ORG 4160 Elements of Community Development
This course introduces students to the basics of sustainable community development, including community and neighborhood planning, community organizing, grassroots leadership and community empowerment. Students will examine and discuss the role of community-based organizations such as community development corporations, social services agencies, and religious and educational institutions. Students will also examine organizational and local politics and discuss how these factors help or hinder the community development process. The course will give students insight into the role community development process in rebuilding low-income or economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. It also seeks to teach students the importance of personally participating in and supporting the development of economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Finally, the course will introduce students to varied career paths that relate to the field of community development.