Rural Sociology and Rural Development

The course contents include an overview of key concepts and terms in rural sociology and rural development, social and cultural systems, social groups in the rural setting, Understanding youth and their unique characteristics, social structure and culture, the relationship of the norms and reference groups in planned change, social change, socialization, social control and job performance in communities and rural development.

Course Objectives

• To explain the concept of rural sociology and rural development  
• To describe social systems and social change; socialization and individual behavior.
• To allow the student to exchange ideas about rural life with their peers in a relatively structured setting, and to help them develop an ability to think and write critically about issues and topics affecting rural development.
• To explain individual and group behavior, cultural values, beliefs, and their influence on work performance.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course unit learners should be able to:

• Explain the relevance of rural sociology to agricultural and rural development
• Apply knowledge of rural sociology in addressing rural development issues
• Identify and use community social communications to enhance rural development.
• To acquaint learners with rural society through the study of rural sociology.
• To appreciate and recognize the cultural differences among people.