Agricultural Leadership, Communication and Education

Jon Simonsen, Associate Professor and Chair
College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
126 Gentry Hall
(573) 884-7375
Fax: (573) 884-4444
https://dass.missouri.edu/

The agricultural education degree program provides students with the opportunity to combine an interest in agriculture, food and natural resources with their enjoyment of working and communicating with people. A degree in agricultural education leads to careers in which students can influence the understanding of agriculture and its role in society and the global economy.

The department offers the BS and PhD in Agricultural Education, as well as an MS in Agricultural Leadership, Communication and Education. A minor is also available.

Professor B. L Garton**, L. G. Schumacher** 
Associate Professor  J. C. Simonsen**
Assistant Professor D. A. Cletzer*
Assistant Teaching Professor J. D. Tummons*
Assistant Extension Professor R. Mott*
Instructor J. Peckman
Professional Development Specialist C. M. Abbott

*

Graduate Faculty Member - membership is required to teach graduate-level courses, chair master's thesis committees, and serve on doctoral examination and dissertation committees.

**

Doctoral Faculty Member - membership is required to chair doctoral examination or dissertation committees.  Graduate faculty membership is a prerequisite for Doctoral faculty membership.

While MU does not offer undergraduate degrees specifically in agricultural leadership, communication and education, the University does offer bachelors degrees in the closely related areas of Agricultural Education, as well as other related areas both within the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and in the other Schools and Colleges that make up the University.  The catalog provides a complete list of these degree options.

AG_ED_LD 1000: Orientation to Agricultural Education and Leadership

Overview of the discipline of agricultural education including: career opportunities, certification requirements, professional development, and current issues.

Credit Hour: 1


AG_ED_LD 2250: Introduction to Leadership

Any student can learn to be a leader. Students will analyze their strengths and then develop their personalized leadership brand. Students will develop leadership skills for leading in home, work, and organizational contexts and will apply those skills in planning and implementing a personal leadership project.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 2250H: Introduction to Leadership - Honors

Any student can learn to be a leader. Students will analyze their strengths and then develop their personalized leadership brand. Students will develop leadership skills for leading in home, work, and organizational contexts and will apply those skills in planning and implementing a personal leadership project.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required


AG_ED_LD 2260: Team and Organizational Leadership

Principles and practices in planning, developing, conducting, and evaluating leadership programs for agricultural groups. The course focuses on helping students better understand themselves and others, improving group communications; becoming effective leaders and members of groups; improving leadership and personal development skills; assessing leadership situations, determining and administering appropriate leadership strategies, and evaluating results.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 2260H: Team and Organizational Leadership - Honors

Principles and practices in planning, developing, conducting, and evaluating leadership programs for agricultural groups. The course focuses on helping students better understand themselves and others, improving group communications; becoming effective leaders and members of groups; improving leadership and personal development skills; assessing leadership situations, determining and administering appropriate leadership strategies, and evaluating results.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required


AG_ED_LD 2260W: Team and Organizational Leadership - Writing Intensive

Principles and practices in planning, developing, conducting, and evaluating leadership programs for agricultural groups. The course focuses on helping students better understand themselves and others, improving group communications; becoming effective leaders and members of groups; improving leadership and personal development skills; assessing leadership situations, determining and administering appropriate leadership strategies, and evaluating results.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 2270: Leadership Development in Youth Organizations

This course focuses on how to develop leadership in youth through participation in a youth organization. In particular, this course explores youth development, how to develop leadership through youth organizations and their activities, and organizational structures.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 2270H: Leadership Development in Youth Organizations - Honors

This course focuses on how to develop leadership in youth through participation in a youth organization. In particular, this course explores youth development, how to develop leadership through youth organizations and their activities, and organizational structures. Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 2271: Early Field Experience

This field experience is designed for students to explore the role of being a school-based agricultural educator. In particular, students will experience the total agricultural education program with a focus on youth organizations.

