Master's Degree - Community Development

Course Information
Organizing for Community Change

Course Description
Students examine the role of civil society in community planning efforts and study the comparative approach to planning theories and approaches. Course content focuses on change within communities and the roles of government, planners, and citizens in reacting to or shaping change. Students explore current issues concerning planning and dealing with change by considering controversial practices such as covenants and land trusts, and students look at community responses to change. Students also study structure and implications of power, connections between social relationships and economic activity, and coalition building.
Contacts
Campus Coordinator

For course access questions, contact the teaching university’s campus coordinator. For enrollment questions, contact your home university campus coordinator.
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Disability Support Services

To request accommodations for this course, contact the disability support office at your home university. You must register each semester and for each course. Read more about the Great Plains IDEA process for requesting accommodations.


Textbooks

Planning Theory for Practitioners
by Michael Brooks
ISBN: 978-1-884829-59-8

Asset Building & Community Development
by Gary Paul Green
Edition: 4th Ed


Course Access
 
In the three weeks prior to the start of class, students will receive course information and access instructions via email from the Iowa State campus coordinator, Iowa State Online
 
The email will include instructions for how students can set up their Iowa State Net-ID and password which is needed to log into Iowa State’s Canvas system. It typically takes 1-2 business days after setting up a Net-ID before students can log into Iowa State’s Canvas. Courses may not be visible in Canvas until the first day of class.
 
If students experience problems registering for a Net-ID, they can contact the Iowa State Solution Center for assistance at 515-294-4000. Students will need their 9-digit ISU university ID (provided in the ISU campus coordinator email) for the Solution Center to assist them. The Solution Center is open evenings and weekends.  View the Solution Center's hours of operation.

Exam Proctor

This course does not require an exam proctor.

Synchronous Components

This course includes required synchronous components. Consult with the instructor for more information.

University Members
Members of the Great Plains IDEA are universities accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Member universities recruit, admit and graduate students, teach in an academic program and contribute to the leadership and maintenance of the alliance. Membership in the alliance is a selective process that engages institutional leadership at all levels.

Laurito_Autumn_Headshot_for_Website1.pngThe Great Plains IDEA program has granted me opportunities through online learning that would never be possible in a traditional setting. As a military family, we are required to move frequently and sometimes unexpectedly. There were times when I lived in three different states in a matter of one year. The Great Plains IDEA program allows me to receive an outstanding education regardless of my home state. I have access to classes and universities throughout the United States to provide a comprehensive array of knowledge in my field. The Great Plains IDEA program has proven to be an excellent fit for myself and for my family.

– – Autumn Laurito, Dietetics Master's Student,
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