NCHU Course Outline
Course Name (中) 農村發展政策與實務(5100)
(Eng.) Rural development policy and practice
Offering Dept International Master Program in Agriculture
Course Type Elective Credits 2 Teacher Szu-Hung Chen
Department International Bachelor Program in Agribusiness/Undergraduate Language English Semester 2024-FALL
Course Description This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the theories, practices, and challenges associated with promoting sustainability and development in rural areas. Rural development is a critical component of national and global agendas, as it addresses poverty alleviation, food security, environmental conservation, and social equity.
Throughout the course, students will explore various dimensions of rural development, including agriculture, infrastructure, natural resource management, renewable energy, entrepreneurship, governance, health, education, and gender inclusion. We will examine how sustainable rural development can improve rural communities' quality of life while minimizing negative environmental impacts.
Course participants will engage in discussions, case studies, readings, and practical exercises (e.g., SWOT analysis) to gain insights into implementing sustainability in the context of rural development. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to analyze rural development challenges, implement sustainable interventions, and contribute to the well-being of rural populations.
Prerequisites
self-directed learning in the course Y
Relevance of Course Objectives and Core Learning Outcomes(%) Teaching and Assessment Methods for Course Objectives
Course Objectives Competency Indicators Ratio(%) Teaching Methods Assessment Methods
This course will prepare students to actively participate in discussions on rural development policies, engage with real-world case studies, and propose sustainable solutions for rural challenges. It will also encourage critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to address the complex and evolving nature of rural development in the upcoming future.
In particular, this course will:
(1) Analyze the role of government, NGOs, or/and locals in rural development.
(2) Examine the interplay of agriculture, natural resource management, and renewable energy in rural sustainability.
(3) Evaluate the importance of infrastructure, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship in rural livelihoods.
(4) Develop practical monitoring, evaluation, and project planning skills for rural development initiatives.
(5) Identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable rural development.
topic Discussion/Production
Networking/Distance Education
Exercises
Discussion
Other
Lecturing
Oral Presentation
Assignment
Quiz
Other
Course Content and Homework/Schedule/Tests Schedule
Week Course Content
Week 1 Introduction to Sustainability and Rural Development (I)
• Overview of sustainability (Concepts, global policy)
• Importance of sustainability in rural development
• Key challenges and opportunities
Week 2 Introduction to Sustainability and Rural Development (II)
• Rural Development Theories and Approaches
• Contemporary approaches and frameworks
Week 3 Rural Development Policy and Planning (I)
• Policy instruments and strategies
• Role of government in rural development
Week 4 Rural Development Policy and Planning (II)
• Role of NGOs and private sectors in rural development
• Case studies: Implementation of rural development policies (successful vs. failed)
Week 5 Agriculture and Sustainable Farming (I)
• Sustainable agriculture practices
• Agroecology and organic farming
Week 6 Agriculture and Sustainable Farming (II)
• Crop diversification and sustainable farming systems
• Case study reviews and discussions
Week 7 Natural Resource Management (I)
• Sustainable management of natural capitals
• Implementation of related SDGs and Satoyama Initiative
Week 8 Natural Resource Management (II)
• Case studies: Biodiversity conservation, land-use planning or sustainable land management in rural areas
• In-class Discussions
Week 9 Rural Governance and Institution (I)
• Local government and community participation
• Role of NGOs and civil society organizations
• Strengthening local institutions for rural development
Week 10 Rural Governance and Institution (II)
• Leadership and rural development (guest speaker)
• Participating 2024 GEAR-UP forum (TAMU-NCHU collaboration)
Week 11 Self-Learning Week
• Assignment Write-up: Week 10 participating report
Week 12 Education and Skill Development
• Access to quality education in rural areas
• Vocational training and skill development programs
• Digital literacy and its impact on rural development
Week 13 Gender and Social Inclusion in Rural Development
• Case studies: Gender-responsive rural projects
• In-class Discussions
Week 14 Climate Change and Resilience
• Climate change impacts on rural communities
• Adaptation and mitigation strategies
• Resilience capacity in rural areas
Week 15 Case Studies and Best Practices
• Analysis of successful rural development projects
• Guest speakers from organizations involved in rural development
• Lessons learned and replicable models
Week 16 Future Trends and Challenges in Sustainable Rural Development
• Emerging trends and innovations
• Global and regional perspectives
Week 17 Self-Learning Week
• Final Project Development
Week 18 Final Project Presentation
Evaluation
Assignments: 40%;
Discussion (online or in-class): 20%;
Final term project: 25%;
In-class performance (except discussion): 15%
Textbook & other References
• Class handouts and a list of assigned readings provided by the instructor through NCHU iLeaning.
• Supplementary materials (Optional):
(1)Enamul Haque, A. K., Mukhopadhyay, P., Nepal, M., Shammin, M.R. (2022). Climate change and community resilience: Insights from South Asia. Singapore: Springer Singapore.
(2) Shepherd, A. (1998). Sustainable Rural Development. London, UK: Red Globe Press.
Teaching Aids & Teacher's Website
All class materials can be accessed through NCHU iLearning. NCHU iLearning may
also be used to conduct parts of class assessments, to submit course assignments, to
broadcast announcements, and to distribute class materials.
Office Hours
By appointment
Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs
01.No Poverty   02.Zero Hunger   03.Good Health and Well-Being   04.Quality Education   05.Gender Equality   06.Clean Water and Sanitation   08.Decent Work and Economic Growth   10.Reduced Inequalities   11.Sustainable Cities and Communities   12.Responsible Consumption   13.Climate Action   16.Peace and Justice   17.Partnerships for the Goalsinclude experience courses：Y
Please respect the intellectual property rights and use the materials legally.Please repsect gender equality.
Update Date, year/month/day：2024/09/07 23:23:54 Printed Date, year/month/day：2024 / 11 / 21
The second-hand book website：http://www.myub.com.tw/