Course Description
Despite common perceptions, rural small towns in the U.S. do not have monolithic characteristics. They differ in terms of geographic, economic, and demographic characteristics and proximity to urban areas. This course will explore the characteristics of rural towns and the challenges and opportunities they face with economic development and housing.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Students will be required to investigate a specified research topic related to the course content. This will include a review of literature, analysis of major questions to be answered, and identification of specific research topics worthy of future pursuit. This will be reported in a written research paper of about 5 pages in length.
Athena Title
Rural Housing and Econ Develop
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in FHCE 4360E or FHCE 6360E
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The student will be able to: • Explain how and why definitions of the concept of rural and small towns in the U.S. vary. • Demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which rural economies have changed over time and how this has affected job opportunities and quality of life in rural America. • Describe and provide examples of economic development approaches commonly used in rural communities. • Demonstrate an understanding of common housing challenges in rural communities and how housing is linked to local economic conditions. • Explain how leadership capacity impacts the ability to address local housing and economic conditions in rural areas.
Topical Outline
Introduction to rural and small towns History of rural economies Demographics, challenges, and quality of life Overview of economic development Business attraction versus rural entrepreneurship Downtown revitalization Rural housing challenges and solutions Geographic and economic differences in rural housing Rural leadership and community change