Contemporary Issues in Agriculture

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Abstract

This subject provides students with a systems theory framework for analysing and applying critical thinking to contemporary global issues in agriculture. Students will investigate complex agricultural issues including globalised trade networks, food-based social movements, Indigenous Australian knowledges, sustainability challenges and the economic, social, cultural and political influences affecting change in agricultural systems, practices and policies. The subject focuses on local-global integrated dynamics of agriculture, with specific attention to people and the people-centred nature of agriculture. Students will be introduced to social research methodology and will have the opportunity to investigate a case study in-depth. Students will explore multiple techniques for communicating their findings via a range of media.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics: Sustainability Key Concepts and Historical Developments (Brundtland report, triple-bottom line, climate change and agriculture agroecosystems, catchment management, Sustainable Development Goals,);Systems Thinking and Wicked Problems in Globalised Agricultural Systems (agricultural policy at regional, state, national and global levels, radical representation, food-based social movements, influence … For more content click the Read More button below.

This subject will cover the following topics:

Sustainability Key Concepts and Historical Developments (Brundtland report, triple-bottom line, climate change and agriculture agroecosystems, catchment management, Sustainable Development Goals,);
Systems Thinking and Wicked Problems in Globalised Agricultural Systems (agricultural policy at regional, state, national and global levels, radical representation, food-based social movements, influence of lobby groups, farmer advocacy groups, biofuels, the global food regime, global agricultural production influences and trends);
Social Research (people-centred nature of agriculture, application of social research to complex agricultural issues, theoretical perspectives that underpin research; understanding the needs of participants and researchers; creating research questions; research ethics, reporting findings); and
Knowledges (worldviews, Indigenous knowledges, alternative agricultures, innovation, leapfrog entrepreneurship).

Assessment items

1. Reflective task using story-telling as the communication medium

2. Systems thinking task

3. Social Research

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:

explain and critically analyse a range of social, economic, environmental and political issues affecting the practice of agriculture globally;

locate, critically evaluate, manage and use information and research to synthesise and guide their own knowledge and learning;

apply systems thinking approaches, informed by ethical decision making, to identify creative solutions to wicked agricultural issues;

critically analyse the role of Indigenous Australian cultural practices in contemporary agriculture;

apply skills in social research and analysis to investigate an issue;

develop a problem-solving strategy to address an agricultural issue; and

communicate to a professional audience.

Assumed knowledge

It is assumed that students will have completed AGR220, AGR202, AHT101 and IKC101, or have equivalent knowledge.

Enrolment restrictions

Incompatible

Learning activities

Intensive School

Learning resources

Additional resources required by students

Students attending compulsory intensive schools on Charles Sturt campuses will incur costs associated with travel, accommodation and required resources.