Civic Engagement and Leadership

This module will consider civic engagement and leadership. The module will critically examine the concepts of adult and youth leadership. It will review leadership theories and explore the historical distancing of young people from decision-making. The module proceeds to consider contemporary models of youth leadership and differentiates between leadership and civic engagement. In an adult-centred world, young people have been positioned in at the centre of the civic engagement debate. Participation by individuals and groups is seen as central to leadership and civic engagement. Theories and models of participation will be reviewed, to include the concepts of power, democracy, empowering and dis-empowering processes, building of social capital, social support and resilience.

1. Discuss leadership theories and styles

2. Debate the differences between adult and youth leadership

3. Discuss the concept of civic engagement relating to adults and young people

4. Demonstrate participatory appoaches through a delivery of a planned intervention

5. Analyse participation as a power dynamic and the potential impacts it may have on adults and young people.

6. Articulate an understanding of how participatory approaches can enrich community and youth work processes.