SOC 311 - Rural Sociology: Sociology Beyond the City

This class examines key theories, concepts, and data relevant to the field of rural sociology. In this course, we will explore a range of sociological topics and how they are relevant to rural people and places, including social institutions, stereotypes, depictions of rural people/places in media, criminal justice, the economy and work, inequality/poverty, race, class, gender, and sexuality. Through this course, we will engage our sociological imaginations to understand the importance of space and place and how and why rural and urban places are similar and different from each other. In this class, through assignments that apply place-based frameworks, students will develop a sociological toolkit that enables them to critically examine and understand rural-urban dynamics as well as apply these insights to their own personal experiences of rural-urban differences.

Core Curriculum/Core Requirements: Writing Intensive

Prerequisites: Junior Standing and SOC 101 or permission

Course Typically Offered: Spring

Credits: 3