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AgEc 101 The Business of Agriculture Instructor: Larry Van TassellOffice: Ag Sci 39AOffice Phone: (208) 885-7869 Email: larryv@uidaho.eduOffice Hours: Open, but encourage appointments. Web Site: http://www.ag.uidaho.edu/aers/fall08.htm Objectives: 1. To have students recognize the role of
producers, input suppliers, food marketing 2. To have students develop an understanding of how economics relates to agriculture, and how economic principles are used to analyze and solve problems in agriculture and agribusiness. 3. To help students understand the qualities and characteristics employers in agribusiness expect in prospective employees and how students can develop those qualities and characteristics during their college career. Textbook: There is no textbook available for this class. You will be provided class handouts that will cover the material you will be responsible for on the quizzes. I will hand the materials out at the beginning of each class. If you are not able to attend a class, either (1) ask a friend to pick up the handouts for you, or (2) download the handouts from the class website and go over them before the next class period. Quizzes: Fourteen quizzes will be given throughout the semester. Each quiz will be given at the beginning of class and will cover material from the previous week’s lecture. No make-up quizzes will be given; because we will immediately be reviewing the quiz after it is taken. Your lowest four quiz grades for the semester will be dropped. Assignments: Homework assignments will be given to further your understanding of the subject matter. Assignments handed in after the due date will have 20% deducted per day unless you have a university approved excuse and prior arrangements have been made. Thus, after five days, zero points will be given for late homework assignments. Projects: 1) You will be assigned to a small group to research and follow a commodity during the semester. Group reports will be presented to the class during the last two classes of the semester. Grades will be based on the completeness and quality of the presentation. 2) Research an agribusiness firm that you would like to work for and develop a two-page review of that firm. Due October 7th. 3) After hearing presentations on what employers look for in agribusiness employees, develop a pro forma resume, highlighting areas you need to work on and things you can do to develop the characteristics you need to obtain your desired employment. Due last day of class.Grades: Quizzes 100 points General Rules 1. I expect academic honesty from everyone—this means turning in your own homework assignments, and no cheating on quizzes or the exam. Any indication of behavior contrary to my expectations will be referred immediately to the proper administrative authorities. 2. During lecture, I invite open discussion. However, if you wish to conduct a side conversation with someone in the class, do it outside of class. Respect the rights and opinions of others and demonstrate a professional level of courtesy. 3. Attendance is strongly encouraged and will be recorded periodically. Poor attendance will affect your grade directly through missed quizzes and late homework assignments. Lecture Topics (not necessarily in order of presentation) What is Agribusiness? What do Agribusiness Employers Look for in an Employee? How can AERS Prepare You for Employment How Big is Big? How Good is Your Diet? How Much Fertilizer Did You Put On? Who is the Food-Price Villain? It’s Tight in the Middle! How Many Piggy’s Went to Market? Who’s Paying the Bills? Environmentalists at the Door! Is the World Shrinking? Home on the Range! Disability Support Services Reasonable Accommodations Statement: Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Please notify your instructor(s) during the first week of class regarding accommodation(s) needed for the course. All accommodations must be approved through Disability Support Services located in the Idaho Commons Building, Room 306. • 885-6307• email at <dss@uidaho.edu>• website at <www.access.uidaho.edu> or<www.webs.uidaho.edu/taap> Students should present a completed and signed Accommodation Form for the current semester from our office when requesting accommodations. If they do not, please refer them to the Disability Support Services office (Idaho Commons, Room 306) to obtain one. If you have any questions regarding a student(s) with a disability(s), or how to best work with a particular student in class, please contact our office.
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