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NATURAL RESOURCE ADVOCACY
Forestry 480
Course Syllabus -- Spring Semester
Instructor: Dr. Cem M. Basman
Office: 194-D Agriculture
Hours: TBA
Phone: 453-7476 office 351-7486 home (last call 9:00 pm)
Email: cbasman@siu.edu (clearly identify yourself with your full name if you send an email)
Text: 1) Influence, Science and Practice, Robert Cialdini
2) Readings as provided or assigned
About This Course
Most people have probably heard the old truism that "you only need people skills to succeed in life". While this may be an overstatement, the ability to communicate effectively in various situations is a tremendous asset to a forestry and natural resource professional. Communication skills are, to some degree, innate abilities for some individuals and lacking in others. Regardless of existing skill levels, all professionals that work in the field of forestry and natural resources must continue to advance their skill levels in communicating with their publics. The days of choosing a career in forestry to "get away from it all" are long gone…
Natural Resource Advocacy will examine the various communication situations, in which the natural resource professional may find him/herself. Emphasis will be placed on preparing the students to deal with various situations where skills in public and media relations, conflict resolution, and group decision making are necessary. Additionally, a component of the course will address interpersonal communication skills and self-evaluation of the student's own competencies in communicating with others.
It is my intention to make learning about communication strategies and techniques an enjoyable process. The course content will include lectures, guest speakers, short exercises, self-evaluative tests (non-graded), and interactive discussions regarding communication in the forestry and natural resource professions. This course is offered as a general survey of various communication techniques and principles to enhance students' ability to better communicate with their future constituent publics. Conversely, the knowledge gained from this class can also be utilized in advocating a perspective or addressing management situations that are advocated by others.
Due to the eclectic nature of the course materials, this course will depend heavily on readings that are provided or assigned. Additionally, students will be required to research literature in specific assigned topics on their own. Specific assignments will be provided throughout the semester.
Goals of the Course
The overall goals of Forestry 480 are:
To introduce the students to communication methods and techniques used by professionals in dealing with issues facing the forestry and natural resource fields;
To help students understand how to evaluate and address constituent groups or agencies for developing an effective communication strategy (for example using public relations or conflict resolution skills);
To enable the students to think about forestry and natural resource management issues from a physical, environmental and behavioral perspective;
To develop interest of students in the human dimensions of the forestry profession and to provide the skills and knowledge necessary to address resource management issues as a well-rounded and competent professional.
Instructional Objectives
Upon the successful completion of this class you will:
know, understand, and discuss basic concepts of the human dimensions of
natural resource management.
understand and explain the role of communication and human relations in
forest and natural resource management practices.
be able to assess and analyze behavioral patterns and issues of constituent
groups to effectively apply management strategies.
have the ability to apply public/media relation plans as natural resource
professionals.
be able to implement several conflict resolution techniques in various set-
tings.
have an understanding of how to successfully conduct and apply group deci
sion making techniques.
possess a foundation of knowledge to communicate with those that advocate
issues in the profession of forestry and natural resource management.
Elements of Course Grade
Item Value Grading Scale
Quizzes & Exercises 50 points 90 - 100% A (Aim Here)
Book/Article Review 50 points 80 - 89% B
Research Project 100 points 70 - 79% C
Exam I 100 points 60 - 69 % D
Exam II (final) 100 points Below 60%
(Make-up exams are given only with prior approval or official university excuse.)
Attendance
Is MANDATORY - you are expected to be in the class during scheduled times.
Course Topic/Subject Areas (Not in any order of class presentation)
Cognition and Information Processing (how the human brain works)
Elaboration of Information Into Symbolic Meaning
How People Learn
Abstract Versus Concrete Thinking
Principles of Public Relations - Planning for Success
Historical Models of Public Relations
Internal Publics - External Publics - Segmentation
Formal/Informal and Traditional/Nontraditional Publics
Legal and Ethical Influences
Public Opinion and Customer Service
Principles of Persuasive Communication
The Weapons of Persuasion
Ethos and Pathos
Ethical versus Unethical Persuasion
Media Relations
Mass Media (electronic and print)
Internal Media
Internet Considerations
Print, Video or Radio Campaigns
Media and Publicity Plans
Group Meeting Strategies
Public Involvement
Meeting Management and Facilitation Strategies
Ready - Fire - Aim
Hostile Environments
Good Leadership Behavior
Interpersonal Communication
Personal Communication Style
Use of Disclosure
Dominance Versus Passivity
Culture and Difference
Body Language
Conflict Resolution
Art of Negotiating
Art of Consensus
Art of War
Politics - The other "Oldest Profession"
Gatekeeping
Power Management
Rules to Die By
INTRA-Office Politics (how to act at the coffee machine)
Environmental and Professional Ethics or "Hayduke Lives"
Internet - The Great Unknown
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