Rural Sociology

The course will provide an introduction to important developments in the Norwegian rural communities. The course discusses recent Norwegian and international research which highlights how social, cultural, political and economical processes of change affect rural life, mobility and the relationship between the country and the city. The rural communities is not only a venue for production, but also a venue for the consumtion of leisure, recreation and adventure. The course will address current topics that will vary from time to time, but the focus will be on topics that has impact on livelihoods and sustainability in rural areas. The term paper should be an independent discussion of an issue raised in class, and can be between 15 to 20 pages or 5600-7500 words.

Knowledge – the student shall:
- know the central discussion and newer research in the rural Sociology and regional politics in both Norwegian and international contexts.
- know how to critically reflect on the changes brought about by building in society.

Skills - the student shall demonstrate the ability to:
- treat one of the themes addressed during instruction in an independent method through written work.

Lectures and seminars.
Form of assessment: Individual term paper and oral examination. The oral exam may be used to adjust the grade by one unit on the scale. The oral exam will include the research paper, the individually selected readings and the required readings. If less than 6 students attend the course the two first weeeks of teaching, the course will be given as an individual study course with supervision. Please contact the departement for further information.