March 2011
PSSC 2803, Field Crops
Course Philosophy and Instructor Requirements
Philosophy: This course is designed to prepare students to understand the principles of field crop growth, development, and
utilization and how these principles relate to the production of major agronomic crop species. Lecture two hours, laboratory
two hours per week.
Instructor Objectives: The instructor's teaching techniques should ensure that the students are able to:
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Develop a knowledge of basic facts and principles of crop production, especially as pertaining to production of field
crops in Arkansas.
Develop an understanding of plant structure and function, and study how agricultural producers utilize that knowledge
to increase both the quantity and quality of crops.
Develop an understanding of the principles and practices of integrated pest management.
Learn keys to the identification of insect, weed, and disease pests.
Learn about new technologies (GIS, GPS, Biotechnology, etc.) and it’s integration into crop production
Course Teaching Requirements: The following should be followed by all instructors teaching this course (online and in the
traditional setting):
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Two hours of lecture and two hours of laboratory per week.
Lectures should include coverage of:
a. Structure and growth of cotton, rice, soybean, corn, and wheat species.
b. Identification and control of insect, weed, and disease pests utilizing integrated pest management techniques.
c. Best management practices as they relate to the production of cotton, rice, soybeans, corn, and wheat.
Laboratory should include:
a. Planting and production of cotton, rice, soybean, corn, and wheat species to correspond with course lectures.
b. Hands-on identification of insect, weed, and disease pests.
c. Field visits and tours to supplement course lectures.
Examinations, quizzes, and homework assignments (online and in the traditional classroom) should include exercises and
objective questions that require students to demonstrate an understanding of field crop theories/concepts and their application.
Laboratories should also include a participation grade.
Assessment Responsibilities: Instructors teaching this course (online and traditional) are expected to participate in assessment
activities as required by the University. You will be provided further information/instructions by the lead instructor during the
term assessments are to be completed.
Business and Agriculture Division Contact Information:
Division Chair: Robert Mitchum, 501-882-8847, rlmitchum@asub.edu
Lead Instructor: Jerry Sites, 501-882-8846, jwsites@asub.edu
Online Course Monitor: Wendell Dillard, 501-882-8914, wldillard@asub.edu