Course addresses the foundation concepts of Engagement, Outreach, and Extension. In addition, this course will define Extension and its mission to the public by studying and understanding the role of outreach and engagement practices in solving community problems. Students learn about Extension’s mission, history, organization, administration, and program areas.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students: Students enrolled in the graduate section of this course are to develop a paper (Extension Theory and Models Research) analyzing one of the following general models of adult education:
• Postsecondary education
• Andragogic education
• Transformative education
• Appreciative education
The paper should include a brief history of the development of the model, a comparison of the model to the other three models, and a critical analysis of the model.
Athena Title
Extension and Engagement
Non-Traditional Format
This course will be taught 95% or more online.
Undergraduate Prerequisite
AGCM 2200 or permission of department
Graduate Prerequisite
ALDR 7500E or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Offered fall
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will describe the concepts of Engagement, Outreach, and Extension.
Students will apply foundational concepts in Engagement, Outreach, and Extension through practical exercises.
Students will describe the Cooperative Extension Service as an educational agency and its relationship to the Land Grant university system.
Students will discuss the origins, history, philosophy, and objectives of the Extension Service.
Students will explain the organizational structure of the Cooperative Extension Service and how it is administered and funded.
Students will discuss the program areas of the Cooperative Extension Service, including content, scope, impact, administration, and evolution.
Students will describe how Extension educational programs are planned, designed, implemented, and evaluated with emphasis on applying the principles of engagement.
Students will describe the teaching-learning process as it relates to engagement.
Students will discuss the importance and role of volunteers in extension work.
Students will evaluate potential career opportunities with UGA Cooperative Extension.
Topical Outline
Week 1 Origins of Extension Work: History, philosophy, and objectives
Week 2 Origins of Extension Work: The Land Grant University Mission; Engagement, Outreach, and Extension
Week 3 Organization, Structure, and Administration of Extension: Roles – Agents, Directors, Specialists
Week 4 Organization, Structure, and Administration of Extension: Volunteers and Research Stations
Week 5 Extension Across the Globe/International Extension
Week 6 Extension Education Models
Week 7 Formal vs. Non-formal Education
Week 8 Principles of Teaching Adult Learners
Week 9 Extension Program – Production Agriculture
Week 10 Extension Program – Horticulture and the Environment
Week 11 Extension Program – Youth Development and 4-H
Week 12 Extension Program – Health and Wellness
Week 13 Extension Program – Food Preservation, Safety, and Manufacturing
Week 14 Extension Program – The Green Industry
Week 15 Extension Evaluation Methods
