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:

This module places volunteering into a university learning context – combining study of the voluntary sector with practical volunteering. The aim is to allow you to demonstrate an understanding of social action and learning through undertaking recognised appropriate voluntary work. Support is available to help you find a volunteer place. If you are already doing some appropriate voluntary work this module may mean that you can also gain some academic credit for it. It is a condition of study that you must undertake or have completed some basic training provided by the organisation in the voluntary activity that you choose. At the end of the module you should have acquired an applied understanding of role of the voluntary and community sector, its relationship to other organisations and acquire a range of transferable skills from combining practical social engagement with your studies of society.

2. Outline syllabus:

The concept of experiential learning through a cycle of action and personal reflection is central to learning in this module. You must find an appropriate voluntary placement, which must be approved by the module co-ordinator, complete minimum training and undertake at least 80 hours of voluntary activity. A number of taught sessions will provide opportunities for class discussion and enhance your learning about the voluntary and community sector.

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 (3500 words)

• % Weighting: 70

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Individual presentation (1500 words equivalent)

• % Weighting: 30