AGR220 Extension (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.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
On Campus
Wagga Wagga Campus
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: AGR220. 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, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences

Subject Relationships

AGR520 Paired Subject

Incompatible Subjects

AGR520

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Be able to describe the social component of the agricultural and equine industries and the social processes occurring within them
  • Be able to describe the process of change, its effect on people and how extension processes can facilitate change management
  • Be able to use communication theory to analyse and improve extension.
  • Be able to demonstrate skills and strategies for effectively interpersonal communication

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 farm systems by improving complex problem management and by 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 to achieve intended outcomes.

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of AGR220 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Module quiz
20
2
Report on extension event
40
3
Communication portfolio
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: June 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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