RDS-20806 Introduction to Sociology of Knowledge and Agriculture

Vak

Studiepunten 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

BSc degree in technical or social sciences

Expected knowledge on:

BSc degree in technical or social sciences

Continuation courses:

Globalization and Sustainability of Food Production and Consumption Major Preparation (MAKS) Thesis with RDS

Contents:

The aims of this course are to introduce students to i) theoretical ideas of development; and ii) a social analysis of agricultural development processes. It is oriented around sociological and anthropological views of development concerns, concept and theories. These aims will be carried out by focusing on agrarian change and rural development. The unity of the course arises from the way an introducton to theoretical issues is underpinned by a series of crosscuting themes and is linked to current issues in the field of development studies. The starting point of this course is that sociology and anthropology should be seen not as slightly musty bodies of received wisdom about people, groups and societies. Rather, sociology and anthropology are located as part of a body of knowledge very much influenced by the need to understand the problems we encounter in the world. In this vein, ideas and practice in the development field and in agrarian processes are connected to the domain of social science. These ideas are highly influencial in shaping the way development practicioners see and intervene in the world. After a brief introduction to issues of knowledge and social analysis, the course will proceed to introduce students to a set of challenging social themes. These themes are illustrated and explored with reference to current interests in development studies. These themes are agency, experts' power, development practice, knowledge as a contested field, livelihood, culture and power and the Actor Oriented Approach. The course will help students to reflect and learn lessons, which could improve our existing research and development practices, dissolving the artificial divide between pure social science and down-to-earth development practice.

Aims:

To introduce students in the basic concepts, theories and issues of rural development sociology and anthropology of development;
To improve students conceptual ability to apply social science scientific understanding by enhancing their capacity to analyse agrarian social situations;
To orient students to acquire an understanding of the international development field of rural development and what is required from applied social research and policy development.

Activities:

1) interactive lecturing;
2) tutorials and discussion work;
3) workshops;
4) video material and discussion of development issues (student experiences) ;
5) seminar presentations and discussions
6) working groups.

Examination:

1) two hours writing examination;
2) assignments on cutting edge topics and lecturers (for MAKS students only) ;
3) written essay (for non-MAKS students).

Literature:

A course outline can be obtained from the Secretary of Rural Development Sociology Group. De Leeuwenborch, Hollandseweg 1, Room 366.