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 Master Program in Agriculture/Graduate	Language	English	Semester	2025-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) • Introduction to the instructor, TA, and course syllabus • Ice-breaking for the classroom • Overview of sustainability (Concepts, global policy) Week 2 Introduction to Sustainability and Rural Development (II) • Overview of sustainability (Concepts, global policy)(Cont.) • Importance of sustainability in rural development • Contemporary approaches and frameworks *In-class discussion(tentative): Key challenges and opportunities (Mind mapping) Week 3 Rural Development Policy and Planning (I) • Rural Development Theories and Approaches • 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) *In-class exercise (tentative): Comparison analysis Week 5 Agriculture and Sustainable Farming • Sustainable agriculture practices • Agroecology and organic farming Week 6 Natural Resource Management • Sustainable management of natural capitals • Implementation of related SDGs and Satoyama Initiative *In-class activity: Short quiz or interative compitetion Week 7 Min-term Essay • Case study reviews and sythesis (individual) Week 8 Rural Governance and Institution • Local government and community participation • Role of NGOs and civil society organizations • Strengthening local institutions for rural development Week 9 Education and Skill Development • Access to quality education in rural areas • Skill development and capacility building programs Week 10 Advancing Sustainable Agriculture through Science and Techology • Attending 2025 Norman Borlaug Lecture Series *Post-class exersie (tentative): Week 10 Lecture Feedback Report Week 11 Gender and Social Inclusion in Rural Development • Case studies: Gender-responsive rural projects • Final Project Instruction *In-class discussion(Tentative): Group arrangement; Brain-storming for potential final project subject Week 12 Rural Community Field Trip * The trip may occur on the weekend;details (e.g., locations and time) will be provided in due course Week 13 Climate Change and Resilience • Climate change impacts on rural communities • Adaptation and mitigation strategies • Resilience capacity in rural areas Week 14 Future Trends and Challenges in Sustainable Rural Development • Emerging trends and innovations • Global and regional perspectives Week 15 Final Project Development Week 16 Final Project Presentation and post-project self-assessment report • Final Project Presentation: @ class time on 12.23.2025, Tuesday • Post-project self-assessment (Individual): Due @ 23:30 pm of 12.27.2025, Saturday self-directed learning    01.Participation in professional forums, lectures, and corporate sharing sessions related to industry-government-academia-research exchange activities.    02.Viewing multimedia materials related to industry and academia. 1. Nov. 17, self-participation for the GEAR-UP Forum and related activities. 2. Supplementary documents (e.g.,case studies) reading .
Evaluation
(1) Mid-term essay: 25% (2) Class activies (e.g.,online/in-class discussions, quiz, exercise, etc.): 30%; (3) Final project presentation (group/individual): 20%; (4) Post-project self-assessment (individual): 15% (5) Class engagement and participation: 10%
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(Link URL)
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   14.Life Below Water   15.Life On Land   16.Peace and Justice   17.Partnerships for the Goals include experience courses：Y

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Update Date, year/month/day：2025/08/12 16:12:35	Printed Date, year/month/day：2025 / 8 / 19
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