Agricultural Education & Communication

Orientation to the communication sector of agriculture. Overview of professional opportunities and skills needed for success in agricultural communication and related agricultural disciplines. Preparation of news releases and short writing and video, and development of a planned program of study. 2 lectures.

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems in Agricultural Communication/Agricultural Education. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Survey of agricultural communication, history of the discipline, practice of multimedia writing for agriculture, food, and environmental sciences outlets. Gathering and analysis of related scientific and technical information and translation for public audiences. Role of under-represented groups in agriculture. Field trip required. 3 lectures, 1 activity. Replaces JOUR 205.

Emphasis on software applications in agricultural communications, including basic Adobe Creative Suite techniques of InDesign and Lightroom, MS Word and Excel. Best practices in electronic delivery and print. Adobe Premiere video, blog template usage and cloud collaboration for professional agricultural communications. 1 lecture, 1 activity.

Development of digital multimedia skills (audio and video) and techniques to produce content focusing on agriculture, science and technology topics. Emphasis on creating compelling digital stories to communicate critical agriculture and science issues. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Orientation to leadership development in agriculture and related settings. Principles and techniques for developing leadership skills, including exploration of personal characteristics, technical skills, interpersonal influence, commitment, goals, and power necessary for effective leaders. Issues facing leaders in agriculture. 2 lectures. Formerly AG 254.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Application of communication skills for strategic and integrated communication projects related to food production, agriculture and environmental sciences topics. Emphasis on multimedia and brand journalism approaches, interviewing, using information sources, and translating agriculture, technology, and science information for public audiences. Total credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Exploration and implementation of emerging new media communication strategies and technologies to convey information on important issues in agriculture to a global audience. Focus on food and farming dialogues currently populating conversations about production agriculture. Adaptation of different writing styles based on requirements of the various new media channels. Analysis of metrics to measure level of engagement with desired audience. 3 lectures, 1 laboratory.

Scope and elements of fairs and expositions through public outreach, education, management, funding, interim events, government regulations, and industry relations. Practical application of fair management instruction includes hosting a major event or project of the Western Fairs Association (WFA). Field trip may be required. 4 lectures.

Fundamentals of the year-round operation of a fairgrounds facility to include budget management, vendor contracts, entertainment schedules, rental opportunities, master planning, and maintenance. Principles and procedures in planning, organizing, operating, and evaluating fairgrounds and facilities. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Selected Agricultural Communication students will spend up to 12 weeks with an approved agricultural firm engaged in production or related business. Time will be spent applying and developing production and managerial skills and abilities. One unit of credit may be allowed for each full week of completed and reported internship. Degree credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems in Agricultural Communication/Agricultural Education. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Introduction to theory and practical application of leadership in agriculture. Emphasis on identifying strategies for self-improvement and personal development. Study of contemporary leaders, professionalism, and leadership actions. 2 lectures, 1 activity.

Integration of writing, editing, and layout skills in producing agricultural publications. Emphasis on using computer applications in designing publications. Total credit limited to 8 units. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Leadership team facilitates a campus event under the direction of the Agricultural Education and Communication Department. Team identifies goals, recruits students, organizes committees, addresses tasks, and conducts the event. Practical application of problem solving, critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills. Total credit limited to 6 units. 3 seminars. Formerly AGED 412.

Examines digital and multimedia communication methods of complex agricultural, food, and environmental sciences topics. Exploration and implementation of practices translating science issues to public audiences. Focuses on current campus-related scientific research endeavors using principles of digital storytelling and content creation. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Development, delivery and evaluation of effective means of communication by use of a variety of presentation methods and the use of technology for effective communication. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Presentations by experts from government, industry, and professional organizations. Focus on trends and issues that impact agriculture, in particular agricultural communication. Exploration of solutions to problems facing agricultural communication. Field trip required. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 4 seminars.

Culminating leadership experience. Appraise strengths and areas of personal growth, analyze effective strategies in leading others, examine collegiate experiences, and construct a leadership philosophy integrating the research-based leadership theory, skills and traits explored. 1 lecture, 1 activity. Formerly AG 454.

Introduction to the research process and topic selection as it relates to the design and development of the senior project within the Agricultural Communication and the Agricultural Sciences majors. 1 lecture. Formerly AGED 460.

Empirical application of the scientific method as it relates to the selection of a project. Projects typical of problems that graduates must solve in their field of employment. 1 seminar.

Completion of a project begun in AGC 461. Projects typical of problems that graduates must solve in their field of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. 1 seminar.

Research, selection, and completion of projects addressing practical or scholarly research problems graduates may encounter in their fields of employment. Project results presented in a formal written report and oral presentation. 3 seminars.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Examine agriculture, food, and environmental crises and emphasize effective communication of complex science. Crisis communication theory and issues management strategies. Explore how effective communication can prevent and/or decrease negative effects, and how digital tools can aid in crisis solutions. 3 lectures, 1 activity.

Advanced application of communication strategies for managing client projects. Creation of communication campaigns and projects focusing on topics in agriculture, food, and environmental sciences. Emphasis on multimedia production of content and materials to communicate complex issues in the discipline. 1 lecture, 2 activities.

Advanced independent study planned and completed under the direction of a member of the Agricultural Education and Communication faculty. Total credit limited to 6 units.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 seminars.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Individual study of modern issues and problems conducted through research, planning and development. Field problems and in-service study in agricultural industry encouraged. Final written report required. Total credit limited to 9 units with not more than 3 units in any one quarter.

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems in Agricultural Communication/Agricultural Education. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Problems encountered and practices applied during the conduct of the annual FFA State Convention. Methods, procedures and materials adapted for use by the student in developing the committee system to produce conferences, conventions and workshops of all kinds and sizes. Total credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 activities.

