ARD 5112: Communication and Information Technology

Author

Professor Dr. Md. Kamrul Hasan

Published

August 25, 2025

Syllabus

Patuakhali Science and Technology University

Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
M.S. in Agricultural Extension and Rural Development

Course Code: ARD 5112
Course Title: Communication and Information Technology
Credit Hours: 2

  1. Introduction to Communication: Concept of communication; types of communication: verbal and non-verbal communication; factors affecting verbal and non-verbal communication; guidelines for improving verbal and non-verbal communication; functions of communication; purpose of communication and its importance to extension and development.
  2. Analysis of Communication Model: Major models of communication: Berlo’s model, mathematical model and socio-psychological model, advantages and criticisms of each model, suitability analysis among the models for extension and development communication.
  3. Source Credibility: Concepts of source credibility: dimension of credibility. significance of source credibility in extension communication and research.
  4. Message Management: Message and its characteristics: message organization; pattern of organization; ordering arguments- message sides, message style, message appeals-fear appeal, emotional appeal rational appeal and reward: steps to prepare message with good appealing
  5. Level and Pattern of Communication: Interpersonal. intrapersonal and group and mass communication; relationship and conflicts in interpersonal communication; guidelines for improving interpersonal communication; functions of group communication,
  6. Mass Communication: concept of mass communication: functions of mass communication; models of mass communication; characteristics of mass audience; characteristics of some mass media; control at mass media; problems of mass communication. significance of mass communication in agriculture and extension.
  7. Communication Strategy: Strategy for effective communication in extension; communication fidelity; measurement of communication effectiveness; factors affecting communication effectiveness.
  8. System Approach: Concept of system and sub-system components of system; knowledge system, information system; Agricultural knowledge and information system of Bangladesh.
  9. Information Technology (IT): Telecommunication and its use in technology diffusion; importance of information; information infrastructure: electronic communication infrastructure, information repositories, ICT skilled man power ICT sector of Bangladesh. ICT in agriculture, geographical information system (GIS) for agricultural development; IT for socio-economic development.
  10. Course assignment as instructed by the course teacher

References

Berlo, D.K. 1960. The Process of Communication: An Introduction to Theory and Practice, Halt Rinehard & Winston Pub., New York.

Bettinghaus, E. P. 1973. Persuasive Communication (2nd ed.). Halt Rinehard & Winston Pub., New York.

Crouch, B.R. and Chamala S. 1981. Extension Education and Rural Development Vol. II. John Weley & Sons, Inc.

Department of Develoment Communication 1976. Communication-Theory and Practice. UPLB, Manila.

Havelock. R. G. 1975. Planning for Innovation. Institute of Social Research, the University of Michigan, Michigan.

Hopkins, K.D. and J.C. Stanley. 1981. Education Psychological Measurement and Evaluation (6th ed.). N. J.: Prentice-Hall Inc.

James F. J. 1975. Reading in Development Communication. Dept. of Dev. Com. UPLB, Manila.

Kamath, M. C. (ed.). 1961. Extension Education in Community Development Directorate of Extension, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Govt. of India, New Delhi.

Kashem, M. A. 2004. Fundamentals of Extension Education. lima Printing Press, Mymensingh.

Rahman, M. L. 2003. Role of It for Socio-economic Development of Bangladesh. The Daily Observer, 4th October 2003.

Hussain and Mahbub, 2003. ICT Initiative in Agricultural Research and Extension Systems: Bangladesh. Publication SAARC Agricultural Information Center (SAIC), DHAKA, Bangladesh.

Ray. G. L. 2004. Extension Communication and Management.

Rogers, E. M. 1995. Diffusion of Innovations (4th ed.). The Free Press, New York

Samanta, R.K. (ed.). 1990. Development Communication for Agriculture B.R. Publishing Crop., New Delhi.

Sandhu, A. S. 1993. Text Book on Agricultural Communication: Process and Methods. Oxford & IBh Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Marks distribution

  • Class Test - 1: ⇒ 20 marks
  • Class Test - 2: ⇒ 20 marks
  • Assignment: ⇒ 20 marks
  • Final Examination: ⇒ 40 Marks

Presentation slides