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AGR 199

I.   TITLE: Contemporary Issues In Agriculture

II.   CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
A course designed to increase the understanding, awareness, and critical analysis of contemporary  agricultural issues and their effect upon the social, political, economic and cultural aspects of society.   Topics will include environmental, biotechnology, animal, crop, career, economy and trade, agricultural policy, food   quality, safety and international agriculture issues.

III.   PURPOSE:
The purpose of this course is to:
A. Engage the student in a mature, thoughtful investigation of the historical, social, political and economic aspect of a variety of agricultural issues.
B. Enhance the communication skills of students through class discussions, debates and presentations.
C. Develop critical thinking skills by gathering and validating knowledge of agricultural issues and analyzing and formulating propositions on those issues.
D. Utilize computer technology to research agriculture issues.
E. Develop an understanding of the role of agriculture and its local and global importance to society.
F. Develop an appreciation of the historical development and economic importance of agriculture.
G. Develop the ability to effectively analyze and develop their view point on agricultural issues and contribute to societal debate of those issues throughout their lifetime.

IV.   COURSE OBJECTIVES: After completion of this course, the student will be able to:
   A. Identify and prioritize key agricultural issues.
   B. Conduct research to increase their knowledge about issues.
   C. Analyze information to effectively communicate both sides of an issue.
   D. Interact and participate in group discussion.
   E. Form independent decisions utilizing critical thinking and conflict resolution skills.
   F. Gain self-confidence in their ability to make rational decisions.
   G. Gain knowledge in agriculture and its relation to society.

V.   CONTENT OUTLINE:
   A. Importance and History of Agriculture
   B. Agricultural Issue Analysis
   C. Agricultural Issues *
      1. Career Issues
      2. Environmental Issues
         a. Water  b. land use  c. air
      3. Animal Issues
      4. Crop Issues
      5. Agricultural Bio-Technology Issues
      6. Food Quality, Safety and Policy Issues
      7. Economy and Trade Issues
      8. Agricultural Policy Issues
      9. International Agricultural Issues
      10. Other Issues
  *Example issues

VI.   INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES:
   A. Interdisciplinary guest speakers
   B.  Research investigations of electronic (inter-net) and printed media (journals)
   C. Class discussions
   D. Individual oral presentations
   E. Team debates
   F. Written reports/research papers
   G. Interview of Professionals
   H. Role playing
   I. Discussion groups on e-mail

VII.   FIELD, CLINICAL, AND/OR LABORATORY EXPERIENCES:
Students will be expected to interview a person involved in an agricultural career of their choosing and develop  written and oral presentations evaluating this occupation.  It will include an analysis of the most pressing  contemporary agriculture issue relating to this career.

VIII.   RESOURCES:
TV shows “Ag Day” and “US Farm Report”
Internet site: http://gopher.ag.uiuc.edu/aim/discovery/

IX.   GRADING PROCEDURES:
  Written reports/critiques of guest speakers   10%
   Field experience interview written and oral report  10%
   Research paper of an agricultural issue    15%
   Written examinations      40%
   Internet investigation        5%
   Team debate       10%
   Quizzes         5%
   Participation in class and e-mail discussion      5%

   Grades will follow the standard grading scale:
      A = 90-100
      B = 80-89
      C =  70-79
      D = 60-69
      E = Below 60

X.  ATTENDANCE  POLICY:
Attendance is expected.  This class is not offered by correspondence; therefore, all students will be expected to be in class each meeting.  Grades will be adjusted accordingly in case of excessive absences.

XI.  ACADEMIC HONESTY POLICY:
Academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will result in failure of the course.  Departmental procedures will be followed.

NOTE: The Department of Agriculture Faculty at Murray State University have adopted and implemented an Academic Honesty Policy in addition to the University Honesty Policy.  The policy sets guideline regarding acts of dishonesty and the procedure to follow should an event occur.  It is each Ag. Student’s responsibility to obtain and read a copy of this document.  The Dept. Academic Honesty Policy can be obtained by asking for a copy from any Ag Faculty member or the Secretary.

XII.  TEXT AND REFERENCES:
None required.
  Recommended readings:
     “Focusing on Agricultural Issues.”
     National FFA Foundation.
  International Agriculture.  Finley, Price. Delmar  Publishers. 1994.
   “Animal Welfare” Instructional material by The National Council for Agriculture       Education.
   “The Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics”
   “Infusing a Global Perspective into the Study of Agriculture” The National Council for Agricultural Education.

XIII.  PREREQUISITES:
None.

Last updated February 14, 2000. Designed and maintained by Kyosung Koo