Credit Hour: 1
Prerequisites: AG_ED_LD 2270 or concurrent enrollment


AG_ED_LD 3010: Leadership in Today's World

Critically examines the leaders and leadership surrounding the greatest challenges to society today and in the future, while developing awareness and understanding of global and local issues in agriculture, democracy, civil society, business, and the environment. Course also focuses on fostering civil discourse and enhancing engagement. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: RU_SOC 1000, AG_ED_LD 2250, or AG_ED_LD 2260


AG_ED_LD 3010H: Leadership in Today's World - Honors

Critically examines the leaders and leadership surrounding the greatest challenges to society today and in the future, while developing awareness and understanding of global and local issues in agriculture, democracy, civil society, business, and the environment. Course also focuses on fostering civil discourse and enhancing engagement. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required
Recommended: RU_SOC 1000, AG_ED_LD 2250, or AG_ED_LD 2260


AG_ED_LD 3085: Problems in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Supervised and independent study of problems and issues in Agricultural Education and Leadership at the undergraduate level.

Credit Hour: 1-99
Prerequisites: instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 3320: Metal Fabrication and Laboratory Management

Application of metal fabrication skills, including cutting, bending, and welding, using a variety of processes. Operations of hand tools and power equipment used in project construction. Also includes laboratory management, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques related to secondary agriculture programs. Prerequisites: Agriculture Education Majors Only

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 3776: Litton Leadership Scholars

The Litton Leadership Scholars class focuses on developing students as leaders. Through leadership coursework, field-based mentorship and self-reflection, students will practice and develop exemplary leadership skills. Students will have an opportunity to spend time with industry leaders, expand their personal growth boundaries and develop their unique leadership style. Students will engage in an interview process to be selected for the Litton Leadership Scholars program. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-2


AG_ED_LD 4001: Topics in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Courses on specialized topics offered on a trial basis until the course has been assigned a course number.

Credit Hour: 1-3


AG_ED_LD 4087: Internship Seminar in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Seminar focused on the problems of practice and developing skills needed for a career in teaching agriculture at the secondary level. The core of the seminar is on coordinating experiential learning and leadership development activities, managing the complete program, and professional development.

Credit Hours: 3
Corequisites: AG_ED_LD 4995


AG_ED_LD 4240: Leading Organizational and Community Change

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 7240). This course provides the diagnostic and strategic foundations for students to enact leadership in organizational and community contexts. Designed for undergraduate students and graduate-level professionals alike, this course increases a student's capacity to lead with or without authority, and with or without a formal organizational or political position. The course is based heavily on Heifetz's Adaptive Leadership theory, which challenges individuals to think beyond individual, role-based leadership skills and behaviors when enacting change in systems, such as organizations and communities.

Credit Hours: 3
Recommended: AG_ED_LD 2250 and AG_ED_LD 2260


AG_ED_LD 4240H: Leading Organizational and Community Change - Honors

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 7240). This course provides the diagnostic and strategic foundations for students to enact leadership in organizational and community contexts. Designed for undergraduate students and graduate-level professionals alike, this course increases a student's capacity to lead with or without authority, and with or without a formal organizational or political position. The course is based heavily on Heifetz's Adaptive Leadership theory, which challenges individuals to think beyond individual, role-based leadership skills and behaviors when enacting change in systems, such as organizations and communities.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required
Recommended: AG_ED_LD 2250 and AG_ED_LD 2260


AG_ED_LD 4310: Intracurricular Program Management in Agricultural Education

This course explores the philosophical foundations and current structures of secondary Agricultural Education Programs. Students will learn how to plan, supervise, and evaluate the intracurricular components within Agricultural Education programs.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing


AG_ED_LD 4320: Methods of Teaching I

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 7320). Investigations into the teaching and learning process which including lesson planning, direct instruction methods, and assessment. Enrollment limited to students accepted into Phase II of the Teacher Development Program.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standingor instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 4321: Field Experience I

A field-based experience that examines the integration of Supervised Agricultural Experience and Career Development Events into the secondary agriculture curriculum. Investigates the use of advisory committees and graduate follow-up data in curriculum planning. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1
Corequisites: AG_ED_LD 4320


AG_ED_LD 4330: Methods of Teaching II

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 7330). Further investigations into the teaching and learning process which includes methods beyond direct instruction, classroom and behavior management, assessment, and curricular design. Enrollment limited to students accepted into Phase II of Teacher Development Program.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: AG_ED_LD 4320 or instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 4331: Field Experience II

A field-based experience that provides students with comprehensive experience directed toward learning, teaching, and assessment in secondary agriculture programs. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1
Corequisites: AG_ED_LD 4330


