Introduction to Ag Economics Sample Syllabus

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the world of Agribusiness, Marketing, and Commodities Trading.  Students will study and participate in hands-on activities that apply to the world of economics, agribusiness, and trade.  Students will also participate in a mock commodity marketing activity.

Content

A.    Introduction to Agribusiness

1. Define terms used in agribusiness.
2. Determine how agribusiness affects us daily.
3. Discuss the history of agriculture and agribusiness development.
4. Discuss how big agriculture and agribusiness is.
5. List areas of importance agriculture plays in our society.

B.    Marketing

1. Define terms associated with marketing.
2. Explain agribusiness marketing.
3. Explain supply and demand.
4. How do we (consumers) affect agribusiness?
5. What are farm commodities?
6. List the types of markets.
7. Discuss methods of marketing ag products

C.    Commodity Futures Marketing

1. Define terms associated with commodity marketing.
2. Discuss the history of the commodity futures market.
3. What is a commodity futures exchange?
4. List commodities traded at an exchange.
5. What is a futures contract?
6. List the types of futures trading transactions.
7. Describe a hedger and a speculator in the futures market.
8. Explain how to make a futures trading transaction.
9. Discuss regulations within the commodity exchange.

D.    International Agriculture Marketing

1. Define terms associated with international marketing of ag products.
2. Explain the importance of international trade.
3. Discuss importing and exporting of ag products.
4. Describe the ag trade balance.
5. What are import and export trade barriers?
6. Discuss international trade agreements.

E.    Pieces of the Agrimarketing System

1. Describe wholesaling.
2. Describe retailing.
3. Discuss the food service industry.
4. Discuss product processing and manufacturing.

F.    Economics in America

1. Define terms associated with economics.
2. Define economics.
3. Discuss the components of economics.
4. Discuss the differences between micro and macroeconomics.
5. Describe the characteristics of the American economy.
6. Discuss economic activity in America.
7. Explain the role of the federal government in the economy.

Grading Policy:  The course will follow the school grading policy.
93-100        A
85-92          B
75-84          C
65-74          D
below 64    F

Grades will be determined by averaging test scores to equal 65% of the grade, averaging scores earned through projects to equal 15% of the grade, and 20% of the grade will be determined through completion of the commodity marketing activity.

• Note
  Other items to consider when completing this course syllabus include:

1.  Textbook used
2.  Behavior expectations or routine you want followed
3.  What to bring to class each day
4.  Supplies or money that will be needed for the class
5.  Any other item you feel would help parents and students know what to expect.

Suggestions:

1. Try and keep the syllabus to one page, front and back
2. Give a copy to students the first day of class and have them available for parents at the parent teacher meetings.
3. Use the syllabus to recruit students and visit with parents about "what will my child learn in Ag?"
4. Parents, students and administrators all feel more comfortable with a class where they know what is being taught.

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