INAG 310 -- International Agriculture in Developing Countries
Spring 2016
Dr. John Carlson
304A Knoblauch Hall
Office Hours: W 1:00- 2:00 or email for an appt.
E-mail: JP-Carlson@wiu.edu
Course Description: The study of international agricultural problems and
processes in developing countries. A special emphasis will be given to world hunger,
the world food supply, use of resources, population growth, and trade policies.
Course Objectives:
1. To develop an understanding of the interrelated factors involved in the world
food situation, poverty and population, including the role of food production,
marketing, distribution, culture and governmental policies that affect development of
agricultural-based societies.
2. To develop knowledge and appreciation of other cultures.
3. To develop knowledge of the agricultural practices used in other nations.
4. To develop geographic literacy of developing countries.
5. To develop correct writing skills and abilities.
Date
Topic
W 1/20
Introduction
F 1/22
Western Online Page
M 1/25
Identification of developing countries and problems
W 1/27
Identification of developing countries and problems
F 1/29
Identification of developing countries and problems
M 2/1
Population statistics
W 2/3
Population statistics
F 2/5
World Food Supply
M 2/8
World Food Supply
W 2/10
World Food Supply
F 2/12
No Class -- Lincoln's Birthday
M 2/15
Nutrition/Undernutrition
W 2/17
Exam I
F 2/19
Russia
M 2/22
Country reports
W 2/24
Country Reports
F 2/26
Country Reports
M 2/29
Country Report
W 3/2
Country Report
F 3/4
Country Report
M 3/7
Country Report
W 3/9
Country Report
F 3/11
Australia
3/14- 3/18 No Class -- Spring Break
M 3/21
Nutrition/Undernutrition
W 3/23
Nutrition/Undernutrition
F 3/25
International Trade
M 3/28
International Trade
W 3/30
International Trade
F 4/1
Culture
M 4/4
Culture
W 4/6
Culture
F 4/8
Exam II
M 4/11
New Zealand
W 4/13
US Ag Development
F 4/15
Keys to Ag Development
M 4/18
Keys to Ag Development
W 4/20
Keys to Ag Development
F 4/22
Peace Corps -- volunteer opportunities
M 4/25
Women in international agriculture
W 4/27
Green Revolution
F 4/29
Food Aid
M 5/2
China
W 5/4
Exam III
F 5/6
Review
Final Exam -- Monday, 5/9 at 1:00 pm.
Grading Scale
A 100 - 92%
A- 91 - 90%
B+ 89 - 88%
B 87 - 82%
B- 81 - 80%
C+ 79 - 78%
C 77 - 72%
C- 71 - 70%
D+ 69 - 68%
D 67 - 62%
D- 61 - 60%
F <60%
Grades Based On:
3 hr. exams @ 50 pts.
Homework, quizzes
Country Report
Final Exam
150
75
50
100
Total
375
Quizzes: Classroom quizzes will be unannounced and of either 5 or 10 pts. each. There will also be
10 - 12 online quizzes throughout the semester. Check the Western Online page for when these
quizzes are available. If you miss a quiz, you will NOT be allowed to take it.
Country Report -- Information is available at the Western Online class page
Additional Reading: Additional outside-class reading material may be assigned periodically on the
Western Online page.
Excuses: Any excuse for a missed test or assignment must be cleared before the assignment is
due or test is to be taken. In general, the only accepted excuses will be for university events,
personal health if a doctor's excuse is available, and verifiable family emergencies.
All cell phone ringers must be shut off when in class. A deduction of 10 points will be made for
each cell phone call made or received in class.
No text messaging will be allowed in class. You will be asked to leave the classroom for
either text messaging or excessive talking to fellow students.
Education majors: You are required to receive a grade of "C" or better in this course.
Receiving a grade of "C-" or lower will require you to retake this course or find a substitute
course.
There will be no "study guide" prepared for this course by the instructor. Study guides are by
far most effective when the student forms their own study guide from notes taken in class. Also,
any information covered in class might be included in an examination. Best advise -- download
the powerpoints with room for notes on the side and bring them to class. #1 predictor of class
success is attendance, #2 is taking notes.
In accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), academic
accommodations may be made for any student who notifies the instructor of the need for an
accommodation. For the instructor to provide the proper accommodation(s), you must obtain
documentation of the need for an accommodation through Disability Support Services and
provide it to the instructor. It is imperative that you take the initiative to bring such needs to the
instructor's attention, as he/she is not legally permitted to inquire about such particular needs of
students. Students who may require special assistance in emergency evacuations (i.e. fire,
tornado, etc.) should contact the instructor as to the most appropriate procedures to follow in
such an emergency. Contact Disability Support Services at 298-2512 for additional services."
1/26/16