Excel

Course title	Rural Studies
Course code	SociM006
Credit points (ECTS)	4
Total Hours in Course	108
Number of hours for lectures	16
Number of hours for seminars and practical classes	16
Number of hours for laboratory classes	0
Independent study hours	76
Date of course confirmation	12/03/2025
Responsible Unit	Institute of Social Sciences and Humanities
Course developers
Dr. geogr., asoc. prof. Ženija Krūzmētra Dr. oec., asoc. prof. Sandija Zēverte-Rivža
Prior knowledge
Demo5001, Analytic Demography PolZM001, Public Administration Soci5043, Sociological Theory
Course abstract
In the study course students will learn in-depth knowledge about synthesis of territory, place and society in the context of transformation and rural development in global, regional and local scale. Unlocking the various concepts, theories and methods of their use in acquiring international experience, gain skills and abilities to independently carry out analysis of rural changes. Students will learn the scientific terms in the Latvian and foreign language. The aim of the study course is to acquire an interdisciplinary and complex approach (sociological, geographical, anthropological, rural development, environmental, etc.) to the theoretical perspectives of rural research and modern research methodology.
Learning outcomes and their assessment
In-depth knowledge of the synthesis of space, place and society in the context of rural transformation and rural development on a global, regional and local scale. Understanding of indicators characterizing rural change, their multidisciplinary application and various types of problem solving (literature studies, development of independent work, participation in seminars and discussions). Skills in identifying and analysing various aspects of rural change, to develop solutions, both using indicative world examples, and to find innovative ideas for different directions of rural development (argumentative essay, analysis of rural development scenarios and models, participation in discussions). The general skills to plan time, to be able to argue, to develop solutions, both by using various demonstrable examples from the world, and to find innovative ideas for various directions of rural development (all activities throughout the semester). Competence to independently analyze various rural transformation processes using a multidisciplinary approach and develop reasoned proposals for solving problems at different levels. (independent work, participation in discussions, presentation on one of the current rural development topics).
Course Content(Calendar)
Content of the programme (16 hours) 1.Rural area/ countryside as an object of study (1h). 2.Rural transformations, the interaction of their causes and consequences (2h). 3.Urban-rural interaction (1h). 4.Changes in rural society in the processes of spatial and social mobility of the population (2h). 5.Globalization, regionalization, localization in the context of rural development (1h). 6.Rural governance, support tools (1h). 7.Rural inequality and segregation (1h). 8.Place attractiveness and place marketing (2h). 9.Environmental concepts, sustainable development (1h). 10.Innovations in the countryside (1h). 11.Creative development of rural space. Creative industries (2 h). 12.Development of multidisciplinary research, research problems (1h). Content of practicals and seminars (16 hours) 1.Theoretical framework of rural transformation analysis: literature studies, discussion. (2 hours) 2.Rural development policy change, features, analysis of rural development models (3 hours) 3.Changing the structure of rural society in spatial and social mobility processes. (2 hours) 4.Innovations in the countryside - review and evaluation of theoretical aspects and examples. (3 hours) 5.Creative development of rural space (3 hours) 6.Review of the latest international research, analysis, discussion. (3 hours) Part-time distance learning: All topics specified for full-time studies are covered, but the number of contact hours is reduced to half of the number specified for full-time studies.
Requirements for awarding credit points
Exam. Exam assessment is cumulative assessment of study results (100%). The proportion of evaluations of independent work is 20% (argumentative essay), 20% (rural development policy and models) and 60% (creative presentation). The study process in part-time distance learning is organised in accordance with Order of the Vice-Rector for Studies No. 2.4-8/54 on distance learning procedures at LBTU. Study courses are scheduled for each semester according to the study plan. Students acquire the topics covered in each course independently, using the materials prepared and uploaded by the lecturer in the e-studies environment (Moodle). Feedback on the learning of lecture and seminar topics is provided through self-assessment tests, discussion forums, and individual tasks, as well as during face-to-face or online consultations, lectures, and final examinations, according to the timetable.
Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work
Acquisition of literature, participation in seminars and discussions, essay, group work, development of independent work, their results and presentations.
Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes
Exam assessment is cumulative assessment of study results (100%). The proportion of evaluations of independent work is 20% (argumentative essay), 20% (rural development policy and models) and 60% (presentation). A score of 10 is equal to one point on a 10-point marking scale
Compulsory reading
1.Handbook of Rural Studies. Ed. by P.Cloke, T.Marsden, P.Mooney. London: SAGE, 2006. 496 p. 2.Hillyard S. The Sociology of Rural Life. New York: Berg, 2007. 203 p. (eBook). 3.Lamie D., Deller S. Local Food Systems and Community Economic Development. New York, NY: Routledge, 2020. 106 pp.
Further reading
1.Manniche J., Sæther B. Nordic Food Transitions: Towards a Territorialized Action Space for Food and Rural Development. Abingdon, Oxford shire; New York, NY: Routledge, 2020.120 pp. 2.Kolāte E., Kursīte E. Latvijas pierobežas pēdējie mohikāņi, 2016, Rīga, 127 lpp. 3.Woods M. Rural Geography - London: SAGE, 2005, 330 p. 4.Cimdiņa A., Raubiško I. Cilvēks un darbs Latvijas laukos - Rīga: Zinātne, 2012, 174 lpp. 5.Miele M., Higgins V., Bjørkhaug H., Truninger M. (eds) Transforming the Rural: Global Processes and Local Futures. Vol.24, 1st ed. Research in Rural Sociology and Development. Bingley: Emerald Publishing Limited. 350 p. eBook. Pieejams elektroniski LBTU EBSCOhost datubāzē: https://search-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/login.aspx?direct=true&db=e000xww&AN=1491586&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Periodicals and other sources
1.Rural Sociology. European Society for Rural Sociology. Online -ISSN 1549-0831. 2.Sociologia Ruralis. European Society for Rural Sociology. Online -ISSN 1467-9523 3.Journal of Rural Studies. ELSEVIER. 2010-2011.-ISSN:0743-0167 4.Laikraksts "Latvijas Avīze" ISSN 1691-1229.
Notes
Compulsory study course in the ESAF academic master's study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration".