Sociology and Rural Studies Department Records

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Codice di riferimento

SDSU-Archives UA 005.09

Livello di descrizione

Records

Titolo

Sociology and Rural Studies Department Records

Date

  • 1938-2012, undated (Creazione)

Consistenza

6.0 linear feet (6 record boxes)

Nome del soggetto produttore

Storia istituzionale/amministrativa

Sociology was formally established as a department at South Dakota State University in 1925, though courses in the field had been offered earlier through the history and political science departments. The first course with a rural focus was introduced during the 1913–1914 academic year.

The creation of a dedicated rural sociology department was largely a response to the Purnell Act of 1925, which provided federal funding for research in sociology and economics. By the 1930s, the department had become sufficiently established to lead sociological research projects under the Works Progress Administration (WPA). From 1933 to 1942, collaboration between the department and various government agencies helped solidify rural sociology’s role at the university.

The curriculum expanded significantly from its early beginnings. Students can now earn either a B.A. or B.S. in sociology with one of six emphases: general sociology, teaching, social work, human services, criminal justice, or personnel services. A master’s degree in rural sociology has been offered since 1932. In 1961, the university launched a unique interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in social science, allowing students to combine coursework in history, political science, psychology, economics, and sociology. After three years, the program was revised to offer the Ph.D. exclusively in sociology.

Today, the Department of Sociology and Rural Studies remains an integral part of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences. Its courses are designed to (1) support undergraduate majors and minors in sociology, (2) provide service courses for students in other disciplines, and (3) fulfill requirements for graduate degrees in sociology.

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Ambito e contenuto

This collection is composed of records generated by the Department of Sociology and Rural Studies at South Dakota State University. It documents a wide range of departmental activities, research initiatives, and academic programs from the mid-20th century into the early 21st century. Materials include course enrollment data, curriculum development files, correspondence, publications, program evaluations, exit exams, faculty resources, and student support materials. The records also contain numerous state-level statistical reports on public health, demographics, education, poverty, and Native American communities in South Dakota, as well as audiovisual materials, program proposals, and inter-institutional agreements.

Of particular note are publications and reports addressing rural poverty, community development, education of culturally diverse populations, Native American history and governance, and public attitudes toward genetically modified organisms. The collection also includes materials related to federal and state census activities, university outreach initiatives, graduate program administration, and professional development.

These records document the department’s role in shaping public policy and rural development through applied research and outreach. They offer valuable insight into demographic trends, health behavior data, Native American education, and institutional responses to social issues in South Dakota. The collection serves as a resource for researchers in rural sociology, public health, Native studies, educational policy, and regional planning.

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Reproduction of materials from the collection is subject to the following conditions:

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  • Fragile Materials: Some items may not be reproduced due to their fragile condition.
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  • Acknowledgment: Any reproduced material must include proper acknowledgment of the South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections as the source.

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  • inglese

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    Copyright and Use Statement

    In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).

    Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.

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