Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology (AECT)

ACOM 21403. Introduction to Agricultural Communications and Leadership. 3 Hours.

A survey of agricultural communications and leadership theories and practices for students in the ACOM and AGLE concentrations and minors and anyone seeking a basic understanding of these disciplines. The course provides an overview of the history, philosophy, and theories of the disciplines and introduces students to career options, skills and practical competencies required of agricultural communicators and leaders. (Typically offered: Fall)

ACOM 31403. Communicating Agriculture to the Public. 3 Hours.

An overview of public communications theory and practices in the agricultural, food, and life sciences with a particular focus on technical writing, public relations and media relations writing, campaign planning, public speaking, and various mass media communication techniques, including print, broadcast, electronic, and social media. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

ACOM 314H3. Honors Communicating Agriculture to the Public. 3 Hours.

An overview of public communications theory and practices in the agricultural, food, and life sciences with a particular focus on technical writing, public relations and media relations writing, campaign planning, public speaking, and various mass media communication techniques, including print, broadcast, electronic, and social media. Prerequisite: Honors standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

ACOM 32403. Ag Reporting and Feature Writing. 3 Hours.

This course will provide students an exposure to writing, interviewing, and editing news on agricultural issues in agricultural industry publications. Students will gain practical experience with journalistic interviewing, news writing, feature writing, digital photography, and writing for broadcast on agricultural issues. This course is designed for students with at least six hours of upper division courses. Pre- or Corequisite: JOUR 10303 and lab component. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

ACOM 39403. Professional Development in Agricultural Communications and Leadership. 3 Hours.

Overview of professional and technical skills needed to succeed in internships and jobs in the field of agricultural communications. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

ACOM 4000V. Special Problems in Agricultural Communications. 1-6 Hour.

Individual study or research for advanced undergraduates in the field of agricultural communication. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is cross-listed with AGED 4000V, AGLE 4000V.

ACOM 4010V. Special Topics. 1-4 Hour.

Studies of selected topics in agricultural communications not covered in other courses. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 4 hours of degree credit.

ACOM 41403. Electronic Communications in Agriculture. 3 Hours.

An overview of communication technology in the agricultural, food and life sciences. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

ACOM 42403. Graphic Design in AFLS. 3 Hours.

This course provides students with graphic design and software skills specific to industries in Agriculture, Food, and Life Sciences. Students will learn to use industry-standard software (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Excel, etc.) to prepare text and graphics and package them for use in print production. Prerequisite: ASTM 29003 or ISYS 11203 or equivalent. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

ACOM 43403. Communication Campaigns in Agriculture. 3 Hours.

Students will develop understanding of the principles, practices and applications of social marketing, integrated marketing communications, advertising and public relations as they pertain to developing communication campaign strategies for the agricultural industry. Students will develop a communication campaign for an agricultural company and/or entity focused on a specific product or service. Prerequisite: Junior standing or higher, ACOM 42403, ACOM 32403, ACOM 31403, and (ACOM 21403 or AGLE 21403), or instructor permission. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

ACOM 45403. Ag Publications. 3 Hours.

Students produce a magazine through classroom study mirroring a professional magazine staff and are provided an opportunity for their writing, advertisements, photographs and artwork to be published in the magazine. By using computer applications, students integrate various skills including writing, editing and layout in agricultural publications. Prerequisite: JOUR 10303. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

ACOM 46403. Agricultural Video Production. 3 Hours.

The goal of this course is for students to develop a practical understanding of video production with an emphasis on short-form videos commonly used in education and marketing in the agricultural, food and life sciences industry. The course content covers both theory and practical application and will include training with industry-standard video equipment and editing software. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

ACOM 4750V. Internship in Ag Communications. 1-6 Hour.

A supervised practical work experience in ag communications which is designed to give the student an insight into the role of ag communications employees and an opportunity to gain professional competence in this area. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is cross-listed with AGLE 4750V, ASTM 4750V, EXED 4750V.

AGED 11203. Foundations of Agricultural Education. 3 Hours.

A preparatory course evaluating the historical foundations of agricultural education with an introduction to the psychological, sociological and philosophical foundations of education. This course will encourage reflective practice through understanding of educational trends, classroom environment creation and utilization, and effective program planning. (Typically offered: Fall)

AGED 31101. Student Management. 1 Hour.

To guide students in the development of realistic, proactive classroom management strategies that establish a safe culture of student learning and academic success. Prerequisite: Instructor Consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

AGED 31303. Instructional and Presentation Strategies. 3 Hours.

Methods and techniques in teaching agriculture at the secondary level. Lecture/laboratory 4 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. (Typically offered: Spring)

AGED 31601. Curriculum Development and Assessment Techniques in Career and Technical Education Laboratory. 1 Hour.

To supply students with opportunities to apply skills in creating curricula, lesson plans, and assessment strategies for courses in career and technical education. Materials created as a result of this course will apply principles learned in AGED 31602, and will align with anticipated courses to be taught by the student during his/her teaching internship. Pre- or Corequisite: AGED 31602. (Typically offered: Fall)

AGED 31602. Curriculum Development and Assessment Techniques in AGED. 2 Hours.

