FVPAA080 Community Development

Fakulta veřejných politik v Opavě
léto 2026
Rozsah
10 hod/sem. 8 kr. Ukončení: zk.
Vyučující
Mgr. Nataša Matulayová, PhD., BSBA (přednášející)
Garance
Mgr. Nataša Matulayová, PhD., BSBA
Fakulta veřejných politik v Opavě
Rozvrh
St 25. 2. 13:05–14:40 411, St 18. 3. 14:45–16:20 411, Út 24. 3. 13:05–14:40 411, Čt 16. 4. 13:05–14:40 411, Čt 14. 5. 13:05–14:40 411
Předpoklady
The course is open to students from all study programs interested in understanding and contributing to community development. No prior knowledge of community development or related disciplines is required.
Omezení zápisu do předmětu
Předmět je nabízen i studentům mimo mateřské obory.
Mateřské obory/plány
Cíle předmětu
This course introduces the principles, methods, and practical tools of community development relevant across disciplines. In today's complex world, being a qualified professional is not enough — we also carry responsibility for the places we live, work, and engage with. Through the lens of civic engagement, community-based practice, and the concept of the civic-minded graduate, students will explore how to understand, assess, and contribute to the sustainable development of communities. The course fosters competencies based on the LOUIS Competence Framework, including civic engagement, critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, integrative learning, and future literacy — the ability to imagine and shape positive futures for local communities. This course is open to students from all study fields, recognizing that community development connects us all, regardless of our disciplines. 


Course Objectives: 

  1. Understand the key principles, values, and participatory methods of community development as practiced in social work and other fields.

  2. Analyze community contexts by identifying assets, needs, and stakeholders as a foundation for ethical and sustainable community action.

  3. Develop civic engagement, ethical awareness, and reflective thinking as essential competences for contributing to the well-being and future of communities.

Výstupy z učení

After completing the course, students will be able to:

  1. Explain what community development means and how it contributes to sustainable change.

  2. Create a basic community profile and propose a feasible community action.

  3. Reflect on their own civic and ethical responsibilities in community practice.

Osnova

Lesson 1 – Introduction to Community Development
The course begins with an introduction to the concept of community from different disciplinary perspectives. Students explore definitions, interpretations, and the historical evolution of community development, linking these to the core social work values of participation, inclusion, empowerment, and sustainability. The session highlights the role of civic engagement in shaping both personal and professional identity.

Lesson 2 – Community Analysis and Engagement
Students examine what community development achieves in practice, drawing on Kief Popple’s nine models of community work. They learn practical techniques for community needs assessment, stakeholder mapping, and resource identification, while discussing strategies for engaging diverse groups and promoting participation.

Lesson 3 – Community Planning as a Method
This session introduces community planning as a structured approach to guiding local change. Students consider the benefits, stakeholders, and stages of planning, with a focus on inclusion of vulnerable groups and examples from social services. The purpose of the Community Needs Assessment Report is discussed as a bridge between understanding and action.

Lesson 4 – Applied Community Development and Asset-Based Approach
Students explore the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach and apply it to drafting a simple community plan. They learn to identify and connect assets across physical, social, economic, cultural, and political domains while linking community strengths to sustainable, future-oriented development.

Lesson 5 – Student Presentations and Reflection
In the final session, students present their community profiles or action proposals, exchange peer feedback, and reflect on their learning. The session integrates theoretical understanding, ethical awareness, and civic responsibility as essential dimensions of social work with community.

Literatura
  • PITCHFORD, M., HENDERSON, P. Making Spaces for Community Development. Bristol: Univerzity of Bristol, 2008. ISBN 978-3-642-02177-0. info
Výukové metody
- Interactive lectures and discussions - Practical exercises in community analysis and profiling - Group activities and peer learning - Case studies from various community contexts - Student presentations with peer review
Metody hodnocení
- Community Profile (Written Assignment): 60% of final grade - Presentation of Community Profile: 40% of final grade Assessment criteria include structure, clarity, use of the asset-based approach, understanding of community dynamics, creativity, civic relevance, and application of course principles.
Vyučovací jazyk
Angličtina
Další komentáře
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