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AEM506Agricultural Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Advanced Rural Sociology

This course introduces students to the fundamental concepts of rural sociology. It explores general sociological theories and their application to rural agrarian societies. The course examines social change, group dynamics, and the unique problems faced by rural communities. Students will learn about factors influencing social structures, resistance to change, and strategies for rural development. The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural dynamics shaping rural life.

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156h

Study Time

13

Weeks

12h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Rural SociologySocial ChangeGroup DynamicsRural PovertyAgrarian Society

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

Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

General Sociology Theories

2

Social Structure of Rural Agrarian Society

3

Theories of Social Change

4

Social and Attitude Change

5

Measurement of Social Change

6

Group Dynamics

7

Rural vs. Urban Settlements

8

Rural Poverty

Total Topics8 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 (2 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignments

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

Rural Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Agent

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Community Development Coordinator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureCommunity DevelopmentGovernmentSocial ServicesNon-Profit Organizations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

MODULE 1: General Sociology

6h

Unit 1: General Sociology Theories

3 study hours

•Read the introduction to sociology and its branches.
•Understand the aims of sociology in addressing social conditions.
•Relate general sociology to rural sociology.

Unit 2: Analysis of Social Structure of Rural Agrarian Society

3 study hours

•Analyze the social structure of rural agrarian systems.
•Identify factors causing division into groups and societies.
•Examine systems of succession and inheritance.

Week

2

MODULE 2: Social Change I

4h

Unit 1: Selected Theories of Social Change

4 study hours

•Define social change and its impact on society.
•Study the behaviorist theory and its application to social change.
•Compare psychodynamic and diffusionist theories.

Week

3

MODULE 2: Social Change I

4h

Unit 2: Social and Attitude Change

4 study hours

•Understand the concept of social change and its various forms.
•Identify sources of social change.
•Examine the concept of attitude and attitude change.

Week

4

MODULE 2: Social Change I

4h

Unit 3: Measurement of Social Change

4 study hours

•Enumerate the characteristics of the change process.
•Identify indicators used in measuring social change.
•Study methods used in data collection for measuring social change.

Week

5

MODULE 3: Social Change II

4h

Unit 1: Resistance to Change

4 study hours

•Explain dimensions of social change.
•Highlight factors conducive to change.
•Discuss causes of resistance to change.

Week

6

MODULE 3: Social Change II

4h

Unit 2: Resistance and Conducive Forces to Change in Rural Societies

4 study hours

•List forces that make change unacceptable.
•Explain how each force listed makes change unacceptable.
•Understand the characteristics of change that attract people.

Week

7

MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

4h

Unit 1: Concept and Stages of Group Development

4 study hours

•Define group dynamics and its importance.
•Explain theories and stages of group development.
•Discuss internal and external dynamics of groups.

Week

8

MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

4h

Unit 2: Types of Group Structure

4 study hours

•Classify groups into formal and informal types.
•Explain group structure and its components.
•Understand group norms and cohesiveness.

Week

9

MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

4h

Unit 3: Differences between Rural and Urban Settlement

4 study hours

•Analyze the differences between rural and urban settlements in terms of demographics.
•Compare land area and usage in rural vs. urban settings.
•Contrast transportation networks and economic dependencies.

Week

10

MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

4h

Unit 4: Characteristics of Rural and Urban Settlements

4 study hours

•Explain the characteristics of rural settlements, including illiteracy and traditionalism.
•Describe the characteristics of urban settlements, including diversity and civic activism.
•Discuss the problems of rural society and their causes.

Week

11

MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

4h

Unit 5: Rural Poverty

4 study hours

•Explain how rural poverty is created and perpetuated.
•Discuss policies for reducing rural poverty.
•Examine solutions to the problems of rural society.

Week

12

MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

6h

Unit 5: Rural Poverty

6 study hours

•Review all modules and units.
•Focus on key concepts and theories.
•Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments.

Week

13

MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

6h

Unit 5: Rural Poverty

6 study hours

•Complete assignments and tutor-marked assessments.
•Review challenging topics and seek clarification.
•Prepare for the final examination.

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

Create concept maps linking sociological theories (Units 1-3) to real-world rural issues.

2

Practice applying group dynamics principles (Units 7-8) to case studies of rural development projects.

3

Review the characteristics of rural and urban settlements (Units 9-10), focusing on key differences.

4

Analyze the causes and consequences of rural poverty (Unit 11), identifying potential solutions.

5

Focus on understanding the factors that contribute to resistance to change (Units 5-6) and strategies to overcome them.

6

Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and ensure you understand the feedback provided.

7

Allocate specific study time for each module, prioritizing challenging units.

8

Form study groups to discuss concepts and share insights.

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