitigate their effects.
  • 11. Application of Theory to Practice: Collaboration with MAS Opavsko – practical work on a project reflecting the Territorial Development Strategy 2021–2027; analysis of risk factors and the design of preventive measures.
  • 12. Final Evaluation and Presentation of Preventive Intervention Proposals: Summary of key findings from the course; presentation of preventive intervention proposals developed during the course.
Literature
    required literature
  • MATOUŠEK, O. a kol. Encyklopedie sociální práce. Praha: Portál, 2013. ISBN 978-80-262-0366-7. info
  • ZATLOUKAL, L. Plánování rozvoje sociálních služeb metodou komunitního plánování. Olomouc: Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci, 2008. ISBN 978-80-244-2128-5. info
  • GOJOVÁ, Alice. Teorie a modely komunitní práce. 2006. info
    recommended literature
  • Kappl, M. 2014. Úvod do teorií a metod sociální práce s komunitou. Hradec Králové: Gaudeamus.
  • časopis Sociální práce/Sociálna práca
  • Majerová, V., Kostelecký, T., Sýkora L. 2011. Sociální kapitál a rozvoj regionu: příklad Kraje Vysočina. Praha: Grada
  • HARTL, P. Komunita občanská a komunita terapeutická. Praha: SLON, 1997. ISBN 80-85850-45-1. info
Teaching methods
lectures, interactive debates and reflections, group work, document content analysis, participation of LAG Opavsko management representatives in the lectures
Assessment methods
Oral Examination: Verification of students' knowledge and skills in accordance with the objectives and content of the course. The evaluation result will be expressed on a grading scale of A–E. A prerequisite for registering for the examination is the successful completion of correspondence assignments as specified.
Language of instruction
Czech
Further Comments
The course can also be completed outside the examination period.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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