All course information is listed within this syllabus.
CEDEV 500: Community and Economic Development: Theory and Practice (3 credits). Understanding theories, concepts, and frameworks of community and economic development and community decision-making models in application to community development practice and issues.
Prerequisites: None
Instructor
Frans J.G. Padt, Ph.D.
Teaching Professor
Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education
214 Armsby Building
University Park, PA 16802
Phone (Office): 814-863-8644
E-mail: Use Canvas Inbox
Website: Frans J.G. Padt, Ph.D.
Educational and Professional Background
Frans Padt has broad experience in community and regional environmental planning and design. He has worked in many roles over the years as a researcher, educator, policymaker, consultant, and volunteer. He teaches at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
His research and teaching include:
- The social and political dimensions of land use planning;
- Community science, planning, and design;
- Science, Technology, and Society (STS) studies and public policy.
Member of the International Association for Society and Natural Resources (IASNR), American Planning Organization - Pennsylvania Chapter, and Gamma Sigma Delta - The Honor Society of Agriculture.
Teaching Experience
- CED 409 — Land Use Planning and Procedure
- CED 309 — Land Economics and Policy
- CED 155 — Science, Technology and Public Policy
- CED 327 — Environment and Society
- CEDEV 500 — Community and Economic Development: Theory and Practice
- CEDEV 509 — Population, Land Use, and Municipal Finance
- Landscape Architecture Studios and Seminars
Course Overview
CEDEV 500 provides an overview of the principles of community and economic development.
CEDEV 500 consists of 14 modules, all located within our password-protected learning management system, Canvas. This course is a synchronous course, meaning that you are part of a "cohort" or learning community. There are regular due dates for assignments and a fixed start and end date. There are interactive sessions where you communicate with others in the class.
Course goals are to:
- increase your conceptual and intuitive understanding of development and decision-making related to development generally and
- provide frames of reference you can use in thinking about community development issues that will be applicable throughout the CEDEV program. One of our goals for the course is to offer the opportunity for you to become familiar with different views of development and to consider their relevance for community development practice.
Course Objectives
By the end of CEDEV 500 you should be able to:
- identify and use conceptual and analytical frameworks for analyzing community and economic development issues
- discuss theories and important concepts of development
- identify important public and private institutions influencing development
- describe the concepts of community and how they relate to community development and change
- critically assess approaches to development decision-making
- analyze the role of power in development, particularly who benefits and who loses
- use research to inform development decision-making and community development practice
- articulate how theories and concepts of development and decision-making apply to community development practice
Expectations
What Is Expected of Our Group and Its Members (Learning Community)?
- Shared responsibility: While your purposes for taking this course may vary, our learning activities will draw upon peer insight and feedback and involve a combination of individual and collaborative learning activities. Each of us should contribute to our web of learning, as well as benefit from it. Please exhibit a willingness to engage with others in a respectful manner.
- Keep on top of things: Please establish a routine that allows you to regularly pace yourself and remain actively involved with course activities. While you can choose which time of the day and which days of the week you log on and contribute, please do not disadvantage yourself and the rest of us by falling behind. The pace of this course is intense enough to make catching up a challenge. Log on at least three times per week to keep abreast of new postings, current e-mails, updated discussion, and overall course progress.
- Submit assignments on time: Assignments must be submitted on or before the due date. Ten points will be deducted from the assignment grade for work that is late (up to 24 hours). No assignments will be accepted after the 24-hour window. When time runs out, submit what you have. If extenuating circumstances arise, a request for an extension may be granted. Requests should be made as far in advance of the due date as possible.
- Prepare for absences: I encourage you to work one lesson ahead, at least with the readings, as protection against job stress and personal or family illness. If you need to be away from the course due to personal or family needs, please communicate with me and your team members via course e-mail. If unexpected or extenuating circumstances arise that will keep you from being an active contributor, please communicate with me and I will do the same with you.
- Issues of confidentiality, privacy, and ethics: As professionals, we face ethical issues frequently. Having the academic freedom to express ourselves in class demands that we protect each others' confidentiality outside of class. I expect that what is "said" on our course site will stay there.
What Can You Expect of Your Instructor?
- Contact and presence: My goal is to acknowledge or respond to personal and group questions, suggestions, dilemmas, or other course-related issues within 48 hours. However, the grading of course assignments usually takes longer.
- Flexibility: I am prepared to accommodate vacations, illnesses, and job emergencies, provided there is a reasonable prospect or plan for making up the work. If you need to be late with an assignment or prefer to do something else suitable to that topic, please discuss it with me prior to the assignment deadline. If prior arrangements are not made your work will not be graded.
