All course information is listed within this syllabus.
CEDEV 452: Community Structure, Processes and Capacity (3 credits). Social organization and change in rural communities; use of sociological principles in analysis of rural problems and rural development.
Prerequisites: 6 credits in rural sociology, sociology, or psychology
Instructor
Mary Kate Berardi
Assistant Teaching Professor
Coordinator, Community and Economic Development (CEDEV)
Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education
302 Armsby Building
University Park, PA 16802
E-mail: Use Canvas Inbox
Course Overview
CEDEV 452 is a required course for the Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development and the Community and Economic Development Graduate Certificate offered through World Campus. It also is required for undergraduates in the Community Development option of the Community, Environment and Development major. This course provides an overview of the role that communities and the organizations, institutions, and people found in communities, play in community and economic development. We will spend the first portion of the course examining how communities are believed to be organized and to function, and how organizations, institutions, and forces within and outside of communities are believed to influence individual and community well-being. The second part of the course explores the capacity of the people and organizations in communities and local areas to identify and act upon strategies to enhance well-being. The role of resources from outside the community and especially of local leaders, citizens, and organizations in the change process will be examined. While the concepts and application of the theories covered in this course are focused on communities and surrounding areas, they can be applied to understanding the change process across regions or other organizing frameworks, such as watersheds or development zones.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course you should be able to:
- Identify and use theories of community to analyze conditions in communities and to assess strategies for community and economic development.
- Describe concepts of community and how they relate to community development and change.
- Critically assess approaches to community capacity building.
- Analyze the roles of social capital, citizen engagement, and community agency in development and change.
- Articulate how theories and concepts of community and change apply to community and economic development practice.
- Work with your own examples to apply the concepts and ideas to increase your understanding of the concepts and to aid in understanding barriers to change and development in a community or area.
Course Structure and Schedule
Most modules consist of three pages:
- Overview, Learning Objectives, and Readings — On this Syllabus, you'll find the same brief overview for each module that is listed in the syllabus, along with learning objectives. All of the required readings for the module are listed on this page. Note that we use the term 'readings' to include videos, web pages, and podcasts.
- Framing Essay — This essay provides a discussion of key concepts in the module, provides context for the readings, and explains why these readings are important to meeting the learning objectives. The framing essay is required reading. At the end of each essay, you'll find 'questions for reflection' which will help you think about and check your learning for both the essay and the readings for that module.
- Assignments — The assignments for each module are listed here along with the due dates.
In general, each module starts on Monday and ends the following Sunday. Plan to complete your readings by Wednesday of each week.
- For weeks when discussions are assigned, begin posting to your discussion by Wednesday night to enjoy a rich discussion with your classmates.
- For weeks in which you are required to submit written assignments, begin writing by Wednesday night. Written assignments are due on Sunday night.
- Some of the readings will be used again in future modules, so be cautious about skipping readings.
Overview of Discussions
Every student is expected to participate actively in discussions—it is your assignment for the week. Occasionally a module will have two discussions in the same module, and you are expected to fully engage in both of them, not choose one or the other.
Another difference is that your initial 'post' should be no more than one paragraph. Instead of writing, reading, and reacting to mini-essays in the discussions, in this class, you are expected to have ongoing conversations with your fellow students.
You should read everyone's posts, but you do not need to respond to each post: choose the threads that are most interesting to you. If you find the large group discussions overwhelming, please contact me to discuss approaches and accommodations.
Your grade for discussions is based on the quality and extent of your discussion and on how well you integrate the week's readings into your discussion. In other words, I am looking for evidence that you have understood and thought about the readings.
Course Activities
Citing Materials
In this class, we require the use of the American Psychological Association Style Manual (APA) or another standard academic citation style when citing and referencing materials in your weekly posts and in your essays. Perhaps the best free reference can be found at the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). The OWL provides you with the basics you will need to properly cite and reference materials.
The APA Style link on the OWL page provides access to the style manuals and examples.
Class Participation
Class participation through online discussions is an expected and essential component of the class. Your participation in online discussions should reflect that you have read and thought about the assigned materials and that you thoughtfully engage in discussions with other students.
Essays
This course includes written assignments, a mid-term essay, and a final essay. You will also submit a theories matrix in Module 10 which summarizes the theories we study in Modules 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9. An explanation of the matrix and a template are provided in Module 4. You will also have shorter essays to write during Modules 2, 4, 9, and 14.
Resource Identification
In Modules 5, 8, and 11 you will identify academic resources for information on given topics. This can include academic articles, blogs, videos, or other material that directly relates to the listed topic. Submit to this discussion a written explanation (3–4 paragraphs) summarizing what you have found and why you think it is useful. Then you can see what sources your classmates find and use these resources as you work on your capstones.
Course Outline
Module 1 - Introduction to Community Development
Module 2 - Community and Community Development
Module 3 - Community and Well-Being
Module 4 - Communities as Social Systems
Module 5 - Interactional Perspectives on Community
Module 6 - Culture and Shared Meanings Approaches
Module 7 - First Integrative Essay
Module 8 - Social Networks and Social Capital
Module 9 - Human Ecology
Module 10 - Integrating Theories to Understand Communities
Module 11 - Assessing Community Capacity for Influencing Change
Module 12 - Community, Culture and Economic Development
Module 13 - Community Visioning and Engagement
Module 14 - Strategies for Achieving Community Goals
Module 15 - Final Essay
A Word About Absences
Life happens: all of you are involved with families, professions, other courses, etc. If you know you will be unable to complete an assignment on time (including participating in discussions) contact me in advance to discuss accommodations, which may include accepting a late submission for full credit.
