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.