Theoretical Frameworks for Rural Community Research

Catalog description

Application of community theories to the study of communities in rural areas. R SOC 552 Theoretical Frameworks for Rural Community Research (3) Communities form the fabric of social life in rural areas. It is in these communities that individuals live and work, and experience the broader society and culture. It also is in these communities that individuals deal with the past and make decisions about their own futures. Knowing the theoretical underpinnings of communities in rural areas is crucial for understanding issues of social and economic well-being. This course examines sociological theories of community and how they relate to understanding the organization, structure, interactions and development of rural communities. Rural community theory also plays a role in understanding how community context influences individual and family well-being. In this course, students will gain an appreciation for the role of rural sociology in the study of community. They will read and evaluate theoretical essays and how the theories have been applied in empirical studies of rural communities. The goal is to increase student knowledge and understanding of the research process that links theory and hypothesis development as it relates to the study of community in rural areas. Students will enhance their skills and obtain experience in organizing and leading class discussions; reading, interpreting and integrating theoretical and empirical studies; writing a book review; and writing essays that integrate ideas from assigned materials with student evaluations of the materials. Students will be evaluated on class participation, written essays evaluating key topics, organizing and leading class discussion, and a written book review. Rural Sociology 452, or its equivalent, is a prerequisite for this class.