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HCD 531 Community Studies Theory
Four hours (seminar)
Fall Semesters
Course objectives
The goal of Community Studies Theory is to examine the major theories of community to develop a critical understanding of: (1) theory-driven research in community studies and (2) the epistemological and ontological assumptions of the major theories of communities. For each theory, we will discuss such basic questions as: How does this theory deal with agency? Is there an implicit telos to the trajectory of community/society? Is power assumed or a site of struggle?
Topics
- Classic theorists on community
- Systems theory
- Human ecology
- Community as interaction
- Network theory
- Social Capital
- Symbols/identity
- Communitarianism
- Political economy
- Postmodernism and constructivism
- Liquid modernity - community lost
- Actor-network theory
Assigned Text and Other Readings
HCD 531 Reader available online through the Library Electronic Reserves: http://www.library.uiuc.edu.
Graded Activities
summaries of theoretical perspectives
exams (2)