Global Course in Major

Class Description 

During Spring 2018, I took AGRCOMM 5150 Communication Strategies for Change and Development with Dr. Robert Agunga. This course encouraged students to learn more about developing nations, their agricultural systems and how to help these nations. We took a look at aid programs, the history of these nations and spent time critically thinking about what strategies might work for these nations. At the end of the course, we developed and presented our own idea about a new program to help these nations.

Class Reflection

One of the biggest focuses in this class was aid programs to developing nations and whether or not they have worked. Through our discussions, my class discovered that many programs have failed in developing nations because these programs or ideas were not tailored to the country or culture. Many of the strategies might have been soaring successes in the U.S., but because these nations are quite different, many solutions did not work in these nations. This class made me realize that if we are to help someone, we must first think of their perspectives and ideas. If we are not on the same page, odds are our idea or project could easily fail. The same thinking should be present when  working with other nations or cultures. We have grown up in our own society, but sometimes forget to stop and think about what the rest of the world is like. If we stay in this mindset, it will be hard to effectively work with or help people with different perspectives, ideas, or backgrounds. Many of these aid programs were created with a Western perspective, which goes against values in other parts of the world. If these programs had been more tailored to these individual nations or communities, they may have been successful. As I begin my professional journey in an increasingly global world, I must remember that other people are coming from different cultures and communities and may have different opinions or values. To best work with my fellow co-workers, I should always keep this open mindset and consider all perspectives around me.