Rural Sociology

3 credits · Graduate

Our seminar examines social, cultural, and environmental issues within rural communities. We will explore foundational concepts, ideas, and research methods within the field of rural sociology while engaging in a series of topical analyses salient to rural people and places. Our readings and conversations will examine a variety of themes and topics, including, but not limited to: rural conservation and environmental (in)justice(s); new forms of rural land investment; extractive industries; race, racism, and rurality; “urban/rural divides;” authoritarian populism and emancipatory rural politics; Indigenous sovereignty; agriculture; poverty; and rural development. Our primary geographic focus will be rural North America.