The course is designed to introduce students to the broad concept of rural development, to the relationship between rural communities and their environments, and to the critical issues of rural restructuring and sustainability. This course examines the theoretical underpinnings, principles, and practices of rural development as well as the problems and challenges facing rural communities in both developed and developing countries. It is expected that, by the end of the course, students gain and/or broaden their knowledge of contemporary domestic and international rural development processes, practices, and issues.