Course Description
Cooperative Extension as an outreach, service delivery, and non- formal learning division of land grant universities. Thematic discussions will include administration and management of programs and people, communications, supervision, leadership, volunteerism, partnerships, and youth development. Particular emphasis will be placed on the partnership of 4-H and FFA.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate Students are expected to complete the following
additional requirements: Serve as discussion leaders. Write an
additional research paper as outlined in class descriptions.
Conduct an interview of an Extension Agent and summarize the
findings of their interview. Participate in a qualitative
observation project selected by the student with instructor
approval. This observation project is intended as a research
experience and a career exploration exercise.
Athena Title
Agriculture Extension Admin
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in ALDR 4080E or ALDR 6080E
Prerequisite
ENGL 1102 or ENGL 1102E
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
By the end of the semester, each student will be able to do the following: • Explain the philosophy of service delivery from land-grant institutions and articulate the relevance of that philosophy to current communities. • Develop a fund development plan for a non-profit organization. • Discuss the importance of volunteers in program delivery and be competent in the development of a volunteer recruitment campaign. • Articulate and describe career opportunities in Cooperative Extension. • Explain the history of the land-grant system, Cooperative Extension, and 4-H. • Expound how to establish effective communication and stewardship programs with school systems. • Critically read, review, and summarize journal articles. • Conduct a quality interview with a professional educator. • Compare and contrast 4-H and FFA. • Develop a plan for engaging elected officials in program support.
Topical Outline
1. The development and organization of agricultural and extension education in America from colonial times to the present. Emphasis on the role of societal and scientific changes, the federal government, and philosophy on the evolution of agriculture and Cooperative Extension. 2. Discussion of principles, practices, and theory found to be effective in teaching and leading youth in non-formal learning settings such as 4-H meetings, conferences, camps, and forums. 3. Career Opportunities in Cooperative Extension and 4-H. 4. Social, political, economic significance of Cooperative Extension in rural and urban areas; in agricultural and family issues; in youth and adults. 5. Dynamics of funding sources for Cooperative Extension in public and private sector at local, state, and federal levels. 6. Partnerships for effective extension of the land-grant institution to local communities.
Syllabus