- Sense of community: This course has been designed to operate within a learning community: having a shared purpose (course goals), a distinctive place to gather (the Canvas site), promoting effective work products from within our group (weekly assignments), establishing accepted norms (netiquette and mutual expectations), and allowing for a range of member roles and participation (team projects and responses to postings).
Course Outline
Module 1: Welcome to the Course
Module 2: What Is Community Development?
Module 3: Paradigms of Development
Module 4: Understanding Community Change
Module 5: Citizens, Government, and Development
Module 6: Conflict and Consensus Models of Society
Module 7: Stratification and Inequality
Module 8: Community, Policymaking, and Democracy
Module 9: Power and Influence in Communities
Module 10: International Community Development
Module 11: Research for Community Change — Part I
Module 12: Research for Community Change — Part II
Module 13: Community Development Practice
M14.1: Final Project Information
Course Schedule
For due dates, refer to the Course Summary on the Syllabus page in Canvas.
Course Materials
Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check the World Campus Course Catalog approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.
Required
ISBN: 978-1412994057
Stoecker, R. R. (2013). Research Methods for Community Change: A Project-Based Approach (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (E-Book option available)
ISBN: 978-0230242654
Taylor, M. (2011). Public Policy in the Community (2nd ed.). Palgrave Macmillan Ltd. (E-Book option available)
ISBN: 978-1-64642-400-9
WILKINSON, K. P. (2023). The Community in Rural America. University Press of Colorado. http://www.jstor.org/stable/jj.608079 (E-Book option available)
For pricing and ordering information, please see the Barnes & Noble College website.
Materials will be available at Barnes & Noble College approximately three weeks before the course begins. It is very important that you purchase the correct materials. If your course requires one or more textbooks, you must have exactly the correct text required (edition and year).
E-Book Option
An online version of one or more of your texts is available at no cost as a Penn State Library E-Book. Some E-Books will only be available online, while others will be available to download in full or in part. You may choose to use the E-Book as an alternative to purchasing a physical copy of the text. You can access the E-Book by selecting Library Resources in the Course Navigation Menu, and then selecting the E-Reserves link. For questions or issues, you can contact the University Libraries Reserve Help (UL-RESERVESHELP@LISTS.PSU.EDU).
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.
Assignments
There are four integrative essays:
- Integrative Essay #1: Foundations of Community Development, due after Module 3.
- Select issues or ideas you see as critical to the foundations of community development (content from Modules 1-3) and most interesting to you. Describe how these issues or ideas are presented in the readings and how the concepts can be applied to a community development issue or opportunity with which you are familiar. Submit a three (3) page essay to the appropriate assignment page.
- Integrative Essay #2: Democracy and Society, due after Module 6.
- Select issues or ideas you see as critical to democracy and society (content from Modules 4-6) within community development and most interesting to you. Describe how these issues or ideas are presented in the readings and how the concepts can be applied to a community development issue or opportunity with which you are familiar. Submit a three (3) page essay to the appropriate assignment page.
- Integrative Essay #3: Community, Policymaking, and Power, due after Module 9.
- Select issues or ideas you see as critical to Community, Policymaking, and Power (content from Modules 7-9) within community development and most interesting to you. Describe how these issues or ideas are presented in the readings and how the concepts can be applied to a community development issue or opportunity with which you are familiar. Submit a three (3) page essay to the appropriate assignment page.
- Integrative Essay #4: Final Project, due after Module 14.
- For your final essay, select a key idea, theory, or principle discussed in the course (of special interest to you) and demonstrate its application in a practical context. This essay should highlight your understanding of the primary source readings on the essay topic, and your own field experience. Submit a five (5) page essay to the appropriate assignment page.
Grading Policy
The following table is the grading criteria for the course.
| Requirement | Cumulative Point Value | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Participation in Discussions | 2400 | 45% |
| Three Integrative Essays | 300 | 40% |
| Final Integrative Essay (Final Project) | 100 | 15% |
| TOTAL: | 3200 | 100% |
The following table is the grading scheme for the course.
| Letter Grade | Percentage |
|---|---|
| A | 100% – 94% |
| A- | < 94% – 90% |
| B+ | < 90% – 87% |
| B | < 87% – 84% |
| B- | < 84% – 80% |
| C+ | < 80% – 77% |
| C | < 77% – 70% |
| D | < 70% – 60% |
| F | < 60% |
Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate 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 World Campus 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 and 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.
