Rural Sociology

  1. Course Title: EE 201- RURAL SOCIOLOGY
  2. Course aim: The course aims at equipping students with knowledge and skills in sociological and diffusion theories, and basic concepts innovation systems and conflict management to enable them to effectively work with communities in bringing sustainable development
  • Course Expected Learning outcomes:

By At the end of the course students should be able to:

  • Describe theories of social change and models of diffusion of innovations
  • Identify factors that affect diffusion of innovations
  • Apply the above understanding to farming environment in the context of development
  • Analyse group dynamics and resolve conflicts.

 

  1. Course Status: Core
  2. Credit rating: 9 Credits
  3. Total hours Spend: 90 hours

                                                Lecture                                                36 hours

Seminars/Tutorials                               18 hours

Practical                                                9 hours

Assignment                                           9 hours

Independent Research                                     18 hours

        Pre-requisite:                 EE 101

 

  • Course Content:

Historical development of rural sociology. Theories of society and social change. The role of Rural sociology in rural community development. Adoption and diffusion theory and social change. The innovation-decision process. The classical diffusion model and its subsequent refinement. Evolution of diffusion research. Elements of diffusion: an innovation, time, social system, communication channel. Consequences of innovation. Adopter categories. Factors influencing the diffusion and adoption of innovations Change agents and their role in adoption. Adaptation in technology use. Groups and their role in diffusion and adoption. Types of groups. Group dynamics: communication, decision making, growth and development, maintenance and conflict management , The concepts of Innovation Systems.

Practical: Case studies will be used to develop practical skills. These will be complimented, where necessary and where financial resources allow, with field trips to relevant sites. Alternatively, candidates will be involved in analyzing selected case studies of selected problems/issues and demonstrate level of articulation and proficiency through their participation in seminar presentations.

  • Teaching and Learning Activities

Teaching will involve lectures, practical, group assignments and seminar presentations, individual assignments to capture self- reading. Use of case studies in teaching for some practical aspects will be employed.

  1. Assessment Methods

The assessments will be through continuous assessments were written timed tests (theory and practical), quizzes, seminar presentation, practical reports, and submission of individual/group assignment papers will be used. The assessment will also include final University written examination.

 

  1. Reading List:

Chambers, R. (1993).  Rural Development: Putting the Last First.  Longman. UK.

Lugala, J. (1995). Crisis in Urbanization and Urban Poverty in Tanzania:  A Study of Urban Poverty and Survival Politics.  University Press of America.

Rogers, E.M. (1995). Diffusion of Innovations. Free Press. New York

Galeski, B. (1972). Basic Concepts of Rural Sociology, Manchester

Wallace C. Olsen (1991)Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology: The Contemporary Core Literature. Cornell University Press. New York

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