Postgraduate Diploma in Community Cultural Development Practice - (mid year intake)
Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Community Cultural Development Practice aims to address increasing work opportunities in the field of community cultural development (CCD) and cross-sectoral community based arts practice.
Description
The course aims to provide an intensive learning experience for artists/animateurs from all art forms, who have a commitment to social justice and to the role of art as a process for intervention.
The course responds to the field’s expressed training needs, and will incorporate studies in a creative paradigm incorporating CCD practice, context, process and theory, and specifically aim to engage artists/animateurs experientially through the development of practical, theoretical and management skill, vital to career development in this field.
Objectives
The objectives of this course are:
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to produce artists/animateurs with a high degree of proficiency in CCD process and practice;
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to produce artists/animateurs who have a comprehensive knowledge of working with culturally/linguistically/regionally diverse communities;
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to produce artists/animateurs with effective project development, management and evaluation skills;
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to equip artists/animateurs with the necessary project management skills to manage their own career, project or programs of community-based arts practice;
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to produce artists/animateurs who can contribute to the growing field of CCD research, critical analysis and ‘best practice’;
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to provide artists/animateurs with a recognised postgraduate qualification in CCD;
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to develop a new generation of CCD cross-sectoral practitioners;
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to promote critical reflection on the role of the professional artist/animateurs working in a CCD context the local and global community;
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to foster in artists/animateurs a spirit of inquiry, creativity and initiative to progress the field of knowledge in CCD; and
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to prepare artists/animateurs for Master’s Degree pathway in CCD.
Prerequisites
A three year degree with a major in a specific art form or relevant field or equivalent and one year's full time documented arts practice or CCD experience; or equivalent, documented professional arts/CCD work experience of at least 5 years, full time.
Generic Skills
At the completion of the course or subject students should be able to:
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exhibit extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of their discipline including relevant professional knowledge, skills, discipline and ethics as they relate to a practising artist working in diverse CCD contexts;
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demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation;
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demonstrate practical skills in respect of critical analysis, problem solving, report writing, team work and oral and written communication;
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demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional artist working in CCD practice in the 21st century;
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work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of artistic and community environments;
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contribute to a range of cross-sectoral environments as artistic collaborators and leaders;
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demonstrate an open, independent and inquiring attitude towards contemporary cultural developments and new ideas;
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critically and creatively engage with topics of cultural significance across communities;
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understand and appreciate how all the arts connect with the broader society and contribute to its social and economic development, and
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understand their relationship with and responsibility to their cultural environment and society.
Student Commitment
Students are expected to commit to a minimum 96 hours formal contact plus 384 hours private study in Semester 1 and 108 hours formal contact plus 372 hours private study in Semester 2.
Course Progression Guidelines
The course may be undertaken at one year full time or up to three years part time.
Qualification for Award
The award of Postgraduate Diploma in Community Cultural Development Practice requires the successful completion of the prescribed subjects and the gaining of a total of 100 credit points.
Subjects by Year
Year 1
- 754-801 - Theoretical Frameworks
- 754-802 - Cultural Development Policy Paradigm
- 754-803 - Innovative New Work
- 754-804 - Brokering Cross-Sectoral Partnerships
- 754-805 - Praxis in Community Cultural Development
- 754-806 - Practicum
- 754-807 - Research Project (CCD)
Subjects
Year 1
| Credit Points: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dr Lachlan MacDowall |
| Contact hours: | 4 hours per week for 12 weeks |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
The subject entails the comprehensive exploration of theoretical, historical and philosophical frameworks within which CCD practice is located. Theoretical and case study based classes will examine the subject’s emphasis on the history, philosophy and contemporary contexts of CCD practice; principles of community development; concepts of culture, identity, community and diversity; as well as investigating the role of the artist in CCD.
The program of enquiry will also incorporate:
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concepts of culture and creativity, and the diversity of contexts for community based arts; and,
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concepts of community, such as communities of location, commitment and interest to emergent communities, such as those on-line.
This subject will explore the diversity of arts practice for community cultural development, both nationally and internationally.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
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display an ability for intellectual discourse
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confidently communicate verbal and written skills
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exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse and problem solve
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demonstrate an understanding of community cultural development theoretical frameworks, philosophy, history and practice
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present a developed knowledge of the creative processes within community based arts practice
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express community cultural development theory and practice in an accessible form at community level, through both written and oral methods
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demonstrate leadership and mentor skills.
