SDC-30306 Sociological Theories of Rural Transformation

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

ENP-22803 Theories and Themes: Sociology and DEC-22803 Theorists of Economic Growth.

Continuation courses:

BSc-C (The Sociology of Farming and Rural Life, Globalisation and Sustainability of Food Production and Consumption, Governance, Livelihoods and Resource; MID programme)

Contents:

Social Theories of Rural Transformation provides an insight in some relevant sociological and anthropological theories of the last decades that are instrumental in analysing and understanding social transformation processes. The course builds onto theoretical courses of the first and second Bachelor year. Social theories and concepts are critically discussed on the basis of case studies from Europe and the developing world. What kind of social, cultural, economic and political changes are rural people involved in, what institutions are relevant, and how do they interact at multiple levels of society? This course teaches students how to interpret and analyse transformations, development, institutions, social and symbolic capital, identity, participation and migration.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- understand relevant social theories and concepts of rural transformation and their role in the major debates in rural sociology and development studies;
- critically reflect upon them, and relate them to earlier learning experiences;
- apply a theoretical approach to case studies by accomplishing the written assignments;
- use sociological/anthropological theories in an academic or professional context.

Activities:

The course consists of 2x2 lecture hours per week, and obligatory workshop sessions of 2 hours per week. During each of these sessions particular cases will be discussed and analysed on the basis of the literature read for that week. The student writes a weekly assignment that is commented upon by the teacher.

Examination:

- written test with open questions (60%);
- 4 individual reports on assignments (40%)
The written test and the average of the individual reports each need a minimum mark of 5.5.

Literature:

Literature will be available on blackboard.