Community Development, Organizing, and Engagement

Examination of theory and practice of community development, organizing, and engagement. Understanding of multiple dimensions of community development (physical, economic, political, social) and how they interact, as well as major debates about community development strategies. Analysis of role of community organizing as empowerment strategy in disadvantaged and marginalized communities, and relationship of community and worker organizing to broader movements for social change. Consideration of various approaches to community participation and engagement, and struggles over power and inclusion within these processes. Examination of relations between community development, organizing, and engagement. Particular attention to race, gender, and class dimensions of these processes, issues of power, and how planner's role connects with processes.

Letter grading.