Advanced Rural Sociology
- Agricultural Sciences
- 500 level
- 3 credit units
- 83 pages
- 12 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 156 hours
- Maths
- None
- Content
- Theoretical
- Practical work
- No
- Tutor Marked Assignments
- Final Examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of AEM506, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
AEM506 · UNIT 1: GENERAL SOCIOLOGY THOERIES
This course requires that the student spend enough time to read and study. For easy understanding content, the course has been developed in a comprehensive and readable way. It is advisable that student attend tutorial sessions where ideas and knowledge can be shared and compare with colleagues.
What you should be able to do
- Explain the core concepts and theories of rural sociology.
- Analyze the social structure of rural agrarian societies.
- Evaluate the factors influencing social change in rural communities.
- Assess the dynamics of groups and their impact on rural development.
- Differentiate between rural and urban settlements and their characteristics.
- Identify the causes and consequences of rural poverty and propose solutions.
What it prepares you for
- Rural Development Officer
- Agricultural Extension Agent
- Social Worker
- Community Development Coordinator
- Policy Analyst
- Agriculture
- Community Development
- Government
- Social Services
- Non-Profit Organizations
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- MODULE 3: Social Change II
Unit 2: Resistance and Conducive Forces to Change in Rural Societies
Understanding the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to resistance requires careful analysis of community values and beliefs.
- MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 1: Concept and Stages of Group Development
Analyzing the complex interplay of internal and external forces affecting group behavior demands critical thinking and application of sociological theories.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 58 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1MODULE 1: General Sociology
Unit 1: General Sociology Theories · 3 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 hours
Analyze the social structure of rural agrarian systems.. Identify factors causing division into groups and societies.. Examine systems of succession and inheritance..
- Week 2MODULE 2: Social Change I
Unit 1: Selected Theories of Social Change · 4 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 3MODULE 2: Social Change I
Unit 2: Social and Attitude Change · 4 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 4MODULE 2: Social Change I
Unit 3: Measurement of Social Change · 4 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 5MODULE 3: Social Change II
Unit 1: Resistance to Change · 4 hours
Explain dimensions of social change.. Highlight factors conducive to change.. Discuss causes of resistance to change..
- Week 6MODULE 3: Social Change II
Unit 2: Resistance and Conducive Forces to Change in Rural Societies · 4 hours
List forces that make change unacceptable.. Explain how each force listed makes change unacceptable.. Understand the characteristics of change that attract people..
- Week 7MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 1: Concept and Stages of Group Development · 4 hours
Define group dynamics and its importance.. Explain theories and stages of group development.. Discuss internal and external dynamics of groups..
- Week 8MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 2: Types of Group Structure · 4 hours
Classify groups into formal and informal types.. Explain group structure and its components.. Understand group norms and cohesiveness..
- Week 9MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 3: Differences between Rural and Urban Settlement · 4 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 10MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 4: Characteristics of Rural and Urban Settlements · 4 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 11MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 5: Rural Poverty · 4 hours
Explain how rural poverty is created and perpetuated.. Discuss policies for reducing rural poverty.. Examine solutions to the problems of rural society..
- Week 12MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 5: Rural Poverty · 6 hours
Review all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and theories.. Prepare for assignments and tutor-marked assessments..
- Week 13MODULE 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society
Unit 5: Rural Poverty · 6 hours
Complete assignments and tutor-marked assessments.. Review challenging topics and seek clarification.. Prepare for the final examination..
Preparing for the exam
- Create concept maps linking sociological theories (Units 1-3) to real-world rural issues.
- Practice applying group dynamics principles (Units 7-8) to case studies of rural development projects.
- Review the characteristics of rural and urban settlements (Units 9-10), focusing on key differences.
- Analyze the causes and consequences of rural poverty (Unit 11), identifying potential solutions.
- Focus on understanding the factors that contribute to resistance to change (Units 5-6) and strategies to overcome them.
- Review all Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs) and ensure you understand the feedback provided.
- Allocate specific study time for each module, prioritizing challenging units.
- Form study groups to discuss concepts and share insights.
Questions students ask about this course
What is AEM506 about?
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.
How many units does AEM506 have?
AEM506, Advanced Rural Sociology, has 12 units across 4 modules, over 83 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is AEM506?
AEM506 carries 3 credit units, at 500 level in Agricultural Sciences.
Is AEM506 hard?
AEM506 is rated intermediate level, with no mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical work.
How long does AEM506 take to study?
About 156 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.
How is AEM506 assessed?
AEM506 is assessed by Tutor Marked Assignments and Final Examination.
What can I do with AEM506?
Rural Development Officer, Agricultural Extension Agent, Social Worker, Community Development Coordinator and Policy Analyst.