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ARD504Agricultural Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Rural Community Development

This course introduces students to the science and art of rural community development, providing a foundation in the underlying theories and practical solutions for addressing rural development challenges. It explores the concept, process, and constituents of development within a rural context, highlighting relevant theories and contemporary approaches used in developing countries. The course also examines the future prospects of rural development in Nigeria.

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50h
Study Time
13
Weeks
4h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Rural DevelopmentCommunity DevelopmentSocial ChangeEconomic DevelopmentNigeria

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
➕
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Rural Development Concepts

2

Sociological Perspectives of Development

3

Economic Perspectives of Development

4

Theories of Community Development

5

Micro and Macro Approaches to Social Change

6

Models of Rural/Agricultural Development

Total Topics6 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

Community Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Rural Development Planner

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Social Worker

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

Government AgenciesNon-Governmental OrganizationsInternational DevelopmentAgricultureSocial Services

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

4h

Unit 1: Rural Development Concept

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand the concept of rural community development, its rationale, and associated problems.
  • •Define rural communities and list problems hindering rural development efforts.

Unit 2: Sociological Perspective of Development

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Understand sociological perspectives of development, including differences between development, growth, and westernization.
  • •State factors responsible for westernization and Sen Amartya's view of development.
Week
2

Module 1:

4h

Unit 3: Economic Perspective of Development

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Define economic development indices and identify core values and basic objectives of development.
  • •Differentiate between economic development indices.

Unit 4: Theories of Community Development

2 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Identify and explain grand theories of community development.
  • •State phases of development and identify strengths and weaknesses of each theory.
Week
3

Module 1:

3h

Unit 5: Community Development and other Developments

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Trace the history of rural community development and state approaches to community development.
  • •List steps in community development and explain problems.
Week
4

Module 2:

3h

Unit 1: Micro-Approaches to Social Change

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understand micro-level theories of social change and explain experiences of changes at the micro level.
  • •Focus on symbolic interactionism, ethno methodology, and exchange theory.
Week
5

Module 2:

3h

Unit 2: Macro-Approaches to Social Change

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Understand theoretical orientation of championing change involving the entire system.
  • •Focus on structural functionalist theory and conflict theory.
Week
6

Module 2:

3h

Unit 3: Rural Community as a Unit of Social Change

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Define community and rural community; explain settlement patterns.
  • •Define social change and list/explain factors affecting change.
Week
7

Module 2:

3h

Unit 4: Dimension of Innovations

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Define innovation, state its objectives, and understand various facets of life it can affect.
  • •Originate an innovation from existing practice.
Week
8

Module 2:

3h

Unit 5: Models of Rural/Agricultural Development and Their Relevance to Nigerian Situations

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Identify different development approaches and state principles of rural development.
  • •Identify various components of rural development approach.
Week
9

Module 3:

3h

Unit 1: Problems of Institutions and Infrastructural Community

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Define infrastructure and state problems militating against infrastructural development.
  • •Trace agricultural extension as a major institutional support for infrastructural development.
Week
10

Module 3:

3h

Unit 2: Case Studies of Community Development in Nigeria

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Review case studies of rural development efforts in Nigeria.
  • •Understand reasons for proliferation of rural development programs.
Week
11

Module 3:

3h

Unit 3: Case Studies of Community Development in Other Developing Countries

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Review case studies of rural development activities in other developing nations.
  • •Cross-fertilize ideas and observe how other countries have failed or succeeded.
Week
12

Module 3:

3h

Unit 4: The Future of Rural Communities in Nigeria

3 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: State the future of rural communities and list intervention policies beneficial to these communities.
  • •Organize rural developments and identify basic indicators of progress.
Week
13

All Modules

4h

Final Revision

4 study hours
  • •Review all course materials, focusing on key concepts and theories.
  • •Prepare for final examination by revisiting tutor-marked assignments and self-assessment exercises.

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 unit objectives and ensure you can confidently address each one.

2

Create concept maps linking key theories and concepts from Modules 1 and 2.

3

Focus on understanding the differences between micro and macro approaches to social change.

4

Analyze case studies from Units 2 and 3 in Module 3, identifying key success factors and challenges.

5

Practice applying theoretical frameworks to real-world rural development scenarios.

6

Allocate specific study time for each module, prioritizing areas where you feel less confident.

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