Spring 2011 Syllabus
Course AG 228
Focused Equitation
3 Credit Hour
Textbook
(none)
Division of Applied Arts and Sciences
Instructor: Dr. William J. McGuire
AG 228
Focused Equitation
Instructor
Dr. William J. McGuire
Office: Next to Room 303
Office Phone: 785-243-1435, ext. 274 (8:00 to 5:00)
Home Phone: 785-243-7888
I will be in and out of the office throughout the day. If you need to talk to me just stop in or make an appointment.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Focused Equitation is designed to allow equestrian students who have completed the series of riding classes to focus on a particular discipline such as western pleasure, trail, hunter hack, jumping, reining, etc. This class will stress safety when working with equines, for both the human and horse. Horse psychology, learning, and training concepts will be introduced to the students.
Prerequisite: completion of advanced equitation or instructor permission.
METHOD OF EVALUATION:
Grades will be based on the following:
Weekly quizzes (practical and written) 25%
Exams – 4 practical exams 50%
Final Exam 25%
No make up tests or exams will be given, unless I have approved so ahead of time.
Grading Scale:
90% + A
80-90% B
70-80% C
60-70% D
Below 60% F
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance will be taken daily.
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Appropriate riding attire
AGRIBUSINESS DEPARTMENT GOALS:
Students who complete an Agri-Business course at Cloud County Community College should be able to:
· Demonstrate Agriculture literacy.
· Demonstrate the ability to think critically about Agricultural topics.
· Demonstrate the ability to function in an Agriculture environment.
Levels of Learning
1. The student is able to analyze and evaluate agricultural topics.
2. The student is able to define, interpret, and discuss agricultural topics.
3. The student fails to define, interpret, and discuss agricultural topics.
Standards: Eighty percent of the students completing an Agri-Business course at Cloud County Community College will be able to define, interpret, and discuss agri-business topics (Level 2).
Evaluation of these goals will be ascertained through a variety of course work that may include reading, writing, discussion, projects, application of technology, and oral report assignments.
COURSE POLICIES
LIBRARY REQUIREMENTS:
Some library research may be necessary for a paper if required. If the instructor sees the need for additional library assignments, adequate instructions and time will be allowed.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
On occasion, handouts will be given to students to read. These handouts are to be read and students will be responsible for their contents on quizzes and/or exams.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY:
It is imperative that each student does his/ her own work. The following policy will apply to all students in class. Infractions of academic integrity (honesty) shall include:
· Using another student’s work without giving the student credit for the work. In other words, taking someone else’s file and placing your name on it and claiming it is yours, using another student’s quiz, or help on a quiz/exam/paper/assignment.
· Giving another student your work knowing that he/ she will use it without giving you credit. In other words, giving another student your file(s), papers, etc. knowing that he/she intends to turn it in as his/her own creation, giving another student your quiz, or help on a quiz/exam/paper/assignment.
· It is not an infraction of the policy to help another student understand how to do an assignment if he/she does the work himself/ her with your assistance.
PENALTIES FOR INFRACTIONS:
Any infraction will receive zero (0) credit on the assignment, paper, quiz, or exam.
ACCOMODATION FOR DISABILITY:
If you need academic adjustments for any type of disability, see your instruction during office hours or make an appointment. Students also may contact Les Hemphill, Director of Advisement & Counseling, located in the Advisement Center.
ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Attendance in class is the student’s responsibility, Students are expected to attend class unless they are participating scheduled school activities or have bee excused by the instructor. Students cannot excessively miss class and effectively complete the course assignments. In case you are late or absent from class, it is your responsibility to get the course notes, handouts, and turn in assignments.
CONDUCT
Mature behavior is expected and required. Please respect others in the class by turning off your pagers, cell phones and other disruptive devices. Thoughtful discourse is the theme of this class. You are highly encouraged to participate in the classroom discussions; points are awarded for class discussions/ activities.
EXAMINATION POLICY
Makeup exams will only be given by special arrangement with the instructor and must be completed within a reasonable time frame. The make up exams may not be the same exams as given in class. NO MAKEUP exams will be allowed without prior arrangements made.
EXTRA CREDIT POLICY
I may decide to give extra credit during the semester. The decision to do so will remain to be at my discretion, and is open to all individuals
INSTRUCTOR ASSISTANCE
If you are having problems with the course work, please let me know as early as possible. My office hours are intended as a time to work with students and prepare for classes. If you are unable to come during my office hours, please as for an appointment in advance. I encourage you to use E-mail as a reliable way to contact me about any issues.
TUTOR ASSISTANCE
Tutors are available in the Learning Skills Center and in the Ag office. Contact the instructor for more information.
IMCOMPLETE POLICY
Students will not be given an incomplete grade in the course without sound reason and documented as described in the Student handbook. The incomplete must be completed the semester immediately following the semester in which the class was taken. Refer to the Student handbook for a complete explanation.
INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY:
In case of extremely severe weather, the college may close. The following radio stations will be notified:
KNCK 1390 am Concordia
KREP 92.1 fm Belleville
KVSV 1190 am Beloit
KCLY 101 fm Clay Center
KSAL 1150 am Salina
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. To gain a clear understanding of safe handling of horses.
2. Develop your knowledge of a specific equestrian discipline.
3. Acquaint you with the more advanced training techniques.
4. Acquaint you with more advanced cues and communication.
5. Expose you to career opportunities in the equine industry.
COURSE OUTLINE:
Unit 1: Safety around horses
Unit 2: Discipline/event research
Unit 3: Perfecting riding skills for selected discipline
Unit 4: Training techniques
Unit 5: Production and Business Aspects
LEARNING GOALS
FOR FOCUSED EQUITATION
Student success will be determined by assessing the following traits. Each trait will be scored 0 through 3. A 3 represents a clear mastery of the details and concepts presented. A score of 2 represents a students mastery of basic concepts but incomplete understanding of specific details. A score of 1 represents and incomplete understanding of basic concepts, and a limited knowledge of specific details. A score of 0 represents a students failure of mastering basic concepts and no knowledge of specific details. A passing grade on this scale will be a student scoring a 2 or above on 80% of the traits.
3 2 1 0 1. Describe Safe handling of horses
3 2 1 0 2. Describe risk factors for both human and horse safety.
3 2 1 0 3. Describe Equitation skills necessary for selected disciplines.
3 2 1 0 4. Describe training techniques for specific events.
3 2 1 0 5. Describe differences in communication methods with the equine between disciplines.
3 2 1 0 6. Describe evaluation methods of the equine athletes performance.
3 2 1 0 7. Describe career opportunities associated with specific disciplines/events.