Master of Arts (MA)Rural Development Course at Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi Syllabus & Subjects Semester Wise

Students explore issues such as rural poverty, agriculture and rural livelihoods, rural policy analysis, and the impact of globalization on rural areas. They also engage in fieldwork, case studies, and research projects to gain practical insights into rural development challenges.

Syllabus: Master of Arts in Rural Development

The syllabus for a Master of Arts (MA) in Rural Development typically covers a wide range of topics related to rural economies, societies, and sustainable development. It includes courses in rural sociology, agricultural economics, rural governance, community development, environmental management, and research methods. Students explore issues such as rural poverty, agriculture and rural livelihoods, rural policy analysis, and the impact of globalization on rural areas. They also engage in fieldwork, case studies, and research projects to gain practical insights into rural development challenges. The curriculum aims to equip graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to promote inclusive and sustainable development in rural communities.

Year 1

S.No	Subjects
1	Rural economic structure and transformation
2	Rural socio–political institutions and processes
3	Rural natural resources and sustainable development
4	Research methodology
5	Information communication technology rural development
6	Agriculture development in India
7	Rural settlement and infrastructure
8	Rural development programmes in India
9	Civil society and rural development
10	Development experience of global south
11	Project Work

Year 2

S.No	Subjects
1	Rural development theories and approaches
2	Principles of rural governance
3	Rural marketing
4	Empowerment of weaker sections
5	Rural ecology and agriculture