Course Syllabus
Course: AGBS 1100
Division: Business and Applied Tech
Department: Business
Title: Career Exploration in Agribusiness
Semester Approved: Spring 2020
Five-Year Review Semester: Summer 2025
End Semester: Fall 2025
Catalog Description: This class introduces students to a variety of agriculture careers in agribusiness, production, public and private service, and sales and marketing opportunities related to agriculture. Emphasis will be on opportunities in the western United States. A variety of guest lecturers will present real-world insight into various careers. Students will also develop their own professional letter of application and resume.
Semesters Offered: Fall
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 2; Lecture: 2; Lab: 0
Justification: This course exposes students to various occupational options in the agricultural field. The course assists students in preparing a letter of application and resume for a prospective job in agriculture. The course also assists students in making occupational decisions and helps them map out an academic pathway.
General Education Outcomes:
1: A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world.
Student Learning Outcomes:
As a result of taking this course, students will: be familiar with some of the many different jobs available within the scope of agribusiness; be aware of the education and skills needed to be employable in the agribusiness area; be aware of the monetary compensation, benefits, and risks associated with various occupations in agriculture; understand that agriculture employment encompasses production, processing, and marketing of food and fiber products. Students will write a summary of each presenter's presentation. Students will also participate in group and class discussions about the skills, education and opportunities for the various agriculture careers presenters have focused on. The instructor will give both verbal and written feedback on the written summaries and during group and class discussions.
Students will prepare a resume and a letter of application for a job identified by the student. Students will complete a letter of application and resume for a job announcement they have interest in applying for. Students will receive both written and verbal feedback on their resume and letter of application.
Content:
In addition to instructor lectures, a variety of individuals associated with agriculture/agribusiness are invited to come and address the class. These individuals are instructed to inform students about their occupation in general but also to address the following topics: job skills needed for their position; education needed for similar positions; work environment, including location of similar jobs; job openings per year, if applicable; pay and benefits to be expected.
Field trips are also taken to local agricultural operations. Students are assigned to write a hands-on summary of each visit or field trip. After several guest presentations or class field trips, a class period is used for a summary discussion.
Students will also be taught how to prepare a letter of application and a resume for an actual job announcement.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students are evaluated on three performance indicators.
Attendance 20 to 40%
Written assignments 30 to 50%
Resume & letter of application 10 to 40%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
No specific text is used; however, students will become acquainted with the Career Library and its resources at the college. The instructor will also provide various materials.
Pedagogy Statement:
Because agriculture careers are more than "cows and plows" students will be introduced to a vast variety of agriculture careers through presentations by a vast variety of invited agricultural professionals. By writing a summary of each presentation and preparing their resume students will more acutely realize their abilities and interests for a variety of agriculture career options and will be able to create a more progressive and accurate educational path towards their desired career.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 70
Optimum Class Size: 50
