Community Development is generically defined as knitting society together at the grass roots and deepening democracy. In this course we will examine a body of theory & experience in this profession as it has emerged in the last 100 yrs. Using VT as an accessible laboratory, the course will explore applications of contemporary "CD" theory, appropriate evaluation research, and successful program/project completion. Reading will cover seminal work in the field, integrated into class lecture and student led discussion. Students will be engaged in two field operations. Initially a civic structure exercise will challenge students to investigate specifically how local communities are organized to solve the basic problems of governance, transportation, power and waste management, among others. A second exercise will explore techniques utilized in community mobilization. We will briefly examine the CD profession, defined by national standards as well as job/careers in the field. Appropriate professionals will share experience with the class.

Frederick Schmidt ()

Pre-MPA

Grad Standing; Cross listed with CDAE 395 Z2; Open to both CE and Degree students also

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