Professional Development in Sustainable Food and Farming

STOCKSCH 382

Have you ever looked at a job application and seen the words “provide evidence of your ability to communicate effectively in writing?” Has this phrase caused your stomach to knot and your knees to buckle?  STOCKSCH 382 – Professional Development in Sustainable Food and Farming, not only satisfies the University’s Junior Year writing requirement for Sustainable Food and Farming majors but will also generate evidence of your writing abilities.  This class will help you prepare to present yourself as a qualified professional as you explore work opportunities in sustainable farming and marketing, education, non-profit management, community organizing, or political advocacy.  Specifically, this class will allow you the opportunity to practice and improve your writing and communication skills while working on real-world projects.

Prerequisites: This class requires Junior Standing in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture in addition to ENGLWRIT 112.

Instructor: John Gerber (jgerber@umass.edu)

Class Web Page is on Blackboard Learn: https://uma.umassonline.net/webapps/login/

Student Learning Objectives:

1. You will learn to create, edit and revise coherent examples of writing consistent with careers in sustainable food and farming while honing your critical thinking and creative communication skills.
2. You will learn to write with authority to accomplish a specific purpose for a particular audience.
3. You will learn to clarify and articulate your work and life goals.

Optional Textbook Resource: Lundsford, A.A. The Everyday Writer. MA: Bedford/St. Martins. NOTE: the 2001, 2002, and 2003 editions are fine.  They are available (cheap) online.  This is an excellent resource that should be on everyone’s desk.

Teaching/Learning Methods: In this course you will write, write, and write some more.  Writing will include unstructured writing, individual writing assignments (which will be reviewed by other students), and formal writing to be reviewed by the instructor.  This class is offered in a blended format with content delivery delivered on Blackboard and small discussion groups meeting in person.

Evaluation and Grading:  Your grade will show up on Blackboard (see “My Grades”) and you will accumulate points over the semester as you complete your assignments.  Letter grades will be awarded according to the following schedule:

A        =  188-217 total points
A –     =  180-187
B+     =  174-179
B       =  166-173
B-      =  160-165
C+     =  154-159
C       =  146-153
C-      =  140-145
D+     =  134-139
D       =  120-133
F        =  119 or below

Note:  You can fulfill the requirement for Junior Writing in your major by taking NATSCI 387 – CNS Junior Writing.  This class is more about technical and science writing and is offered both semesters on campus.

The format of the class is more like an adult learning workshop series than a college class.  That is, you will be treated like adults who want to learn.  If this is not the case, please drop the class now!