Agricultural Education and Communication

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Strategies and techniques for effective presentations in the food, agricultural and natural resource professions. Emphasis on oral and visual techniques for formal and informal situations including leadership and group settings.

The purposes of this course are to establish the importance of effective communication to success in both the educational and professional environments; emphasize writing as a primary form of communication; examine the elements of effective written communication in organizational and scholarly areas; and explore the causes of ineffective writing and ways to correct them. GR-E†

An introduction to the history and incorporation of electronic media used in agricultural and natural resources sciences. Hands-on learning of electronic media technology as it relates to agriculture is emphasized.

Basic culturally coded communication behaviors, such as cultural values and beliefs, attitudes, verbal and non-verbal behavior, will be examined to identify basic differences among individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Special emphasis on cultural communication issues in the agricultural and natural resources sciences will be addressed. (S, I)

Introduction to general techniques of teaching, selection of procedures, instructional resource management, learning environment and activities, student-teacher rapport, media and materials, and evaluation.

Extension philosophy, programs, methods and leadership principles, history of federal, state and local leadership in the development of the cooperative extension service.

An analysis of evolving concepts and philosophies of agricultural education programs with emphasis upon history, legislation, and principles underlying organization and practice.

An understanding of the dynamic interactions of personal characteristics, technical skills, interpersonal influence, commitment, goals and power necessary for effective organizational leader and follower behaviors.

A survey of basic communication concepts as they apply to agriculture and natural resource industries.

This course provides students with the opportunity to master a variety of writing styles used in corporate and mass media settings. Emphasis will be placed on mastery of writing skills.

This course provides directed experience in the following areas of agricultural communication – video production, graphic design, visual composition, desktop publishing and multimedia development.

Credits: 3.

Examination of the role of communication in agriculture, focusing on strategies and methods for agricultural information transfer. GR-E†

This course is designed to introduce students to new and emerging areas in food agriculture and the natural resource sciences. Emphasis will be placed on appropriate teaching techniques, curricula and resources.

Emphasis on supervised agricultural experience programs, record keeping and related FFA awards. Classroom management techniques, discipline and liability issues are also discussed.

Laboratory practices in teaching mechanics and other operative skills, conducting field and laboratory classes, providing space and teaching facilities.

An in-depth analysis of the development and evaluation of human and community resource programs based on programming theories, concepts and research. Emphasizes dimensions of responsive communities, determination of community needs and goals.

Principles and practices used in designing courses of instruction for effective teaching and total program development.

This course focuses on the extension program development process, extension methods, nonformal learning, instilling change through education and evaluating extension programs. It is designed for students pursuing careers in Cooperative Extension or other nonformal education.

Topics and special problems selected from such fields as 4-H and FFA work, demonstrations, farm and home management, rural development, and pre-school planning and post-school evaluation and planning.

An individual special project course restricted to students in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ Honors Program. Students will complete a project on a selected topic, issue, or problem. Projects may relate to research, teaching, or extension. The project will be reviewed by at least two faculty members chosen by the honors coordinator. May be repeated for up to six credits.

This course focuses on career opportunities; professional portfolios; teamwork; group problem solving and decision-making; application of current issues in agricultural education, Extension Leadership, and communication and transitioning to a professional employee.

An individualized program whereby students are apprenticed to proper officials to gain practical experience in agribusiness and natural resources education, agricultural and extension programs at the county level and/or agribusiness experience in selected agricultural organizations.

An individualized program whereby students are apprenticed to proper officials to gain practical experience in agricultural organizations, industry and/or the county extension program.

The Cooperative Extension internship is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop practical on-the-job supervised experience in Cooperative Extension—primarily at the county level.

An individualized program whereby students gain supervised experience in agricultural communications including reporting, writing, editing, photography, graphics, broadcasting, advertising or public relations.