Objectives
The main objectives of this programme are to
- To train middle-level and front-line officials engaged and the youngest who are willing to engage in rural development enabling the participants to develop a broad range of knowledge on the theoretical field of rural development.
- To introduce participants to the rural development policy framework.
- To create an awareness of the unintended impacts of rural development policies and approaches and introduce participants to a variety of strategies to combat such impacts.
- To train participants in the planning and management of rural development activities particularly in aspects such as community/area analysis, rural planning and project management.
Programme Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to
- Identify the rural development concepts, strategies and practices.
- Explain the crucial dimensions and processes of rural development.
- Apply acquired skills related to planning, formulation, monitoring and evaluation of rural development projects and programmes.
- Integrate multi-faceted approach to solve contemporary issues in rural areas.
SLQF Level 3
NVQ Level 5
Course Structure
Subject Code | Name of the Subject | Learning Hours* | Notional hours | No. of Credits | |
SEMESTER I | |||||
DRUD 1110 | Theoretical Perspectives in Rural Development | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
DRUD 1120 | Rural Economy | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
DRUD 1130 | Resource Base for Rural Development in Sri Lanka. | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
DRUD 1140 | Rural Social Dynamics | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
DRUD 1990 | Independent Research Project on Rural Development ** | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
| SEMESTER I TOTAL | 225 | 750 | 15 | |
| SEMESTER II |
|
|
| |
DRUD 1210 | Rural Poverty | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
DRUD 1220 | Rural Environmental Issues | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
DRUD 1230 | Disaster Management and Rural Development | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
DRUD 1240 | Project Formulation and Management | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
DRUD 1990 | Independent Research Project on Rural Development ** | 45 | 150 | 3 | |
| SEMESTER II TOTAL | 225 | 750 | 15 | |
| TOTAL | 450 | 1500 | 30 | |
| * Learning hours include both theory & practical hours (tutorials, presentations, assignments, report writing). ** A minimum of 90 hours is expected to be spent by the candidate on the Independent Research Project on Rural Development*, which also includes the time spent on: consultations with the supervisor, conducting a seminar to present the research proposal for approval, conducting of the literature survey, field work, etc. | ||||
Description of the course
Sri Lanka is still predominantly rural even though socio economic transformations of an urban nature are taking place. Hence, in strategizing national as well as regional development the rural sector has been the focal point of concern. In view of this, particularly after 1977, in addition to direct efforts aimed at infrastructure development, many institutional, administrative and political frameworks have been established to intensify rural development. Today we experience the dawn of a new era of opportunity for national development. Thus, it is obvious that the newly awakened nation needs rapid island wide development. Hence, rural development has become the need of the hour and it is of paramount importance to undertake joint efforts bringing together the different stakeholders viz. grass root level managers, high ranking officials, scientists, scholars and the rural people themselves in this endeavour.
The role of the universities’ in this joint task is of vital importance as they have the capacity to disseminate scientific and theoretical knowledge relating to rural development to the practitioners- administrators and the managers who are involved in the implementation of rural development programmes.
The Diploma in Rural Development will provide a comprehensive understanding of socio-economic factors influencing and affecting the transformation of rural society. The course content is designed to impart to learners an integrated understanding of the crucial dimensions and processes of rural development. It aims at enabling the learners to acquire skills related to planning, formulation, monitoring and evaluation of rural development projects and programmes. The Diploma Programme also introduces the learner to the basic aspects of research and project-work. The project work provides the learners an opportunity to study rural development problems, while also equipping them with the skills to execute rural development programmes at the ground level. Thus, the overall aim of this diploma course is to provide an understanding of rural development concepts, strategies and practices to frontline officials who are presently active in the field of rural development and the youngest who are willing to join the same field.