ENHANCING SOCIAL CAPITAL FOR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

About Course
This course provides a comprehensive examination of social capital and its role in sustainable community development from a Christian perspective. Students will analyze the biblical foundations of social capital, examine case studies of successful social capital initiatives, and develop strategies for building and maintaining social capital in diverse contexts. Key topics include Christian principles of community and relationships, trust-building and reciprocity, community development, social capital-enhancing initiatives, technology and social capital, policy and governance, spiritual formation, and case studies in Christian community development. Through a combination of theoretical and practical learning, students will gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between social capital and community development, and develop the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to design and implement effective social capital-enhancing initiatives that promote sustainable community development. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to make a positive impact in their communities.
Course Objectives:
- To understand the concept of social capital and its significance in sustainable community development.
- To analyze the biblical foundations of social capital and its implications for community development.
- To develop strategies for building and maintaining social capital in various contexts.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of social capital initiatives in achieving sustainable community development.
- To apply knowledge and skills to design and implement a social capital-enhancing initiative.
Course Content
Module 1: Introduction to Social Capital
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Topic: Definition and types of social capital
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Objective: Understand the concept of social capital and its importance in community development.
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Learning Outcomes: Define social capital, explain its types, and discuss its significance in community development
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Biblical Text: Acts 2:42-47
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Book Reading: Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling alone: The collapse and revival of American community. Simon and Schuster. (Chapter 1)
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Assignment: Write a reflective essay on the concept of social capital. Create a concept map illustrating the relationships between social capital and community development