Introduction to Vocational
Agriculture 2230
Professor: Dr. Cliff
Ricketts
SAG 112 and VA 100
898-2430 or 898-2598
Brief Synopsis:
This course introduces agricultural
education and goes over all the duties and activities of the FFA advisor in
conducting a quality Agricultural Education program. This includes parliamentary procedure, public
speaking, record books, and other contests.
Required Text:
Leadership and Personal Development by Dr. Cliff
Ricketts
Course Requirements:
Test 1: 200
points – Intro to Vo Ag
Test 2: 200
points – FFA
Test 3: 200
points – Leadership
Speech: 100
points
Take Home Test: 200
points – Recordbook, State Farmer, CDE
Pre-Service Activities: 200
points
Notebook: 100
points
Tests: are listed above
Grades:
A = 1220 – 1080
B = 1079 – 960
C =
959 – 840
D = 839 – 720
F = 719 – 0
Attendance Policy:
Two unexcused absences will result in the automatic lowering
of one letter grade. (Please let me know
if you have to miss class.) Four unexcused absences will result in the dropping
of two letter grades and so forth.
Tentative Course
Outline and Exam Schedule:
Unit I
Duties of an
Agriculture Teacher
History of
Vocational Agriculture
Examination
– Test 1
Unit II
FFA
Program of
Work
Examination
– Test 2
Unit III
Parliamentary
Procedure
Public
Speaking
Extemporaneous
Public Speaking
FFA Creed
Examination
– Test 3
Unit IV
Dairy Judging
Livestock
Judging
Soil Judging
Benefits of
Degrees and Awards
Proficiency
Award
Grand Award
Skills Contest
Record Book
State Fall
Degree
Examination
– Test 4 – Final
*If you decide not to go
this route, you will be graded on a 1000 point schedule, which does not include
the 200 points for preservice activities.
Preservice Activities: Write one page essay on each activity!
FFA Goodwill Tour (MTSU) –
20 points
District Skills Contest
(MTSU) – 20 points
Middle
Middle
Middle
Middle
Middle
State FFA Convention
(Gatlinburg) – 100 points
Visit Students Teacher
with Dr. Ricketts – 40 points
Observe Selected Films –
20 points
Middle
Refer to the FFA Events
Schedule for other Agriculture Education and FFA events
Suggestions
are taken or other activities may arise
Note: Preview the FFA CD
on Contest and Curriculum, FFA Aids will result in bonus points
Special Requirements:
Students are requested to refrain from activity during
the class period, which may disrupt the attention of the class as a whole. Please refrain from manipulation of the windows
and blinds. Specific examples of disruptive activities would include:
individual conversations, eating, drinking, and using tobacco in any form. Individuals who persistently disrupt the
class will be asked to leave.
* * * *
If you have a disability that may require assistance or
accommodation, or you have questions related to any accommodations for testing,
note takers, readers, etc., please speak with me as soon as possible. Students
may also contact the Office of Disabled Student Services (898 – 2783) with
questions about such services.