Assessment:
Contribution and participation in seminar discussions (10%); written assignment or equivalent project documentation 4,000 words (50%); seminar presentation (40%). Hurdle requirement - 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
240 hours including research and assignments
| Credit Points: | 25 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Kevin Brennan |
| Contact hours: | 4 hours per week |
| Supervised Studio hours: | 240 hours including research |
| Semester: | Semester 1 |
Subject description:
This subject will provide students with a thorough overview of current national, state and local government arts policy; inter-sectoral funding structures for CCD and the conceptual challenges within the socio-cultural context of funding CCD art practice.
Students will develop their ability to reflect critically on the value of the arts in socio-cultural contexts, and evaluate the principles employed by community based arts projects in upholding standards of excellence
Theoretical frameworks will be examined to provide insight into a number of contemporary debates, Studies will encompass topics such as; equity/access versus excellence; innovation in CCD practice; the role of the artist and animateur in the development of CCD projects/programs; the key issues in the application of concepts of social change; capacity building, empowerment; engagement and sustainability; and the ethical principles which govern cultural action, cultural intervention, and community renewal.
The influence of Federal State and Local Government’s arts policy directions will also be assessed to aid the student to position and design effective and sustainable community based art projects. This will also prepare students for Subject 3 Brokering Cross Sectoral Partnerships.
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As an important experiential learning strategy, a project, mentorship relationship or placement opportunity will be integrated as a practical’ assignment.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
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communicate and negotiate effectively and efficiently with a range of people and organisations; including arts and non-arts organisations, government administrators, funding bodies, professional associations and commercial corporations;
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confidently communicate verbal and written skills;
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exhibit the skills to facilitate local cultural needs assessments, analyse community cultural concepts, collaboratively plan and design culturally appropriate CCD projects;
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demonstrate an understanding of community cultural development processes and protocols;
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express community cultural development theory and practice in an accessible form at community level, in both written and oral modes; and,
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demonstrate leadership and mentor skills.
Assessment:
Contribution and participation in seminar discussions (10%); written work project/ mentorship/placement documentation 4,000 words (50%); seminar presentations (40%). Hurdle requirement - 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
240 hours including research
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Shahin Shafaei |
| Contact hours: | 3 hours per week for 12 weeks |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
This subject is designed to enhance the student’s understanding of potential new work arenas; improve their existing promotional, documentation and presentation tools/techniques, and increase their awareness of the diversity of innovative work methods, central to the range of CCD artistic practice.
Students will be presented with case studies, which extend the community’s creative capacity. The projects will be analysed for their capability to expose how the power of ideas, storytelling, community theatre/ music/dance, collective narratives/images/icons; can contribute to the broad culture of society.
Through guest speakers students will be introduced to a range of concepts including; arts as social/cultural/creative capital; the role and value of the artist as creative agent; and the role of new media/new multi-media forms in CCD.
In addition, studies will introduce agendas for project initiation and development; such as the economic benefits of the arts, and concepts of creative ethos and creativity dimensions; taking into account the logic of change; and the impact of systems of organisation, class and control.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
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display an ability for intellectual discourse;
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confidently communicate verbal and written skills;
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exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse and problem solve;
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demonstrate an understanding of innovative community cultural development practice, and the critical agendas underpinning current practice; and,
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present a developed knowledge of the socio-cultural context of community arts practice
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express community cultural development theory and practice in an accessible form at community level, in both written and oral modes; and,
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respond to the changing community cultural agendas and new work practice challenges.
Assessment:
Contribution and participation in seminar discussions (10%); written work assignment or equivalent project documentation of 2,500 words (50%); seminar presentations (40%). Hurdle requirement – 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
120 hours including research
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Michelle Evans |
| Contact hours: | 3 hours per week for 12 weeks |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
Coordinators: Sally Marsden and Michelle Evans
This subject will focus on developing the student’s individual practice within a CCD context and in relationship to cross- sectoral partnership opportunity; incorporating community development, community education, health, and urban design sectors.
Case studies will be presented, which reflect the arts as cross-sectoral projects, indicating the diversity of partnership agendas. Students will be exposed to CCD projects as processes for social change; the arts in lifelong learning; the arts in urban development, art for place making and place marketing, the arts and wellbeing, and the arts responding to cultural diversity.
