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ARD301Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Introduction To Agric. Extension And Rural Development

This course introduces students to the fundamental principles of agricultural extension and rural sociology. It explores the history of agricultural extension, its basic philosophies, and the communication methods used in disseminating agricultural knowledge. The course also covers key concepts in rural sociology, including social stratification, social processes, and theories of social change. Furthermore, it examines the concept and strategies of rural development, characteristics of rural societies, and the role of leadership in rural communities.

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45h

Study Time

13

Weeks

3h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Agricultural ExtensionRural SociologyRural DevelopmentSocial ChangeCommunity Leadership

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

History of Agricultural Extension

2

Principles of Agricultural Extension

3

Communication in Extension

4

Rural Sociology Concepts

5

Social Stratification

6

Rural Development Strategies

7

Rural Community Leadership

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 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

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

Social Researcher

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

AgricultureCommunity DevelopmentGovernment AgenciesNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)Rural Planning

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction

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 meaning of extension and agricultural extension.
•Identify key concepts and terminology in agricultural extension.
•Review the historical development of agricultural extension in both global and Nigerian contexts.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 2: The Need For Agricultural Extension

2 study hours

•Study Unit 2: The Need for Agricultural Extension
•Define agricultural extension and its objectives.
•Identify the kinds and levels of objectives in agricultural extension.
•Reflect on the importance of extension in improving rural livelihoods.

Week

3

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 3: Basic Philosophy and Principles of Agricultural Extension

2 study hours

•Cover Unit 3: Basic Philosophy and Principles of Agricultural Extension
•Explain the basic philosophy behind agricultural extension work.
•List and discuss the basic principles that guide agricultural extension practices.
•Consider how these principles can be applied in real-world scenarios.

Week

4

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 4: Communication in Extension

2 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Communication in Extension
•Explain the term 'communication' and its importance in extension.
•Discuss the elements of the communication process.
•Analyze communication models and their application in extension services.

Week

5

Module 1: Introduction

2h

Unit 5: Agricultural Extension Methods

2 study hours

•Study Unit 5: Agricultural Extension Methods
•Identify and classify agricultural extension teaching methods.
•Discuss the individual, group, and mass methods used in extension.
•Evaluate the effectiveness of different methods in various contexts.

Week

6

Module 2: Rural Sociology

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
•Explain basic sociological terms relevant to rural studies.
•Discuss the development of rural sociology as a discipline.
•Define rural sociology and its scope.

Week

7

Module 2: Rural Sociology

2h

Unit 2: Social Stratification

2 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Social Stratification
•Define social stratification and its relevance to rural communities.
•Identify the functions and dysfunctions of social stratification.
•Analyze how social stratification impacts rural life.

Week

8

Module 2: Rural Sociology

2h

Unit 3: Social Processes in Rural Society

2 study hours

•Study Unit 3: Social Processes in Rural Society
•Discuss the social processes that occur in rural societies.
•Explain competition, conflict, cooperation, accommodation, assimilation, and acculturation.
•Provide examples of each process in rural settings.

Week

9

Module 2: Rural Sociology

4h

Unit 4: Rural Social Change

2 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Rural Social Change
•Explain the term 'social change' and its implications for rural areas.
•Discuss the types of rural social change.
•Outline the barriers to social change in rural communities.

Unit 5: Theories of Social Change

2 study hours

•Study Unit 5: Theories of Social Change
•Discuss the theories of causation, process, and functional analysis.
•Explain the modernization theory and its relevance to rural development.
•Compare and contrast different theories of social change.

Week

10

Module 3: Rural Development and Leadership

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 objectives.
•Explain the basic processes of rural development.
•Outline the strategies and approaches for rural development.

Week

11

Module 3: Rural Development and Leadership

2h

Unit 2: Characteristics and Major Institutions in Rural Society

2 study hours

•Study Unit 2: Characteristics and Major Institutions of Rural Society
•Outline the characteristics of rural areas and rural life.
•Discuss the major institutions in rural society.
•Analyze the interplay between rural characteristics and institutions.

Week

12

Module 3: Rural Development and Leadership

4h

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

2 study hours

•Study Unit 3: Leadership in Rural Communities - 1 (The Concepts of Leader and Leadership, Characteristics and Types of Leaders)
•Define the terms 'leader' and 'leadership'.
•Outline the characteristics of effective leaders.
•Explain the different types of leaders found in rural communities.

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

2 study hours

•Study Unit 4: Leadership in Rural Communities - 2 (Functions of Leaders and Their Bases of Power and Influence)
•Recognize leaders' bases of power and influence.
•Outline the functions of leaders in rural communities.
•Analyze how power and influence affect leadership effectiveness.

Week

13

Module 3: Rural Development and Leadership

2h

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

2 study hours

•Study Unit 5: Leadership in Rural Communities - 3 (Development and Functions of Rural Community Leaders)
•Appreciate the role of leadership in rural community development.
•Understand the importance of leadership development.
•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 understanding of key concepts.

2

Create concept maps linking the principles of agricultural extension (Module 1) with rural development strategies (Module 3).

3

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

4

Practice applying sociological concepts (e.g., social stratification, social processes) to real-world rural scenarios.

5

Prepare detailed notes on the characteristics of effective rural leaders (Module 3, Units 3-5) and their functions.

6

Allocate study time proportionally based on the weightage of each module in the final examination.

7

Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts with peers.

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