Rural Sociology - Department of Development and Strategic Studies

EE 201: Rural Sociology (2 Credits: 30 Lect. 60 Sem. 0 Prac.)

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
EXpected Learning outcomes:

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.