Perspectives in International and Community Development

Curriculum Guideline

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Course
CFCS 3900
Discontinued
No
Course Code
CFCS 3900
Descriptive
Perspectives in International and Community Development
Department
Child, Family & Community Studies
Faculty
Applied Community Studies
Credits
3.00
Start Date
End Term
Not Specified
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
Flexible delivery ranging over 2-15 weeks
Max Class Size
35
Course Designation
Certificate in Global Competency
Industry Designation
None
Contact Hours
60 Hours: Lecture
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Learning Activities
  • Lectures
  • Group work
  • Experiential classroom activities
  • Guest speakers
  • Audio-visual presentations
Course Description
This course is designed to prepare students who have an interest in participating in international learning experiences in developing countries. Students will develop an understanding of the language, history, culture and religious practices of a number of developing countries. Attention will be given to the effects of personal values and beliefs and the power of privilege when engaging in international experiences. The principles of sustainability and do no harm will be used as the cornerstones for understanding community development in other countries.
Course Content
  • Presenting ourselves as learners to the host country prevents imposing our values and solutions
  • The principle of “do no harm” to clients, host country, agencies, the college and future students insures that we consider the present and future impact of our professional and private behaviour
  • A global education enhances our capacity to understand and respond to the world views of the multicultural Canadian mosaic
  • Physical, emotional and intellectual preparation are essential for recognizing and dealing with the risks and realities of an international practicum experience
  • Geography, political structure and religious practices affect healthcare, education and social practices.
Learning Outcomes
  1. Articulate an understanding of the history and geography of Developing Countries (Landlocked, Least Developed, and Small Island States), its effects on the political system and religious and cultural practices.
  2. Describe the effects of oppression and colonialism on the power structure within the society.
  3. Think critically about the effects of religious beliefs and cultural practices on:
    • Women and children
    • Sexual orientation
    • Healthcare practices
    • Education
    • Disability issues.
  4. Examine how religious beliefs and cultural practice serve to support or negate service provision in the areas of health and education on:
    • Women and children
    • Health care practices
    • Disability issues.
  5. Articulate the importance of developing a global understanding:
    • Deconstruct the limitations of a Eurocentric focused education
    • Describe how human lives are shaped by the interactions between local and global forces
    • Discuss how in Canada there is a need to understand multiple perspectives or world views on family structure, the privilege of education and social supports.
  6. Discuss the power of privilege as it applies to:
    • Education
    • Life options.
  7. Explore the historical, political and cultural context of international work and the ramifications of this context on:
    • Service deliver
    • The role of women and children
    • Education
    • The power of privilege
    • Disability issues.
Means of Assessment
  • Written reflections
  • Exams
  • Case study
  • Group presentations

This is a letter graded course

Textbook Materials

TBA