Module SOCI3351: RURAL SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL POLICY

Department: Sociology

SOCI3351: RURAL SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL POLICY

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To develop an understanding of the key concepts and approaches developed by rural studies and rural sociologists.
• To develop an awareness of questions of inequality and diversity, and of the relationship between the individual and society.
• To enable students to acquire an appreciation of the distinctive character of sociological approaches and questions and an interdisciplinary understanding of how these are different from and similar to related disciplines.

Content

• The module focuses on contemporary developments in the field of rural studies. Recent policy reform (including wildlife and policing laws) raises important sociological and cultural issues and has long-term implications of rural communities and rural sustainability. A series of examples will be used to draw out these issues in the policy domain including: bovine TB and badgers, country sports and community vibrancy. Issues of theory and method will also feature early in the module to provide a framework for the discussion of the examples.

Learning Outcomes

• By the end of this module students will have:
• developed a critical awareness of the core debates in rural sociology from the nineteenth century onwards.
• developed an understanding of the different theoretical approaches that have been applied to rural studies.
• developed a critical appreciation of the methods used by rural studies.
• developed an understanding of how sociological analysis can be used to engage with current policy discussion via a series of case studies.
• developed a critical sociological framework for engaging with different types of knowledge claims (scientific, media etc).

• By the end of this module students will have developed the following intellectual skills:
• ability to engage in a sociological analysis of the impact of rural policy reform and its social impact.
• ability to critically evaluate published sociological research and key policy documents.
• ability to recognise the relevance of sociological questions to matters of UK social policy, for example in relation to rural policing, land managaement and rural communities.
• By the end of this module students will have developed the following professional practical skills:
• ability to articulate with clarity and understanding the formal specialised language of sociology.
• ability to relate academic knowledge and understanding to everyday situations to address a range of audiences (such as their peers and tutors) appropriately.

• By the end of this module students will have developed:
• ability to undertake and present work in a scholarly way.
• ability to plan workload and manage time.
• ability to communicate effectively in writing (in written, timed examinations and essays).

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Teaching is based on lectures and seminars and is structured around the learning outcomes above.
• Lectures are designed to provide a broad framework by addressing major theories, ideas, substantive issues or debates.
• Students will be encouraged and expected to be active participants in Seminars.
• Assessment is by a student-selected special project, the title of which will be decided in consultation with the module convenor and will be oriented towards the learning outcomes. These modes of assessment are intended to give students an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of this area of study that speaks to their own interests, and demonstrate their ability to draw on and use appropriate conceptual language.
• A formative essay, given part way through the module, are designed to help students develop the skills and abilities required for summative work.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One non-compulsory essay of 1500 words (maximum).

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University