AG_ED_LD 4340: Designing and Delivering Educational/Leadership Programs

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 7340). Overview of theory and practice in communicating and facilitating adult and youth training/leadership programs in communities and organizations. Including: communicating program design, methods of communicating for different contexts, marketing programs, and evaluating programs.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: junior standing or instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 4340H: Designing and Delivering Educational/Leadership Programs - Honors

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 7340). Overview of theory and practice in communicating and facilitating adult and youth training/leadership programs in communities and organizations. Including: communicating program design, methods of communicating for different contexts, marketing programs, and evaluating programs.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required; junior standing or instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 4945: Experiential Learning in Industry Internship in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Learning experience combining observation, application, and reflection in a discipline-based industry internship. Course appears on transcript for zero credit and does not count toward full-time enrollment. No tuition or fees are charged. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hours: 0
Prerequisites: instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 4993: Internship in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Field-based learning experience that combines study, observation, and employment with an agricultural business, industry or government agency in the area of education, training, and development. Individual internship plans are developed by a student, faculty supervisor, and an industry cooperator.

Credit Hour: 1-4
Prerequisites: departmental consent


AG_ED_LD 4995: Student Teaching Internship in Agriculture

A field-based learning experience that combines observation and practice in a secondary/adult agriculture program. The purpose of the internship is to provide an opportunity to apply teaching and learning concepts in a practical context.

Credit Hour: 1-12
Prerequisites: departmental consent


AG_ED_LD 4995H: Student Teaching Internship in Agriculture - Honors

A field-based learning experience that combines observation and practice in a secondary/adult agriculture program. The purpose of the internship is to provide an opportunity to apply teaching and learning concepts in a practical context.

Credit Hour: 1-12
Prerequisites: departmental consent; Honors eligibility required


AG_ED_LD 7087: Internship Seminar in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Seminar focused on the problems of practice and developing skills needed for a career in teaching agriculture at the secondary level. The core of the seminar is on coordinating experimental learning and leadership development activities, managing the complete program, and professional development.

Credit Hours: 3
Corequisites: AG_ED_LD 4995


AG_ED_LD 7240: Leading Organizational and Community Change

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 4240). This course provides the diagnostic and strategic foundations for students to enact leadership in organizational and community contexts. Designed for undergraduate students and graduate-level professionals alike, this course increases a student's capacity to lead with or without authority, and with or without a formal organizational or political position. The course is based heavily on Heifetz's Adaptive Leadership theory, which challenges individuals to think beyond individual, role-based leadership skills and behaviors when enacting change in systems, such as organizations and communities.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 7310: Intracurricular Program Management in Agricultural Education

This course explores the philosophical foundations and current structures of secondary Agricultural Education Programs. Students will learn how to plan supervise and evaluate the intracurricular components within Agricultural Education Programs.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 7320: Methods of Teaching I

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 7320). Investigations into the teaching and learning process which includes lesson planning, direct instruction methods, and assessment.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: acceptance into the Teacher Certification option


AG_ED_LD 7330: Methods of Teaching II

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 4330) Further investigations into the teaching and learning process which includes methods beyond direct instruction, classroom and behavior management, assessment, and curricular design.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: acceptance into Teacher Certification option and AG_ED_LD 4320 or AG_ED_LD 7320


AG_ED_LD 7340: Designing and Delivering Educational/Leadership Programs

(cross-leveled with AG_ED_LD 4340). Overview of theory and practice in communicating and facilitating adult and youth training/leadership programs in communities and organizations. Including: communicating program design, methods of communicating for different contexts, marketing programs, and evaluating programs.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: AGSC_COM 2220 or equivalent


AG_ED_LD 7350: Inservice Course in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Professional development course which focuses on enhancing the technical, administrative, or management skills of agricultural educators.

Credit Hour: 1-99


AG_ED_LD 8080: Creative Component in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Independent original work that culminates in a scholarly project, document or presentation. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 8085: Problems in Agricultural Education and Leadership


Credit Hour: 1-99
Prerequisites: instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 8087: Seminar in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Seminar in Agricultural Education and Leadership.

