AG272:
Introduction to agricultural communication is a course designed to prepare students to understand, analyze, and communicate about complex issues in food, agriculture, and the environment. This course will provide students with a foundation in basic and advanced communication theories, models and practices that apply within agricultural settings. This course is designed to introduce students to the Agricultural Communication and Management concentration and the related fields of employment including, but not limited to, public relations, sales management, marketing management, communications management, technical writing, journalism, and media relations.
Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details
Course Description: This course serves as an introduction to the field of agricultural communication, exploring the key concepts, theories, and practices involved in effectively communicating about agriculture. The course will cover various communication channels, strategies, and tools specific to the agricultural industry
Contact Information
Textbook: The Communication Scarcity in Agriculture
Edition: 1st
ISBN: 9781138650619
Author: Jessica Eise
Publisher: Routledge
1. Understand the fundamental concepts of agricultural communication and its importance in the agricultural industry.
2. Explore the historical development and current trends in agricultural communication.
3. Analyze the communication challenges faced by the agricultural sector and the consequences of communication scarcity.
4. Gain knowledge of various communication channels and tools relevant to agricultural communication.
5. Develop effective communication strategies for promoting agriculture and bridging the gap between farmers and consumers.
6. Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills through case studies and real-world examples.
7. Foster an appreciation for ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity in agricultural communication.
Tentative Course Schedule SUBMIT ALL ASSIGNMENTS TO BLACKBOARD PRIOR TO SUNDAY 5PM Week (Monday) Week Objectives and Assignments Tuesday- Lecture day, Thursday- Activity day Quizzes due Sunday @ 5:00 PM
August 18 | Overview of the course and its objectives - Importance of effective communication in the agricultural sector - Introduction to key concepts and theories in agricultural communication CH 1-2 & Blackboard Assignments |
August 25 | Traditional and emerging communication channels in agriculture - Understanding the target audience and tailoring messages - Exploring the role of social media, websites, and multimedia in agricultural communication CH 3-4 & Blackboard Assignments |
September 1 | Communication scarcity and its consequences - Identifying barriers and constraints in agricultural communication - Role of misinformation and its impact on public perception CH 5 & Blackboard Assignments |
September 8 | Evolution of agricultural communication practices - Historical case studies and their relevance today - Impacts of technological advancements on agricultural communication - LinkedIn Thursday CH 6-7 & Blackboard Assignments |
September 15 | The power of storytelling in conveying agricultural messages - Case studies of successful storytelling campaigns - Creating compelling agricultural narratives- Video project for Thursday activity CH 8 & Blackboard Assignments |
September 22 | Understanding the perspectives and needs of farmers and consumers - Strategies for effective communication between farmers and consumers - Addressing consumer concerns and building trust in agriculture Final Presentations (Thursday) CH 9 & Blackboard Assignments |
September 29 | Ethical considerations in agricultural communication - Cultural diversity and its implications for effective communication - Promoting inclusivity and understanding in agricultural messaging Final Presentations (Tuesday/Thursday) CH 10-11 & Blackboard Assignments Reflection Paper due Blackboard October 5 @ 5 PM |
| Major Assignments (Graded) Class participation and engagement in discussions. | 10 points |
| Quizzes or exams to assess understanding of key concepts and theories | 20 points |
| Leadership Workshop | 20 points |
| Final reflection paper on the importance of effective agricultural communication | 10 points |
TOTAL POINTS | 60 points |
Students will be evaluated via performance indicators applied to a variety of assignments, quizzes and tests designed to evaluate students’ mastery of course concepts.
A = above 89%
B = 80 – 89%
C = 70 – 79%
D = 60 – 69%
F = below 60%
All late work will be returned to students with no grade (zero) for that assignment. Students are instructed to request an extension for any assignment that cannot be completed by deadline. Requests must come in person (face-to-face) and at least 48 hours prior to the start of the class during which the assignment is due
Instructor Course Policies
Attendance is required. Attendance will be taken randomly. Students missing from class will lose 3 points from their attendance grade. See the current Student Handbook for the college’s Attendance policy especially as it pertains to excused absences.
Academic misconduct will not be tolerated in the classroom. Failure to follow the aforementioned classroom policies may result in additional academic penalties as determined by the instructor and/or by the Office of Academic Affairs. See the current Student Handbook for the college’s Attendance policy, especially as it pertains to excused absences.
Institutional and Program-Level Policies
All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.
Undergraduate: SP25 Final Exam Schedule Graduate:
Out-of-class Work Expectation A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week. |
Instructional Course Delivery |
Academic Integrity Policy The use of generative AI is prohibited except where expressly allowed in assignment instructions. |
Class Attendance Policy |
Accessibility and Disability Services
Accessibility and Disability Services
Wilmington College provides accommodations and services for student with a variety of disabilities, including chronic illnesses, psychological, physical, medical, learning, and sensory disability amongst others. If you anticipate or experience barriers based on disability and feel you may need a reasonable accommodation to fulfill the essential functions of this course, you are encouraged to contact:
Spencer Izor, Associate Vice President of Compliance - Title IX/ADA Coordinator at spencer.izor@wilmington.edu or 937-481-2365 or Nathan Flack, Academic Resource Manager at 937-481-2208 to learn more about the process and procedures for requesting accommodations, or by visiting College Hall Room 306a or the Robinson Communication Center, Room 103.
Religious Accommodations
Wilmington College strives for an inclusive climate and welcomes students from all backgrounds, faiths, and experiences. If religious observance impedes your ability to participate fully in classroom activities or a principal holiday from your religious tradition occurs during the semester and conflicts with class meetings or activities, please make the professor aware of this immediately to determine if a reasonable accommodation is possible.