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AEM301Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Agricultural Extension And Rural Sociology

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of agricultural extension and rural sociology. It explores the history of agricultural extension in Nigeria and worldwide, emphasizing its role in agricultural development. Key topics include communication strategies, extension methods, social stratification, rural social change, and leadership in rural communities. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to promote sustainable rural development and improve the livelihoods of rural populations.

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60h

Study Time

13

Weeks

5h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Agricultural ExtensionRural SociologyRural DevelopmentCommunicationLeadership

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

History of Agricultural Extension

2

Communication in Extension

3

Rural Sociology Concepts

4

Social Stratification

5

Rural Social Change

6

Leadership in Rural Communities

7

Rural Development Strategies

Total Topics7 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Rural Development Planner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Community Development Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Consultant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureRural DevelopmentCommunity DevelopmentGovernment AgenciesNon-Governmental Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1:

2h

Unit 1: History of Agricultural Extension in the World and in Nigeria

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: History of Agricultural Extension in the World and in Nigeria. Understand the evolution of extension services.
•Identify key milestones and figures in the development of agricultural extension.
•Discuss the impact of historical events on current extension practices.

Week

2

Module 1:

2h

Unit 2: The Need for Agricultural Extension

2 study hours

•Read Unit 2: The Need for Agricultural Extension. Analyze the objectives of agricultural extension.
•Examine the role of extension in addressing rural challenges.
•Discuss the importance of extension in improving agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

Week

3

Module 1:

2h

Unit 3: Basic Philosophy and Principles of Agricultural Extension

2 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Basic Philosophy and Principles of Agricultural Extension. Understand the core values and beliefs guiding extension work.
•Discuss the principles of effective extension practice.
•Apply these principles to real-world scenarios in agricultural development.

Week

4

Module 1:

2h

Unit 4: Communication in Extension

2 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Communication in Extension. Identify the elements of effective communication.
•Analyze communication models and their application in extension.
•Develop strategies for clear and impactful communication with rural communities.

Week

5

Module 1:

2h

Unit 5: Agricultural Extension Methods

2 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Agricultural Extension Methods. Explore various teaching methods used in extension.
•Evaluate the effectiveness of individual, group, and mass methods.
•Select appropriate methods for different extension contexts and audiences.

Week

6

Module 2:

2h

Unit 1: Basic Concepts and the Development of Rural Sociology

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Basic Concepts and the Development of Rural Sociology. Define key sociological terms and concepts.
•Understand the historical development of rural sociology.
•Discuss the relevance of rural sociology to agricultural extension.

Week

7

Module 2:

2h

Unit 2: Social Stratification

2 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Social Stratification. Analyze the functions and dysfunctions of social stratification.
•Examine the impact of social class on rural communities.
•Discuss the implications of social stratification for extension programs.

Week

8

Module 2:

2h

Unit 3: Social Processes in Rural Society

2 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Social Processes in Rural Society. Understand the six social processes of interaction.
•Analyze how these processes shape rural social dynamics.
•Apply this knowledge to improve extension strategies and community engagement.

Week

9

Module 2:

2h

Unit 4: Rural Social Change

2 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Rural Social Change. Identify the types of barriers to rural social change.
•Explore strategies for overcoming these barriers.
•Discuss the role of extension in facilitating positive social change.

Week

10

Module 2:

2h

Unit 5: Theories of Social Change

2 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Theories of Social Change. Describe the various theories of social change.
•Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
•Apply these theories to understand and address rural development challenges.

Week

11

Module 3:

2h

Unit 1: The Concept and Strategies of Rural Development

2 study hours

•Read Unit 1: The Concept and Strategies of Rural Development. Define rural development and its key components.
•Examine different strategies and approaches for rural development.
•Discuss the importance of integrated rural development.

Week

12

Module 3:

4h

Unit 2: Characteristics and Major Institutions in Rural Society

2 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Characteristics and Major Institutions in Rural Society. Identify the characteristics of rural areas and rural life.
•Analyze the role of major institutions in rural society.
•Discuss the implications of these characteristics and institutions for extension work.

Unit 3: Leadership in Rural Communities – 1 (The Concept of Leader and Leadership, Characteristics and Types of Leaders)

2 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Leadership in Rural Communities – 1 (The Concept of Leader and Leadership, Characteristics and Types of Leaders).
•Define leader and leadership.
•Outline the characteristics and types of leaders.

Week

13

Module 3:

4h

Unit 4: Leadership in Rural Communities – 2 (Functions of Leaders and Their Bases of Power and Influence)

2 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Leadership in Rural Communities – 2 (Functions of Leaders and Their Bases of Power and Influence).
•Recognize leader's bases of power.
•Outline leader's bases of influence.
•Explain the functions of leaders.

Unit 5: Leadership in Rural Communities – 3 (Development and Functions of Rural Community Leaders)

2 study hours

•Read Unit 5: Leadership in Rural Communities – 3 (Development and Functions of Rural Community Leaders).
•Appreciate what leadership is in rural community.
•Understand what leadership development is.
•Recognize the functions of community leaders in agricultural extension and rural development.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and their solutions to reinforce key concepts.

2

Create concept maps linking the different extension methods (Unit 5, Module 1) to specific rural contexts.

3

Focus on understanding the various theories of social change (Unit 5, Module 2) and their practical implications.

4

Practice applying sociological concepts (Module 2) to analyze real-world rural development challenges.

5

Develop case studies based on the course material to illustrate the application of leadership principles (Module 3) in rural communities.

6

Allocate study time proportionally to the weight of each module in the final examination.

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