Course Description
While introducing students to the agricultural and environmental science communication profession, they will practice and develop the skill of writing for a variety of situations and audiences. Additionally, students will understand the role of agricultural and environmental communication within the current status and role within the U.S. mass media system.
Athena Title
Writing in Ag and Env Science
Non-Traditional Format
This version of the course will be taught as writing intensive, which means that the course will include substantial and ongoing writing assignments that a) relate clearly to course learning; b) teach the communication values of a discipline—for example, its practices of argument, evidence, credibility, and format; and c) prepare students for further writing in their academic work, in graduate school, and in professional life. The written assignments will result in a significant and diverse body of written work (the equivalent of 6000 words or 25 pages) and the instructor (and/or the teaching assistant assigned to the course) will be closely involved in student writing, providing opportunities for feedback and substantive revision.
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall, spring and summer
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon completion of the course, students will: 1) learn to write effective publications for social media, the press, and other forms of media, highlighting the relevance to the public using AP Style writing; 2) demonstrate a working understanding of the media literacy and critical process; 3) learn to write using concise and effective language to be used on social media platforms and other abbreviated forms of communication; and 4) discuss and evaluate various career options in agricultural communication, with respect to mass media evolution.
Topical Outline
1. Introduction and Overview of Course 2. Grammar and Writing Styles 3. Writing for Publication and AP Style 4. Writing Leads and Using AP Style 5. Interviewing Sources 6. Ethics in Communication and Interviewing 7. Editing for Publication 8. Writing Press Releases 9. Working with the Media 10. Crisis Communication for Agriculture 11. Being a Professional Communicator 12. Your Professional Portfolio 13. Writing for Brochures 14. Writing for Social Media 15. The Future of Agricultural Communication
Syllabus