To supply students with the necessary information and skills to select and apply appropriate teaching techniques, curricula, resources, and assessment strategies when designing a course in career and technical education. (Typically offered: Fall)

AGED 4000V. Special Problems in Agricultural and Extension Education. 1-6 Hour.

Individual study or research for advanced undergraduates in the field of agricultural and extension education. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is cross-listed with AGLE 4000V, ACOM 4000V.

AGED 4010V. Special Topics. 1-3 Hour.

Studies of selected topics in agricultural or extension education not covered in other courses. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 4 hours of degree credit.

AGED 41103. Undergraduate Researchers Improving Student Experience. 3 Hours.

To engage students in the social sciences in action research that serves to solve a problem or answer a question within the student's academic field through scientific inquiry. All students will work with professionals, commonly outside of the university, within their discipline to conduct their action research in order to solve a problem experienced by that professional. Students may work in teams or individually to complete the overall purpose of the course. (Typically offered: Spring)

AGED 41203. Issues in Agriculture. 3 Hours.

Lecture and discussion on local, regional, national and international issues related to agricultural policy, ethics, environment, society, and science. Designed for students with at least six hours of upper division agricultural science courses. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

AGED 42103. Teachers as Professionals. 3 Hours.

To expose students to the roles and responsibilities of professional teachers. Students will understand the characteristics common to professionals and apply these to the teaching setting. Real-world examples of "grey-area" situations will allow students to evaluate issues holistically and determine appropriate solutions following the ethical and professional guidelines of the teaching discipline. This course will also guide students in the development of realistic, proactive classroom management strategies that establish a safe culture of student learning and academic success, a major component of teacher professionalism. Additionally, students will prepare resumes and engage in mock interviews to enhance their professional dispositions as they consider employment opportunities. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

AGED 42303. Program Development. 3 Hours.

Teachers of agricultural education need an understanding of the skills needed to successfully manage leadership and experiential learning components of the agricultural education model. This course is designed to teach principles and concepts of leadership, program organization, youth organization management, supervised agricultural experience, and advisory committees. This course is a portion of pre-professional studies required for certification in agricultural education. Prerequisite: AGED 31303 and instructor consent. (Typically offered: Spring)

AGED 44403. Principles of Technological Change. 3 Hours.

This course introduces a structured approach for dealing with the organizational and human aspects of technology transition, including the key concepts of resistance and change management, organizational change, communications, and processes by which professional change agents influence the introduction, adoption, and diffusion of technological change. This course may be offered as a web-based course. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall Odd Years)

AGED 4750V. Internship in Agricultural Education. 1-6 Hour.

Scheduled practical field experiences under the supervision of a professional practitioner in off-campus secondary school systems. Emphasis includes classroom preparation, teaching, and student evaluation. Successful completion of a criminal background check required before a student can begin internship. Prerequisite: Admission into Clinical Practice. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

AGED 48403. Methods in Agricultural Laboratories. 3 Hours.

Methods and management techniques in all types of agricultural laboratories that may be in a secondary agricultural science program. Emphasis on management of students and facilities, equipment, and materials. Laboratory 6 hours per week. (Typically offered: Spring)

AGLE 21403. Introduction to Agricultural Communications and Leadership. 3 Hours.

A survey of agricultural communications and leadership theories and practices for students in the ACOM and AGLE concentrations and minors and anyone seeking a basic understanding of these disciplines. The course provides an overview of the history, philosophy, and theories of the disciplines and introduces students to career options, skills and practical competencies required of agricultural communicators and leaders. (Typically offered: Fall)

AGLE 31503. Leadership Development in Agriculture. 3 Hours.

Identification of styles and roles of leadership; development of leadership techniques and skills required in working with organizations; dynamics of group action; methods of resolving conflict; ethical considerations for leaders; and personal skills development. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

AGLE 315H3. Honors Leadership Development in Agriculture. 3 Hours.

Identification of styles and roles of leadership; development of leadership techniques and skills required in working with organizations; dynamics of group action; methods of resolving conflict; ethical considerations for leaders; and personal skills development. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

AGLE 39403. Professional Development in Agricultural Communications and Leadership. 3 Hours.

Overview of professional and technical skills needed to succeed in internships and jobs in the field of agricultural communications. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

AGLE 4000V. Special Problems in Agricultural Leadership. 1-6 Hour.

Individual study or research for advanced undergraduates in the field of agricultural and extension education. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is cross-listed with AGED 4000V, ACOM 4000V.

AGLE 4010V. Special Topics. 1-4 Hour.

Studies of selected topics in agricultural or extension education not covered in other courses. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for up to 4 hours of degree credit.

AGLE 41503. Survey of Leadership Theory in Agriculture. 3 Hours.

An interdisciplinary analysis of current issues in the practice of leadership in a contemporary and changing society, particularly as they affect agricultural organizations and issues. Discussions of leadership theory, roles of leaders, skills for effective leadership, diversity issues, and followership will challenge students to think critically about leadership, enhance personal leadership performance and potential, and prepare for or expand leadership roles, and to become innovative and productive in dealing with challenges facing agricultural organizations today. Prerequisite: AGLE 31503. (Typically offered: Fall)

AGLE 41603. Leadership Analysis Through Film. 3 Hours.

