Print Syllabus

Syllabus

LU0088 Social science theory for rural developers, 15.0 Credits

Samhällsvetenskaplig teori för landsbygdsutvecklare

Subjects

Rural Development Rural Development

Education cycle

Bachelor’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Single module	15.0	0201

Advanced study in the main field

First cycle, has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Bachelor’s level (G1F)

Grading scale

Language

Swedish

Prior knowledge

Equivalent to 30 credits in Rural Development.

Objectives

The course’s aims are to provide students with a basic overview of social science theories, with an emphasis on how theories work as analytical tools. The course stresses methodological and ethical issues.

After completion students shall be able to:

• Orally and in writing give an account of different social science contexts;

• Orally and in writing describe and analyze societal heterogeneities, including questions concerning globalisation;

• Orally and in writing discuss structural and action oriented perspectives;

• Orally and in writing account for the main lines of the history of social science:

• Orally and in writing account for different social science perspectives and methods;

• Orally and in writing discuss the consequences of choice between different theoretical starting points for the formulation of research problems and analysis.

Content

The main content of the course consists of a broad introduction to sociological and culture analytical perspectives as a base for understanding societies in general and rural communities in particular. Generic competences are an essential part of the course, not least in the capacity to describe, present, and generalize around specific examples.

The course consists of a mixture of lectures and autonomous work individually or in groups on cases, both constructed and real. Work is presented and discussed during seminars. The course literature is discussed during lectures and in seminars. Students are expected to use references to the literature actively in the discussions on the case studies.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

The course is examined through written exams as well as through assignments for seminars. Approved examination and participation in compulsory sessions are required for passing the course.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Urban and Rural Development