Program Overview

Introduction to AGR220 Extension

Extension involves the conscious use of communication of information to help people form sound opinions and make good decisions. 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.

Subject Description

The subject introduces the role of the social sciences in agriculture and equine industries, emphasizing 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. The subject 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.

Availability

• The subject is offered in two sessions:
  • Session 1 (30): On Campus at Wagga Wagga Campus, and Online at Wagga Wagga Campus
  • Session 2 (60): On Campus at CY O'Connor - Muresk Institute

Subject Information

Grading System

• HD/FL

Duration

• One session

School

• School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

• Understand the social component and processes in the agricultural and equine industries
• Understand the process of change, its effect on the people, and how it can be worked within the extension role
• Understand and use communication theory to analyse and improve extension
• Be able to communicate skilfully and effectively in interpersonal situations

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:

• Extension concepts and practice
• The history and development of Australian agriculture, including agricultural education
• Communication theory
• The Information business
• Basic skills
• Communication models to improve and criticise practice
• The professional talk
• Choosing the topic, planning, and constructing the talk
• The theory, choice, and construction of visual aids
• Diffusion and adoption behaviour of farmers and equine business operators
• The sociology and behaviour of managers and owners
• Bottom-up change
• Community participation and rural development
• The enhancement of improving complex problems and using local knowledge and skills
• Marketing, economics in the public and private sectors
• Social research - its relevance to community research and development
• Group dynamics and group exercises
• Mass communication
• Understanding and knowing who to use
• An optional unit on participation by farmers, rural communities in extension and research, including:
  • Rapid Rural Appraisal
  • Bottom-up methods
  • Farming Systems Research
  • Action Research

Residential School

This subject contains a 2-day Compulsory Residential School. The Res School activities incorporate group work and media skills working in an interactive environment.