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Presentation
Presentation
The Curricular Unit (CU) Community Development and Social Intervention is an optional subject in the Social Work degree, designed to deepen theoretical and methodological concepts essential for community analysis and intervention. Framed within an interdisciplinary context, it focuses on identifying and diagnosing community needs, designing intervention strategies, and mobilizing resources for their implementation. Its relevance in the study cycle lies in equipping students with the theoretical and practical skills necessary for professional practice. By addressing the multiple dimensions of community development and social intervention, this CU fosters the training of future social workers capable of intervening critically, innovatively, and in an adaptive manner to the complexity of contemporary challenges.
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Class from course
Class from course
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Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Degree | Semesters | ECTS
Bachelor | Semestral | 4
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Year | Nature | Language
Year | Nature | Language
3 | Optional | Português
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Code
Code
ULP733-14077
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Prerequisites and corequisites
Prerequisites and corequisites
Not applicable
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Professional Internship
Professional Internship
Não
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Syllabus
Syllabus
I. Introduction to Community Social Work 1. Concept and definitions of community 2. Global definition of community work 3. Historical evolution of community intervention 4. Planning and implementation of community projects II. Foundations and Practices of Community Intervention 1. Perspectives on social and community development 2. Theories and models of community practice 3. Community actors 4. Stages of community intervention 5. Principles and benefits of community intervention III. Community Participation and Empowerment 1. Mechanisms of community participation 2. Network intervention and partnerships 3. Leadership, capacity building and local empowerment 4. Critical reflection and innovation in community intervention
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Objectives
Objectives
O1. Understand the concept of community and the main associated theories, recognising the relevance of community intervention. O2. Analyse the historical evolution of community intervention and its main transformations. O3. Apply social and community development theories to Social Work, highlighting the role of the social worker in fostering community cohesion. O4. Develop community intervention practices, including diagnoses to identify local needs. O5. Examine the process of community participation and its benefits for active citizenship. O6. Design network-based intervention strategies that promote leadership and local empowerment. O7. Plan and implement community projects in an integrated way, articulating theoretical knowledge and practical skills. O8. Develop critical and reflective capacity on community intervention, fostering innovation and adaptation to local realities.
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Teaching methodologies and assessment
Teaching methodologies and assessment
The teaching methodologies of this course promote active learning and the integration of theory and practice. Interactive lectures introduce and problematise key concepts, encouraging critical reflection and participation. PBL is a central strategy, placing students in real or simulated community intervention scenarios that require critical analysis and collaborative solutions. To consolidate the study of theories and models, practical case simulations will be used, allowing the application of theoretical frameworks in realistic contexts. Group work, supported by the lecturer, will enable the development of community actions, strengthening skills in planning, autonomy, leadership, and responsibility. Grounded in reflective practice, these methodologies foster the training of professionals capable of intervening critically, innovatively, and adapted to diverse social contexts.
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References
References
Hardcastle, D. A. (2011). Community practice: Theories and skills for social workers. Oxford University Press. McArdle, K., Briggs, S., Forrester, K., & Garrett, E. (2024). Community work: Theory into practice. Policy Press. Monteverde, C. G. (2023). Trabajo social comunitario. Prensas de la Universidad de Zaragoza. Pradeep, M., & Sathyamurthi, K. (2017). The community in community social work. IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 22(9), 58-64. https://doi.org/10.9790/0837-2209015864 Reisch, M. (2008). Intervention with communities. In K. Sowers & C. N. Dulmus (Eds.), Comprehensive handbook of social work and social welfare: Social work practice (Vol. 4, pp. 1-54). John Wiley & Sons. Twelvetrees, A., & Todd, R. (2024). Community development, social action and social planning: A practical guide. Policy Press.
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Office Hours
Office Hours
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Mobility
Mobility
No
