AGR520 Extension Post Graduate (8)

Extension involves 'the conscious use of communication of information to help people form sound opinions and make good decisions' (van den Ban & Hawkins, 1996). In practice this includes building and enhancing the knowledge of people in rural communities. For students the subject is about people and change in the agricultural and equine industries. It introduces the role of the social sciences in agriculture and equine industries - emphasising social relationships and networks as well as the physical and biological components of the farm and industry systems. It gives students an appreciation of social processes as a means of change and improvement in whichever industry and role they see themselves. It uses methods and theory from communication and social science to provide an understanding of the forces and process of change, and to develop the skills necessary to assist people achieve change.

Subject Outlines
Current CSU students can view Subject Outlines for recent sessions. Please note that Subject Outlines and assessment tasks are updated each session.

Availability

* Offering has a residential school. Please view following information for further details.

Session 1 (30)
Online *
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: AGR520. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences

Enrolment Restrictions

Restricted to students enrolling in Post Graduate Courses including Articulated Sets of Courses, Graduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Masters.

Incompatible Subjects

AGR220

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to demonstrate the social component and processes in the agricultural and equine industries.
  • be able to demonstrate the process of change, its effect on the people and how it can be worked within the extension role.
  • demonstrate an understanding of and use communication theory to analyse and improve extension.
  • Be able to communicate skilfully and effectively in interpersonal situations.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • - Extension concepts and practice. The history and development of Australian agriculture - including agricultural education.
  • - Communication theory. The Information business. Basic skills. Communication models to improve and criticise practice.
  • - The professional talk. Choosing the topic, planning, and constructing the talk. The theory, choice and construction of visual aids
  • - Diffusion and adoption behaviour of farmers and equine business operators. The sociology and behaviour of managers and owners.
  • - Bottom-up change. Community participation and rural development. The enhancement of improving complex problems and using local knowledge and skills.
  • - Marketing, economics in the public and private sectors.
  • - Social research - its relevance to community research and development
  • - Group dynamics and group exercises. The knowledge and skills required.
  • - Mass communication. Understanding and knowing who to use.
  • - An optional unit on participation by farmers, rural communities in extension and research. Includes Rapid Rural Appraisal, bottom-up methods, Farming Systems Research, and Action Research.

Residential School

This subject contains a 2 day Compulsory Residential School.The Res School activities incorporate group work and media skills working in an interactive environment.

Contact

Current Students

For any enquiries about subject selection or course structure please contact Student Central or ask@csu.edu.au or phone on 1800 275 278.

Prospective Students

For further information about Charles Sturt University, or this course offering, please contact info.csu on 1800 275 278 (free call within Australia) or enquire online.

The information contained in the 2018 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: August 2018. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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