Module: SOC6101-20 Community Engagement

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Mark Cresswell

Module Tutor Contact Details: m.cresswell@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

In today’s competitive labour market, employers are looking for more than a good degree; they want graduates

 ith demonstrable skills and experience to succeed in the workplace. This module places volunteering into a university learning context, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable volunteering experience in the workplace of an appropriate organisation. Evidence shows that structured work experience is a key determinant in gaining graduate level employment at the end of your studies. You will carry out the normal duties expected of an employee or volunteer in your voluntary work placement and, if appropriate, be responsible for a particular aspect of the organisation’s activities as a basis for the assessed report.

The module has two key aims:

1. To enable you to demonstrate an understanding of social action and learning through undertaking appropriate voluntary work

2. To provide you with an opportunity to develop skills that will be valuable in your future career. The voluntary placement consists of 80 hours work with your host organisation. This may be over an extended period or in shorter blocks of time. Support is available to help you find a volunteer placement. To make the most of your volunteer placement you must play an active role in planning your own personal development.

At the end of the module you should have acquired an applied understanding of role of the voluntary and community sector, and a range of transferable skills from combining practical social engagement with your studies of society.

2. Outline syllabus: 

Experiential learning through a cycle of social action and personal reflection is central to learning oin this module. A number of taught sessions will provide opportunities for class discussion, tutor support, and enhance your learning about the voluntary and community sector.

You should start looking for a suitable voluntary placement organisation as early as possible to secure an appropriate position. We will take all reasonable steps to help you secure a placement and you will be supported by a university tutor for help and advice on this. The voluntary placement must be approved by the module co-ordinator. Help and support is available throughout the module, including after you have finished your placement and are preparing your assessments. For example, the Bath Spa Careers Service runs workshops throughout the year on how to find a placement and they can also provide support with auditing your skills and how to communicate these when applying for graduate jobs.

You must undertake 80 hours of voluntary activity with your host organisation. This may be over an extended period (such as 1 day per week for 12 weeks) or in a shorter block of time (such as 4 days per week for 3 weeks).

3. Teaching and learning activities: 

This module may be undertaken either in the summer following completion of level 5 or across the level 6 academic year. Your volunteering placement will be augmented with a number of focused sessions on the politics, practices and policies of the voluntary and community sector.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Report (3000 words)

• % Weighting: 60

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Individual presentation (2000 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 40