Credit Hour: 1-99


AG_ED_LD 8090: Thesis Research in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Independent research activities by a master's student that culminates in a thesis. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-99
Prerequisites: instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 8210: History and Leadership of the Land Grant University

Historical overview of the evolution and development of land-grant colleges. Students examine early public mandates and evaluate education, research, public service developments and new initiatives needed for Land Grant universities to effectively serve society.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 8250: Leadership Theory and Application

Survey of concepts, theories and practices of leadership, personal development and group dynamics. Exploration of leadership traits and models with a focus upon how they apply to Agricultural Education.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 8330: Advanced Methods of Teaching

Explores the principles and psychological aspects of teaching and learning; teaching strategies, methods, and techniques; evaluating student learning; motivating students; and personal teacher behaviors that influence learning.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 8340: Student and Teacher Development in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Examines planning and supervising career exploration, experiential learning, and leadership development activities of secondary agriculture students. The professional development of the secondary agriculture teacher is also examined.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: AG_ED_LD 4310 or equivalent


AG_ED_LD 8350: College Teaching of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

A course designed to assist current or future college faculty who wish to improve their teaching skills. Topics include theories, principles and practices associated with effective teaching and learning in higher education.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 8351: Induction Year Teaching I

Continuing education course for the professional development of first-year teachers of agriculture. The course focuses on the pedagogical knowledge, skills, and attitudes and managerial skills needed by beginning teachers of agriculture.

Credit Hour: 1-2


AG_ED_LD 8352: Induction Year Teaching II

Continuing education course for the professional development of second-year teachers of agriculture. The course is a continuation of AG_ED_LD 8351 and focuses on the pedagogical knowledge, skills, and attitudes and managerial skills needed by beginning teachers of agriculture.

Credit Hour: 1-2
Prerequisites: AG_ED_LD 8351


AG_ED_LD 8410: Philosophical Foundations of Agricultural Education and Leadership

Overview of the history and philosophical development of agricultural education and leadership as a discipline. Philosophers, policy makers, movements, trends, and legislation that has influenced agricultural education. Current issues and future trends impacting the field. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-3


AG_ED_LD 8430: Evaluation of Educational Programs

Examines program evaluation concepts, principles, and models; and identifies major steps in planning, conducting, and reporting results of evaluation objects.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 8510: Research Methods and Design

(same as AAE 8510). This course will give students a foundational understanding of quantitative research methods and design in the social and behavioral sciences. The main objective is to help students identify and formulate their own research questions and develop and implement a process for answering them. Students will examine the nature of the research process, explore the connection between theory and empirical research, identify viable research topics, critique published research, learn how to structure good arguments, understand the structure of research papers and proposals, plan and manage research activities, and become familiar with research ethics. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 8530: Grant Proposal Writing

Preparation of proposals designed to solicit grant funding to support teaching, research or outreach programs. Emphasis on proposal development, identifying funding sources, and proposal review processes.

Credit Hours: 2


AG_ED_LD 8540: Methods of Qualitative Research

Overview of philosophies, approaches toward, design, data collection, analysis and reporting of qualitative research.

Credit Hours: 3


AG_ED_LD 8995: College Teaching Practicum

Learning experience that combines the study, observation, and practice of teaching university-level courses in food, agriculture and/or natural resources under the supervision of teaching mentors. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: instructor's consent and AG_ED_LD 8330 or AG_ED_LD 8350


AG_ED_LD 9090: Doctoral Research in Agricultural Education and Leadership

Independent research activities by a doctoral student that culminates in a dissertation or other scholarly work. Graded on S/U basis only.

Credit Hour: 1-99
Prerequisites: instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 9410: Foundations and Practices of Teacher Education

Foundations and practices of teacher preparation programs including student selection and advisement, licensure requirements, accreditation, curriculum, clinical and field experiences, supervision, evaluation and research.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: Doctoral student or instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 9510: Data Collection, Analysis and Interpretation

A quantitative methods course in measurement, data collection and analysis related to social and behavioral science research. An applied approach is taken on instrumentation and analyzing data using descriptive and inferential statistics. Practical skills in data manipulation using SPSS are developed. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: AG_ED_LD 8510 or AAE 8510 or instructor's consent


AG_ED_LD 9540: Advanced Qualitative Research: A Comparison of Phenomenological Approaches

An advanced qualitative research methods course designed to provide an in-depth look at the historical and philosophical underpinnings of phenomenological research, and to compare and contrast the descriptive and interpretive approaches. Students should come into this course with a basic foundation in qualitative research methods, along with an idea for a phenomenological project they would like to design. By the conclusion of the course, they will have written the entire Methods section of their research project idea. Graded on A-F basis only.

Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: AG_ED_LD 8540 or instructor's consent