Community And Voluntary Sector Workshop Series

Course details

NUI Galway are offering a series of workshops relevant to the Community and Voluntary sector designed to enable participants to further develop and enhance their understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to community development practice and policy in Ireland. This workshop series was developed in response to the continuing education needs of personnel working (paid/unpaid) in community/voluntary and state sectors actively supporting community life in a rapidly changing society.

Continuing Education Credit

Workshop series offerings are provided on a non-accredited basis. When you attend a workshop you will receive a Certificate of Attendance. An official certificate of attendance is only awarded to participants who have attended all sessions of a workshop topic.

Participants also have the option to register for Continuing Education Credit. Registration for credit with NUI Galway will become available in. Such credit, when awarded, may lead to an exemption(s) and a reduction in overall fees at a programme level within a relevant discipline (e.g. Bachelor of Arts in Community and Family Studies).

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

N/A

Course Outline

Current Workshop Topics:

Oct. 17th & 18th 2014: Politics & Policy Making (10 credits):

This module introduces students to the study of politics. It examines key concepts that influence politics in Ireland and elsewhere such as liberalism, conservatism and socialism. It also attends to the problematic role of political parties in modern democracies. In addition, the module explores both the party political landscape and the institutions of government that are central to political life in Ireland and asks how the Irish political system compares to those in other European countries. It also considers how Individuals, families and communities can influence policy decisions by actively lobbying and participating in political structures and systems as active citizens.

Dec. 12th & 13th 2014: Understanding Communities (10 credits):

This module seeks to provide an understanding of the main themes and initiatives that characterise community development. The key principles of community development theory and their application to various types of community setting are explored. It also aims to provide participants with the practical skills and training necessary to enable them to work effectively with communities.

Forthcoming Workshop Topics (Dates To Be Confirmed - Please Contact The Programme Administrator For Information):

Family & Society (10 credits): This module examines families in modern society focusing in particular on the role of the family and the interdependence of families and community. It discusses family structures and functions, the socialisation of children, and the impact of societal change on families highlighting the importance of family support.

Understanding Conflict (5 credits): This module examines the theory and practice of conflict transformation and peace building. Its recognises conflict as an inseparable part of the human interaction which can, when addressed effectively, resolve underlying needs and concerns, build sustainable communities and ultimately lead to peaceful and positive change.

Youth and Society (5 credits): The aim of this module is to focus on the theoretical and practical aspects of youth work. The module will provide the theoretical framework and practical skills necessary for participants to engage young people in community initiatives, looking specifically at the role that young people can play in the development of their communities and also the role that the community can play in developing young people.

Community Health (5 credits): This module seeks to provide a broad understanding of health in Irish society particularly from a community perspective. It begins by looking at health issues within the context of international definitions and a national policy framework. It then examines the role of the Individual, the community and society in managing health. It also examines the specifics of the Irish health system in terms of current policy, structures, financing and legislation.

Further Education

Participants have the option to progress at a programme level within a relevant discipline (e.g. Bachelor of Arts in Community and Family Studies).

Requirements And Assessment

This workshop series is offered on a non-accredited basis, and successful participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance futher to their attendance at all sessions of a workshop topic.

Participants who opt to register for Continuing Education Credit will be required to submit an assignment and sit a short exam relating to the workshop topic in question.