Course Resources Archive

Sport and physical activity initiatives are increasingly recognised as powerful tools for building community cohesion and improving both individual and community wellbeing. This module critically examines the complexities of developing, delivering and evaluating sport and physical activity within community settings. The contested meanings of ‘community’ and ‘development’ will be explored from sociological, political and cultural perspectives and issues relating to power, empowerment, and involvement critiqued.

Module content will include a critical exploration of:

• The socio-political context of community sport and physical activity development
• The interrelationships and contested meanings of 'community', 'sport' and 'development'
• The principles and practice of community development
• Equalities and social cohesion
• Theories of social capital
• Contemporary issues in community sports and physical activity development

On successful completion of the module the student should be able to critically evaluate:

1. The contested meanings of 'community', 'sport' and 'development’
2. Community development principles, practice and theories, and articulate how these apply to sport and physical activity development
3. The underpinning of difference and diversity in community settings, and analyse these complexities in the context of sport and physical activity development
4. Theories of social capital and their relevance within the sport and physical activity environment

Total study time 300 hours: 15%
Staff / student contact (lectures, tutorials)
Student directed learning: 85%

The Library Catalogue contains full details of the current reading list for this module. Further details may also be found in the Module Guide.