Introduction To Rural Life
- Agricultural Sciences
- 300 level
- 2 credit units
- 89 pages
- 21 units
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of rural life, focusing on the scientific study of human society and rural social behavior. It explores the concept and scope of rurality, urban settlements, and the economic life of rural people. The course also examines the quality of life in rural areas, problems, and development strategies, including the role of agriculture and the formation of development associations. It aims to create an in-depth awareness of the distinguishing factors between rural and urban settlements.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 42 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor Marked Assessments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of AEM311, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
AEM311 · UNIT 1: CONCEPTS OF RURALITY
Having gone through the course guide, you would have become acquainted with the arrangement of the course content and specifically the position of this unit as it relates to the entire course. This is because you will need to have the basic background knowledge of what the course is all about.
What you should be able to do
- Define and explain the concept and scope of rural life.
- Identify and discuss the characteristics of rural and urban settlements.
- Analyze the economic activities and sources of income in rural communities.
- Evaluate the factors that determine the quality of life in rural areas.
- Discuss the problems and challenges facing rural development.
- Explain the role of agriculture in rural community life.
What it prepares you for
- Agricultural Extension Worker
- Rural Development Officer
- Social Worker
- Community Development Officer
- Sociologist
- Agriculture
- Community Development
- Social Services
- Government Agencies
- Non-Governmental Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 3: Economic Life of the Rural People
Unit 3: Sources of Credit in Rural Areas
Understanding the complexities of financial institutions and their lending criteria requires analytical skills.
- Module 5: Problems and Development of Rural Areas
Unit 2: Poverty
Requires understanding of socio-economic indicators and government policies.
- Module 5: Problems and Development of Rural Areas
Unit 5: Beliefs in Deified Beings
The concepts of deities and their influence on rural life require an open-minded and culturally sensitive approach.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 29 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction
Unit 1: Concepts and Scope of Rural Life · 2 hours
Define rurality and its scope.. Discuss the differences between rural and urban areas based on social norms and values..
- Week 2Module 1: Introduction
Unit 2: Characteristics of Rural Areas I · 2 hours
Identify and explain the characteristics of rural areas, focusing on poor road networks and dependence on agriculture..
Unit 3: Characteristics of Rural Areas II · 1 hour
Discuss the lack of portable water, electricity, and poor communication facilities in rural areas..
- Week 3Module 1: Introduction
Unit 4: Semi-Urban and Urban Settlements · 2 hours
Differentiate between rural, semi-urban, and urban settlements based on population and social infrastructure..
- Week 4Module 2: Urban Settlement
Unit 1: Characteristics of Urban Areas · 2 hours
Explain the characteristics of urban areas, including educational institutions and hospitality facilities..
Unit 2: Characteristics of Urban Areas · 1 hour
Describe market facilities, water supply, electricity supply, and industrial establishments in urban areas..
- Week 5Module 2: Urban Settlement
Unit 3: Differences between Rural and Urban Settlements I · 2 hours
Discuss the differences between rural and urban settlements, focusing on size, population density, and closeness to nature..
- Week 6Module 2: Urban Settlement
Unit 4: Differences between Rural and Urban Settlements II · 2 hours
Analyze social interaction, social control, levels of living, and social solidarity in rural and urban areas..
- Week 7Module 2: Urban Settlement
Unit 5: Interdependence of the Rural & Urban Settlements · 2 hours
Explain the interdependence of rural and urban settlements, including the provision of food and raw materials..
- Week 8Module 3: Economic Life of the Rural People
Unit 1: Economic Communities I · 2 hours
Describe farming, hunting, and lumbering communities, focusing on their economic activities..
- Week 9Module 3: Economic Life of the Rural People
Unit 2: Economic Communities II · 2 hours
Discuss pastoral farming, fishing, and craft communities, highlighting their unique economic contributions..
- Week 10Module 3: Economic Life of the Rural People
Unit 3: Sources of Credit in Rural Areas · 2 hours
Identify and evaluate the sources of credit in rural areas, including individual savings and cooperative groups..
- Week 11Module 3: Economic Life of the Rural People
Unit 4: Sources of Information for Economic Development · 2 hours
Analyze the sources of information for economic development in rural areas, such as radio, television, and agricultural extension services..
- Week 12Module 4: Quality of Rural Life
Unit 1: Factors Determining the Quality of Life · 2 hours
Examine the factors determining the quality of life in rural areas, including employment opportunities and community attitudes..
Unit 2: Characteristics of the Communities I · 1 hour
Discuss the characteristics of rural communities, focusing on shared territory and shared beliefs..
- Week 13Module 4: Quality of Rural Life
Unit 3: Characteristics of the Communities II · 2 hours
Analyze common culture, administration, name bearing and communication patterns as characteristics of rural communities..
Preparing for the exam
- Review key definitions and concepts from Units 1-4 in Module 1.
- Compare and contrast rural vs. urban characteristics (Module 2).
- Focus on economic activities and credit sources in Module 3.
- Understand factors affecting quality of rural life (Module 4).
- Analyze problems and development strategies in Module 5.
- Practice applying concepts to real-world scenarios and case studies.
Questions students ask about this course
What is AEM311 about?
This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of rural life, focusing on the scientific study of human society and rural social behavior. It explores the concept and scope of rurality, urban settlements, and the economic life of rural people. The course also examines the quality of life in rural areas, problems, and development strategies, including the role of agriculture and the formation of development associations. It aims to create an in-depth awareness of the distinguishing factors between rural and urban settlements.
How many units does AEM311 have?
AEM311, Introduction To Rural Life, has 21 units across 5 modules, over 89 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is AEM311?
AEM311 carries 2 credit units, at 300 level in Agricultural Sciences.
Is AEM311 hard?
AEM311 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does AEM311 take to study?
About 42 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.
How is AEM311 assessed?
AEM311 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.
What can I do with AEM311?
Agricultural Extension Worker, Rural Development Officer, Social Worker, Community Development Officer and Sociologist.