Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs
2015-2016

Some academic departments and colleges do not provide a major at the graduate level. However, these departments or colleges do offer courses for graduate credit. Permission to use these courses in a degree program must be obtained from the appropriate Departmental Graduate Committee.

Director:  Christopher Merrett
Office: Stipes Hall 518
Telephone: (309) 298-2237
College Fax: (309) 298-2142

Course Descriptions

Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA)

501 Principles of Community Development. (3) This course introduces students to the foundational ideas of community development. It explores the diverse definitions of community and then presents various philosophical frameworks for studying communities and community change. It further introduces students to specific strategies for promoting community development. Specific topics include the role of communities in economic development, community leadership, volunteerism, strategies for promoting social justice and civic engagement, and planning for sustainable development that is environmentally friendly, community supporting and economically viable.