Directed group study of selected topics. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Historical, philosophical and social foundations of agricultural education as it relates to the development of youth leadership skills through classroom/laboratory instruction, project-based learning, and involvement in student organizations. Application of integral components in developing a total program of agricultural education. Field trip required. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Selected Agricultural Education students will spend up to 12 weeks with an approved agricultural firm engaged in production or related business. Time will be spent applying and developing production and managerial skills and abilities. One unit of credit may be allowed for each full week of completed and reported internship. Degree credit limited to 6 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Observation of the practices and techniques utilized by agriculture teachers in conducting organized instruction in high school classrooms, shops, school farms, and laboratories. Discussion of activities and programs unique to teaching agriculture in California secondary schools. Participation in public schools requires mandated fingerprint clearance. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 2 seminars.

Individual investigation, research, studies or surveys of selected problems in Agricultural Communication/Agricultural Education. Total credit limited to 8 units, with a maximum of 4 units per quarter.

Advanced use of computer technology to address professional demands in a variety of agricultural education situations. Practical application of computer applications as tools for presentations, informational aids, instruction, assessment, and other common uses. Provide support to industry pre-professionals and pre-service teachers. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 2 activities.

Determining course objectives, content, and calendar for use by the teacher in classroom, shop and field instruction while assigned to community schools. Concurrent with student teaching. 3 activities.

Off-campus assignment to a selected cooperating public school. Participation in all phases of agriculture teacher duties and activities including departmental organization and administration. Prior approval and appointment necessary. Total credit limited to 18 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.

Problems encountered and practices applied during student teaching. Methods, procedures and materials adapted for use by the teacher concurrent with student teaching. 2 activities.

Empirical application of the scientific method as it relates to the selection of a project. Projects typical of problems that graduates must solve in their field of employment. 1 seminar.

Completion of a project begun in AGED 461. Projects typical of problems that graduates must solve in their field of employment. Project results are presented in a formal report. 1 seminar.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Advanced independent study planned and completed under the direction of a member of the Agricultural Education and Communication faculty. Total credit limited to 6 units.

Orientation to the Master of Agricultural Education program. Current requirements, processes, documentation, and discussion of expectations of pre-professional teacher candidates. Completion of formal documents for credentialing in California. 2 seminars.

Practice and techniques in management and supervision of programs in agricultural education. Relationships among students, staff, community and school groups. Budgeting, staffing, records, reporting. Student activities and Future Farmers of America programs. Total credit limited to 6 units.

Approaches to the development of an integrated agricultural education program in the comprehensive high school, based on occupational opportunities and community needs. Philosophy, organization, and administration of programs. Development in curriculum, supervised occupational experience, student leadership such as Future Farmers of America, and summer programs. Field trip required. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 seminars.

Organizing agricultural technology laboratory instruction, curriculum, and facilities. Student demonstrations and presentations; assessment, analysis, and evaluation. Field trip required. Not open to students with credit in AGED 523. 1 seminar, 2 laboratories.

Organizing and managing laboratories, including agriculture mechanics curriculum and determining course content. Student demonstrations and presentations; assessment, analysis, and evaluation. Course is designed for in-service secondary agriculture teachers. Field trip required. Not open to students with credit in AGED 522. 3 lectures.

Principles of agricultural teaching methods and developmentally-appropriate pedagogy. Daily and unit lesson plans incorporating content, teaching methods, and assessing learners. Accommodations for English learners and students with special needs. Class demonstrations in teaching procedures, analysis, assessment and reflection. Field trip required. 2 lectures, 2 activities.

Skills and techniques of propagation and production of horticulture crops. Scheduling, growing media, construction and use of forcing structures, and plant identification. Marketing plans and promotions. Teaching methods, curriculum development, and identification of resources and materials for horticultural instruction. 3 lectures. Open to agricultural educators or credential students only.

Integrating FFA and supervised agricultural experience programs into the curriculum. Career development event implementation; record book usage; officer and committee training; recruitment; retention; retreat and leadership training. Current national and state initiatives and experiential learning opportunities in the workplace and entrepreneurial settings. Not open to students with credit in AGED 303. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 lectures.

Selection and use of teaching strategies, methods/approaches, and techniques when planning, delivering, and evaluating instruction. Intended for graduate students interested in pursuing a faculty position in agriculture, as well as other disciplines in higher education. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 seminars.

Teaching methods of important biological concepts using agriculture as the context. Assisting agriculture teachers in identifying proper pedagogical strategies to integrate activities and laboratories into existing agriculture biology courses, including leadership development opportunities and activities. Emphasis on appropriate teaching methods and techniques, curriculum integration and application, and classroom resources. 3 seminars.

Application of theory to the solution of problems of agricultural production or related business in the field of Agricultural Education and Communication. Analyze specific management problems and perform general management assignments detailed in a contract between the student, the firm or organization, and the faculty advisor before the internship commences. Degree credit limited to 6 units.

Prior to the first day of teaching agriculture, develop a plan for delivery of instruction in a program of agriculture in a K-14 educational setting. Instructional strategies will address the statewide Quality Criteria for Programs of Instruction in Agriculture.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 1 to 4 seminars.

Directed group laboratory study of selected topics for advanced students. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 laboratories.

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students in teaching Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources pathways in secondary education. Open to undergraduate and graduate students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 9 units. 3 lectures.

Individual study of modern issues and problems conducted through research, planning and development. Field problems and in-service study in agricultural industry encouraged. Final written report required. Total credit limited to 9 units with not more than 3 units in any one quarter.

Group study of selected developments, trends and issues in the field of Agricultural Education. Course may be offered in classroom-based or online format. 3 seminars.