Program Overview

Subject Information

Introduction

This subject provides an advanced introduction to the sociological study of rural places, and the everyday lives of people who live and work in rural areas. Through specific emphasis on Australia, the subject examines the diverse meanings attached to the rural, the influence of different ideas and policy approaches in shaping the social and economic structure of rural areas, and the challenges and prospects for rural people and places in a globalising world.

Subject Details

• The subject will be of particular relevance to students who intend to work in non-metropolitan settings.
• The subject engages with contemporary debates concerning the development of sustainable and resilient rural communities, and analyses different strategies for enhancing rural sustainability.

Subject Outlines

Current Information

Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

No offerings have been identified for this subject in 2018.

Handbook and SAL

Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Grading System

Assessment

The grading system for this subject is HD/FL.

Duration

Session Details

The duration of this subject is one session.

School

Affiliation

This subject is affiliated with the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Incompatible Subjects

Restrictions

The subject is incompatible with SOC226.

Learning Outcomes

Upon Successful Completion

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• Be able to recognise the processes, institutions and policy approaches that shape the social organisation of rural life.
• Be able to explain the implications of social and environmental change for rural people and places.
• Be able to understand and apply the frameworks through which sociologists and human geographers make sense of the rural.
• Be able to analyse debates concerning the sustainability of rural industries and places.
• Be able to demonstrate skills in the written presentation of an argument, including the ways in which sociologists incorporate and acknowledge the ideas of other writers.

Syllabus

Topics Covered

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Locating 'the Rural'
• Rural Economies and Livelihoods
• Rural Communities - Restructuring and Renewal
• Globalisation, Risk and the Governance of Rural Spaces