Clemens (1999) stated, "Films are a catalyst." They make you laugh, cry, cheer, and think. Flaum (2002) stated leadership is best learned in the leadership moment. Moreover, the principles of Andragogy advocate adult learners best learning when there is a practical application of the learning subject. Therefore, this course builds upon the study of leadership theory by allowing students to analyze, reflect, synthesize, and apply leadership theories, models and concepts in the context of film. The course materials encourage students to reflect, synthesize, analyze, and apply the information learned from major leadership theories and apply them to various scenarios and situations demonstrated in selected films. Prerequisite: AGLE 31503 or AGLE 41503 or graduate standing or instructor consent. (Typically offered: Spring and Summer)

AGLE 4750V. Internship in Ag Leadership. 1-6 Hour.

A supervised practical work experience in Ag Leadership which is designed to give the student an insight into the role of ag leadership employees and an opportunity to gain professional competence in this area. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is cross-listed with ACOM 4750V, ASTM 4750V, EXED 4750V.

ASTM 16101. Fundamentals of Agricultural Systems Technology Laboratory. 1 Hour.

Study of basic mathematical and physical science concepts important in the mechanization of agriculture. Laboratory required for agricultural education, communication and technology majors enrolled in ASTM 16103, optional for others enrolled in ASTM 16103. Corequisite: ASTM 16103. (Typically offered: Fall)

ASTM 16103. Fundamentals of Agricultural Systems Technology. 3 Hours.

Introduction to basic physical concepts important in agricultural technical systems: applied mechanics, power and machinery management, structures and electrification, and soil and water conservation. Lecture 3 hours per week. (Typically offered: Fall)

ASTM 21203. Metals and Welding. 3 Hours.

An introduction to agricultural mechanics shop work to include hot and cold metal work, arc welding, and gas welding and cutting. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)

ASTM 29003. Agricultural and Human Environmental Sciences Applications of Microcomputers. 3 Hours.

Lecture and laboratory assignments covering the contemporary use of microcomputers in agricultural, food and life sciences. Emphasis placed on learning to use selected, appropriate Microsoft (Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access), email/Internet, and collaboration software packages. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

ASTM 31001. Small Power Units/Turf Equipment Laboratory. 1 Hour.

Testing, evaluation, and maintenance of engines, hydrostatic power transmission systems, and equipment commonly used in the turf and landscaping industries. Corequisite: ASTM 31002. Prerequisite: MATH 11003 or higher. (Typically offered: Spring)

ASTM 31002. Small Power Units/Turf Equipment. 2 Hours.

Principles of operation, adjustment, repair, maintenance, and trouble shooting of small air-cooled engines and power units, including various engine systems, service and maintenance of turf equipment and machinery. Lecture 2 hours per week. Corequisite: ASTM 31001. Prerequisite: MATH 11003 or higher. (Typically offered: Spring)

ASTM 31503. Surveying in Agriculture and Forestry. 3 Hours.

Techniques and procedures normally used in determining areas and characterizing the topography of agricultural and forest lands. Includes basic concepts of surveying; use and care of level, transit, distance measuring equipment; topographic mapping and public land surveys. (Typically offered: Fall)

ASTM 31703. Electricity in Agriculture. 3 Hours.

Principles of electricity; wiring of home, farmstead and other agricultural structures; selection of electric motors and their care and application in the broad field of agriculture; lighting and special uses of electricity such as heating and electrical controls. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. (Typically offered: Spring)

ASTM 4000V. Special Problems. 1-6 Hour.

Individual research or study in electrification, irrigation, farm power, machinery, or buildings. Prerequisite: Senior standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

ASTM 4020V. Special Topics in Agricultural Mechanization. 1-4 Hour.

Topics not covered in other courses or a more intensive study of special topics in agricultural mechanization. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

ASTM 42003. Mechanized Systems Management. 3 Hours.

Selection, sizing, and operating principles of agricultural machinery systems, including power sources. Cost analysis and computer techniques applied to planning and management of mechanized systems. Corequisite: Lab component. Prerequisite: MATH 11003 or higher. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

ASTM 4750V. Internship in Ag Systems. 1-6 Hour.

A supervised practical work experience in Ag Systems Technology Management which is designed to give the student an insight into the role of ag systems employees and an opportunity to gain professional competence in this area. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is cross-listed with ACOM 4750V, AGLE 4750V, EXED 4750V.

ASTM 49703. Irrigation. 3 Hours.

Methods of applying supplemental water to soils to supply moisture essential for plant growth, sources of water, measurement of irrigation water, pumps, conveyance structure, economics, and irrigation for special crops. Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 2 hours per week. Corequisite: Lab component. (Typically offered: Spring)

EXED 4750V. Internship in Extension. 1-6 Hour.

A supervised practical work experience in Cooperative Extension which is designed to give the student an insight into the role of Extension employees and an opportunity to gain professional competence in this area. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.
This course is cross-listed with ACOM 4750V, AGLE 4750V, ASTM 4750V.