Agricultural Communication (AGC)

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.