Course Number and Title:
AGS 102 Introduction to Agriculture
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: SSC 100 or concurrent
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
3 lecture hours/week
0 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course introduces the broad field of agriculture with emphasis on the history and importance of technology advancements in agriculture. Topics include agricultural inventions, technological advancements, careers, and important information such as safety and understanding how to interpret the USDA Census of Agriculture.
Additional Materials
None
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
1. Describe the historical discoveries, current issues, and projected technological advancements in the agricultural industry. (CCC 1, 5; PGC BMT 2; PAG 5; TOH 8)
2. Identify career opportunities related to the agricultural industry. (CCC 1, 3, 4, 5; PGC BMT 1)
3. Identify and discuss the importance of advocating for agriculture. (CCC 1, 4, 5; PGC BMT 2; PAG 5; TOH 8)
4. Examine the latest USDA Census of Agriculture. (CCC 2, 5; PGC BMT 1, 2; PAG 5; TOH 8)
5. Interpret safety practices related to careers in the agricultural industry. (CCC 1, 2 ; PGC BMT 2, PAG 3; TOH 1, 8)
6. Describe agricultural practices and how they relate to the environment. (CCC 1, 2, 5; PGC BMT 2; PAG 2; TOH 2, 5, 8)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Describe the historical discoveries, current issues, and projected technological advancements of the agricultural industry.
- Summarize historical agricultural discoveries that increased global production of food and fiber.
- Identify current agricultural issues.
- Investigate projected technological advancements.
- Investigate agriculture organizations that seek to improve the agricultural industry.
- Identify career opportunities related to the agricultural industry.
- Explore career opportunities in the agricultural industry.
- Practice professional communication skills necessary for gainful employment in the agriculture industry.
- Identify and discuss the importance of advocating for agriculture.
- Define advocating as related to the agriculture industry.
- Discuss areas of agriculture where advocating is needed.
- Examine the latest USDA Census of Agriculture.
- Explain the purpose of the USDA Census of Agriculture.
- Discuss the importance of understanding the USDA Census of Agriculture.
- Analyze portions of the USDA Census of Agriculture that relate to local agriculture on Delmarva.
- Interpret safety practices related to careers in the agricultural industry.
- Examine personal safety hazards related to careers in the agriculture industry.
- Explain and identify the importance of Delaware’s Fresh Produce Food Safety Training for Wholesale Vegetable and Fruit Producers, Good Agriculture Practices (GAP), and Good Handling Practices (GHP).
- Describe agricultural practices and how they relate to the environment.
- Define the terms regenerative agriculture, sustainability, and IPM (Integrated Pest Management).
- Examine regenerative agriculture practices.
- Identify the methods used in integrated pest management.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
|
Evaluation Measure
|
Percentage of final grade
|
|
Exams (2) (summative) (equally weighted)
|
20%
|
|
Quizzes (formative) (3-5) (equally weighted)
|
20%
|
|
Presentations (2) (summative) (equally weighted)
|
20%
|
|
Career Project (summative)
|
10%
|
|
Formative Assessments (assignments/activities, discussion boards)
|
30%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
AGSAASBMT
- Distinguish among business career areas in agribusiness.
- Examine current agricultural issues.
- Prepare a business plan for an agricultural enterprise.
- Apply management theories to agricultural business operations through practical experience.
- Apply basic recordkeeping and accounting procedures to agribusiness operations.
AGSAASPAG
- Apply basic agribusiness management procedures to production and marketing of agriculture products.
- Integrate pest management procedures into crop production techniques.
- Demonstrate production techniques related to sustainable agriculture.
- Demonstrate scheduling, production, marketing, harvesting, and safe handling of crops.
- Describe the importance of poultry, livestock, and crop production to the agriculture industry.
- Assess breeding, care, and nutrition of livestock animals.
AGSAASTOH
- Demonstrate professional behaviors that satisfy workplace expectations and include adherence to safety and environmental concerns related to the field.
- Demonstrate basic management functions to include environmental controls, scheduling, production, pest control, and nutrient management of turf and ornamental plants.
- Cultivate and maintain golf course landscapes.
- Apply business principles and strategies to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.
- Explain the importance of environmental factors such as soil and water management to the turf and ornamental horticulture industries.
- Apply basic installation and maintenance techniques for irrigation systems.
- Design and install a finished landscape plan, using native plant materials when possible.
- Examine current agricultural issues and topics.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.