RSOC 11Intro Rural Sociology

3 credits · Rural Sociology · Penn State

Basic sociological concepts applied to rural societal institutions and rural communities; causes and consequences of rural social change as applied to domestic and global regions. The objectives of the course are (1) to acquaint students with the fundamental concepts, principles and research methods of rural sociology; and (2) to assist students in applying these concepts and principles to gain an understanding of rural societal institutions and the forces leading to social change in rural America and globally. Lectures and readings are designed to encourage students to examine their assumptions and understanding of the structure and functioning of rural communities, the forces leading to rural social change, and the likely course of these changes in the future. A major objective is to challenge students to critically analyze rural society and rural social institutions from a sociological perspective. Understanding the changing nature of rural society in an increasingly urbanizing and integrated world is a key consideration.