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ARD506Agricultural Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Advanced Rural Sociology

This course on Advanced Rural Sociology explores the cultural and social factors affecting rural populations. It examines social theories, social change, group dynamics, and the problems facing rural societies. The course differentiates between social conditions and personal problems, providing insights into sociological paradigms. It emphasizes the importance of understanding rural social structures and the impact of change agents. The course aims to equip learners with the knowledge to address practical problems in rural communities.

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40h

Study Time

13

Weeks

3h

Per Week

basic

Math Level

Course Keywords

Rural SociologySocial ChangeGroup DynamicsRural PovertyCultural Factors

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

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

9

Culture and Society

Total Topics9 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 Assessments

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

Social Worker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Community Development Coordinator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Agricultural Extension Agent

Apply your skills in this growing field

Sociologist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Government AgenciesNon-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)Community Development ProjectsAgricultural SectorSocial Services

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: General Sociology

3h

Unit 1: General Sociology Theories I

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Meaning and Aims of General Sociology, Concept and importance of Rural Sociology, Sociology Theories
•Understand the meaning and branches of sociology.
•Enumerate the objectives of sociology.
•Explain the theories in sociology.
•Understand the basic concept of rural sociology.

Week

2

Module 1: General Sociology

3h

Unit 2: Analysis of Social Structure of Rural Agrarian Society

3 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Concept of social structure, Factors causing the division of people into groups and societies, Systems of succession and inheritance
•State what the term "social structure" is.
•Enumerate the factors that can cause the division of people into different societies and groups.
•Discuss the systems of inheritance and succession in society.

Week

3

Module 2: Social Change

3h

Unit 1: Selected Theories of Social Change I

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: The Behaviourists Theory, The Psychodynamics Theory
•Explain what is meant by "social change".
•Differentiate between Behaviourists theory and Psychodynamics theory.

Week

4

Module 2: Social Change

3h

Unit 2: Selected Theories of Social Change II

3 study hours

•Read Unit 2: The Diffusionist Theory, The Conflicts Theory
•Define and describe social change.
•Differentiate between Diffusionist theory and Conflict theory of social change.

Week

5

Module 2: Social Change

3h

Unit 3: Social and Attitude Change

3 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Concept of social change, Types of social change, Sources of social change, Concept of attitude and attitude change
•Understand by the term "social change".
•Discuss the various types of social change in the society.
•Explain the sources of social change.
•Differentiate between attitude and attribute change.

Week

6

Module 2: Social Change

3h

Unit 4: Measurement of Social Change

3 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Characteristics of the change process, Measurement of social change, Data collection for measurement of social change
•State the characteristics of change process in a social system.
•List the various indicators which are used in measuring social change.
•Discuss the different methods that are used in collecting data for measuring social change.

Week

7

Module 3: Social Change II

3h

Unit 1: Conductive Forces to Change in Rural Societies

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Conducive Social Change, Dimensions to social change, Factors that are Conducive to Change
•State and discuss the various factors conducive to social change.
•Explain the different dimensions to social change.

Week

8

Module 3: Social Change II

3h

Unit 2: Resistance Forces to Change in Rural Societies

3 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Cost, Fear of Disruption, Suspicion and Anxiety, Vested interest, Cultural Resistance, Degree of Complexity, Compatibility
•List the forces that may make people resist social changes in rural areas.
•Explain why the listed forces in (i) makes resistance to social changes in a system.

Week

9

Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

3h

Unit 1: Concept and Stages of Group Development

3 study hours

•Read Unit 1: Concept of group dynamics, Theories and Stages of group development
•Define the term group dynamics.
•Explain the theories and stages of group development.
•Describe the internal dynamics of group.
•Explain the external dynamics of group.
•Enumerate the factors affecting dynamics among group.
•Identify the ways of fostering participation in groups.

Week

10

Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

3h

Unit 2: Types of Group Structure

3 study hours

•Read Unit 2: Types of Groups, Group Structure, Group Norms, Group Cohesiveness
•Distinguish between types of groups in a social system.
•Explain group structure.

Week

11

Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

3h

Unit 3: Differences between Rural and Urban Settlement

3 study hours

•Read Unit 3: Demographics, Land Area and Usage, Population Density, Transportation, Economy
•Identify the differences between rural society and urban society.
•Explain the concepts of rural-urban linkage.
•Identify major problems of rural society.
•Enumerate factors that create rural poverty.

Week

12

Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

3h

Unit 4: Characteristics of Rural and Urban Settlement

3 study hours

•Read Unit 4: Illiteracy, Traditionalism, Isolationism, Agricultural Economy, Economy and Social Factors, Diversity, Administration, Civic Activism, Social Tension
•Explain the characteristics of rural settlement.
•Explain the characteristics of urban settlement.

Week

13

Module 4: Group Dynamics and Problems of Rural Society

3h

Unit 5: Rural Poverty

3 study hours

•Read Unit 5: How rural poverty is created, Policies for reducing rural poverty, Solution to the problem of rural society
•Explain the factors that influence rural poverty.
•Mention policies for reducing poverty.
•Explain solution strategies for rural poverty.

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

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create concept maps linking General Sociology Theories (Module 1) to Social Change Theories (Module 2).

2

Focus on the key differences between rural and urban settlements (Module 4, Units 3 & 4), and their implications for social dynamics.

3

Practice applying the theories of social change (Module 2) to real-world case studies of rural development projects.

4

Review the factors contributing to rural poverty (Module 4, Unit 5) and the policies aimed at reducing it.

5

Prepare detailed notes on the different types of culture (Module 4, Unit 6) and their impact on social behavior.

6

Allocate study time evenly across all modules, but prioritize areas where you feel less confident.

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