1. Describe and explain different concepts of rurality and the complexities of differentiating rural and urban.
2. Describe major global and societal trends that are changing rural economies and populations.
3. Describe challenges and opportunities facing rural populations in areas of governance, transportation, the environment and climate change, health care and social services, and livability, recreation, and the arts.
4. Use Census and other data to quantify the magnitude and severity of a problem or challenge facing a rural population.
5. Write a clear, short evidence-based policy brief that summarizes options available to a rural population to address a policy problem.
6. Write an editorial about a policy option suitable for submission to a newspaper or online news website.
7. Work effectively with a teammate to prepare policy memos.