Module Information

The latter half of the twentieth century has confronted people in rural areas with an almost unprecedented scale and pace of change (Buller and Wright 1989). Such change has led to substantial efforts over the last few decades to maintain rural communities through various programmes and initiatives (Moseley 2003). More recently, emphasis has been shifted from simply 'sustaining' rural communities as static and unchanging entities towards processes of development that are seen to be continuous and adaptive (e.g. Crabtree 2006). Such a view is necessary for making rural communities economically, socially and environmentally 'sustainable' over the long-term.

The module has relevance to students interested in working with local communities to achieve social, economic and environmental objectives. It therefore has direct relevance to students studying courses such as Tourism, Countryside management, Sustainable Rural Development.

The module will cover a range of topics including:

• Introduction to rural development;
• Complexity of rural communities;
• The importance of local development;
• Uncertainty and the importance of adaptive management and a continuous learning approach to development;
• Case studies of community development;
• Evaluating community initiatives.

The module is structured around the main assignment where students will learn a range of analytical skills to help them appreciate and manage the complexity involved in rural community development.

To expose students to a range of theories, tools and skills that are necessary to support community development in a rural context.

Specifically, the module aims to develop: understanding of the principles and theories of working with communities in a rural context; appreciation of the tools, mechanisms and interpersonal skills required to work effectively with rural communities; understanding of the complexities of defining problems and implementing projects in communities; and development of more effective critical analytical and interpersonal skills for working with rural community development.