Franklin Halverson: Mainstreet.
Rural Communities
Introduction
What is community?
What are approaches to community development?
How are Iowa communities changing?
What are the responsibilities of Iowa citizens to their communities?
What is your hometown?
This question helps define who we are--to others and to ourselves. It brings about images of people and place, stimulates conversations about common bonds, binds us, separates us, gives us a sense of belonging, and anchors our personal histories.
As expressed by sociologist Roland Warren, the idea of the American community is deceptively simple, as long as one does not attempt to define it! Are communities political boundaries or political arenas? Are they buildings, roads, and bridges, or institutions, personal pathways, and bridges of common interests? Are they places of commerce or places of the heart? Of course, they are all these things, which makes scientific evaluation of them difficult, but essential
for building a society that is materially productive and spiritually fulfilling.
In this section of Sociology 130, we will learn about the structure and functions of communities. We will find out what constitutes a "good community." We will learn how to build a good community. We will learn about challenges facing rural communities and how they can prepare to meet these challenges.
Readings
April 11 to April 27
Community
Community Development
New Faces on Mainstreet
Small Community Schools
The Active Citizen
Exam Four
Exam Four will be scheduled during finals week.
The help session for this exam will be scheduled during finals week. We will meet at 5:00 on the first floor of East Hall.