If you anticipate being unable to fulfill the requirements to complete this course by the end of the semester, you must contact me as early as possible to discuss alternative arrangements.
Course Materials
E-Reserves
This course requires that you access Penn State library materials specifically reserved for this course. You can access these materials by selecting Library Resources in the Course Navigation Menu, or by accessing the Library E-Reserves Search and searching for your instructor's last name.
Grading Policy
Assignments for this class will be graded on a point system with a total of 1000 possible points. The turnaround time for graded assignments is generally one week or less.
The following table is the grading criteria for the course.
| Requirement | Cumulative Point Value |
|---|---|
| Discussions | 330 |
| Written Assignments | 200 |
| Resource Identification | 150 |
| Midsemester Essay | 120 |
| Theories Matrix and Final Essay | 200 |
| TOTAL: | 1000 |
The following table is the grading scheme for the course.
| Letter Grade | Percentage | Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | 100% – 95% | 950–1000 |
| A- | < 95% – 90% | 900–949 |
| B+ | < 90% – 86.7% | 867–899 |
| B | < 86.7% – 83.4% | 834–866 |
| B- | < 83.4% – 80% | 800–833 |
| C+ | < 80% – 75% | 750–799 |
| C | < 75% – 70% | 700–749 |
| D | < 70% – 60% | 600–699 |
| F | < 60% | < 600 |
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information.
Note: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please see "Graduation" under World Campus Student Resources.
Online Students Use of the Library
As Penn State students, you have access to many of the materials that the library offers to students. The library website has a lot to offer but can be overwhelming. A guide has been created to serve as your introduction to important library resources, services, and important pages within the library. The Online Student Library Guide is updated regularly by the online librarian. It is intended to provide a level of comfort through an introduction to help you feel comfortable navigating the library website to find valuable information for your coursework.
Technical Requirements
This course is offered online and it is assumed you possess the minimum system requirements and computing skills to participate effectively. A list of technical requirements is listed on World Campus' Penn State Technical Requirements page.
Minimum Skills
- You should have an understanding of basic computer usage (creating folders/directories, switching between programs, formatting and backing up media, accessing the internet).
- You must be able to conduct word processing tasks such as creating, editing, saving, and retrieving documents.
- You must be able to use a web browser to open web pages, download files, and search the internet.
- You must be able to use an e-mail program to send and receive messages and to attach and download documents/files.
- You must be able to download and install programs or plug-ins from the internet.
Getting Help With Canvas Courses
Canvas support is available 24/7 via chat or phone.
It is in your own best interest to be as specific as you possibly can. Try to include information such as the specific course page, quiz question, etc. you were on; what you attempted to do when that failed; the exact language of any error message displayed on your screen; the date and time when your problem occurred; and any other pertinent information (does the problem happen consistently and always in the same way, etc.).
Support Services
As a student, you have access to a variety of services and resources, including advising, tutoring, library services, career services, and more. Please visit the following resources for more information:
- World Campus Student Services
- Penn State Student Support Resources for University Park and Commonwealth campuses
Accessibility Information
Netiquette
The term "Netiquette" refers to the etiquette guidelines for electronic communications, such as e-mail and discussion postings. Netiquette covers not only rules to maintain civility in discussions but also special guidelines unique to the electronic nature of messages. Please review Virginia Shea's "The Core Rules of Netiquette" for general guidelines that should be followed when communicating in this course.
Penn State Policies
Login Policy
Students are expected to log in regularly to keep up to date with announcements, discussions, etc. The class will progress at a regular pace throughout the semester and there are specific due dates and times for assignments, etc.
Course Availability
Your course will be available to you beginning the first day of class and will remain open for one year. After one year the course will close.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest, and responsible manner. Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle.
According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity, an academic integrity violation is "an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically." Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.
Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean's List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.
You can learn more at The College of Agricultural Sciences Academic Integrity Information for Students.
Educational Equity Statement
Penn State takes great pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity on the Bias Response page.
Privacy Policies
For information about Penn State's privacy statement and what it encompasses, please read their Web Privacy Statement. Visit Penn State's FERPA Guidelines for Faculty and Staff page for information regarding its rules governing the privacy of student educational records.
Copyright Notice
All course materials students receive or to which students have online access are protected by copyright laws. Students may use course materials and make copies for their own use as needed, but unauthorized distribution and/or uploading of materials without the instructor's express permission is strictly prohibited. University Policy AD40, Recording of Classroom Activities and Note-Taking Services, addresses this issue. Students who engage in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials may be held in violation of the University's Code of Conduct, and/or liable under federal and state laws.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Many students at Penn State face personal challenges or have psychological needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, or emotional well-being. The University offers a variety of confidential services to help you through difficult times, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultations, online chats, and mental health screenings. These services are provided by staff who welcome all students and embrace a philosophy respectful of clients' cultural and religious backgrounds, and sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
- Counseling and Psychological Services at University Park (CAPS): 814-863-0395
- Counseling and Psychological Services at Commonwealth Campuses
- Penn State Crisis Line (24 hours/7 days/week): 1-877-229-6400
- Crisis Text Line (24 hours/7 days/week): Text LIONS to 741741
Accommodations for Persons With Disabilities
Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources website provides contact information for every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the Student Disability Resources page.
In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.
Accommodations for Military Personnel
Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.
Use of Trade Names
Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by World Campus, Outreach and Cooperative Extension, the College of Agricultural Sciences, or The Pennsylvania State University is implied.
Subject to Change Statement
Please note that this Course Syllabus is subject to change. Students are responsible for abiding by such changes.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search to start planning ahead.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search to start planning ahead.