Studies will also examine strategies for negotiating partnerships; establishing collaborative approaches, team building across disciplines, and ‘niche’ market positioning for CCD project development
Projects will be critically analysed and evaluated to enable students to gain a working knowledge of CCD project management approaches; facilitation and negotiation models; and integration strategies which can align the student’s own particular artistic vision, with the key agendas of particular sectors.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
- understand and appreciate the place of the arts within non-arts settings;
- demonstrate the strategic thinking and planning to broker cross-sectoral partnerships;
- display an ability for the practical application of community cultural development theory;
- confidently communicate verbal and written skills;
- exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse and apply to individual practice;
- demonstrate an understanding of community cultural development practice;
- present a developed knowledge of the creative processes within art practice; and,
- express community cultural development theory and practice in an accessible form at community level, in both written and oral modes
Assessment:
Contribution and participation in seminar discussions (10%); written work assignment or equivalent project documentation of 2,500 words (50%); seminar presentations (40%). Hurdle requirement – 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
120 hours including research
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Kevin Brennan |
| Contact hours: | 2 hour seminar plus 1 hour tutorial per week |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
This subject will provide students with the theoretical and practical building blocks needed to develop long-term effective community cultural development projects/programs.
The subject provides a comprehensive study of the CCD praxis; including consultation and needs assessment; action-based research; cultural mapping and planning techniques; negotiation and conflict resolution skills; project development/management and evaluation practice, and maintaining an effective documentation approach.
This will enable the development of the student’s practical skills, with appropriate strategies and theoretical approaches in leadership and mentorship, as well as perspectives from areas of psychology, behavioural sciences, cybernetics, conviviality, and community development.
The subject will provide an integrated approach to the key issues and skills necessary to enhance the student’s ongoing professional career in the community cultural development sector through skill development.
Objectives:
On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
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demonstrate an understanding of managerial skills and community leadership strategy, including the ability to plan, coordinate, make decisions and problem solve at the community level;
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confidently communicate verbal and written skills;
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exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse, problem solve and apply learning to individual practice;
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demonstrate an understanding of community cultural development practice, in line with cross discipline and cross sectoral partnership;
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present a developed knowledge of the facilitative and collaborative processes within community art practice;
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express community cultural development theory and practice in an accessible form at community level, in both written and oral modes; and,
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demonstrate leadership and mentor skills.
Assessment:
Contribution and participation in seminar discussions (10%); written work assignment or equivalent project documentation of 2,500 words (50%); seminar presentations (40%). Hurdle requirement – 80% attendance.
Time Commitment:
120 hours including research
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Dean Merlino |
| Prerequisites: | Successful completion of 50 points in the course |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
Students will be provided with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge developed within the course, to a practical work environment and observe professional practice within the field of community cultural development practice.
Students choose between 754-806 - Practicum OR 754-807 - Research Project (CCD).
Assessment:
Documentation and/or project journal totalling 1,500 words (35%); report from placement mentor/supervisor (15%); critical and reflective analysis of the practicum of 2,000 words (50%).
Time Commitment:
Fieldwork to approx 120 hours
| Credit Points: | 12.5 |
|---|---|
| Coordinator: | Sue Clark |
| Prerequisites: | Successful completion of 50 points in the course |
| Semester: | Semester 2 |
Subject description:
This subject offers the opportunity for students to undertake an original research project, in the field of community cultural development. On completion of this subject students should be able to frame research topics, undertake reviews and define appropriate methodologies within CCD.
It is a requirement of this subject that students are in regular contact with their supervisor
Students choose between 754-806 - Practicum or 754-807 - Research Project (CCD).
Objectives:
On completion of this subject the student should be able to:
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display an ability for intellectual discourse;
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confidently communicate verbal and written skills;
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exhibit the skills to interpret, analyse and problem solve;
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demonstrate an understanding of the community facilitation and management skills incorporated in community cultural development practice;
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submit an original research paper which clearly demonstrates student’s ability to frame research topics, undertake reviews and define appropriate methodologies;
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present a developed knowledge of the socio-cultural context of community arts practice;
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express community cultural development theory and practice in an accessible form at community level, in both written and oral modes;and,
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demonstrate leadership and mentor skills.
Assessment:
Original research paper 5,000 words (100%).
Time Commitment:
Research to approx 120 hours