PERS 2160

PERSPECTIVES ON LEADERSHIP

Introduction: The process of leadership is quite complex. Defining a leader and his or her actions is often in the eye of the beholder. Former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, once stated when the court was dealing with a landmark pornography case, that he couldn’t define “obscene”, but he knew it when he saw it.  The same is true of leadership-it is difficult to define, but we know it when we see it.  This course is designed to engage students in thinking critically about leadership and leaders and to actively communicate with fellow students and community leaders about what constitutes effective leadership.

Course Description:  This course will investigate several different perspectives of the process of leadership and being a leader. Students will analyze leadership theories and styles as presented in class readings and from guest speakers.  Students will also be encouraged to develop their own tenets pertaining to leadership and to create their own personal model of effective leadership. The format will be a combination of traditional lecture, class discussion and group projects. Students in this class will be asked to actively participate in class discussions, readings, and assignments throughout the semester.  Class attendance is critical.

Course Goals:

·        Develop an understanding of the various components of leadership theory from a historical perspective.

·        Develop a personal position on the following philosophical issues:

                         “Are leaders born or made?”

       “Is leadership an art or a science?

       “Is leadership dynamic or static?”

·        Review styles of existing leaders and be able to identify their styles based on course readings.

·        Review the literature on effective leadership.

·        Develop a personal model of leadership based on course readings, assignments, and discussions.

·        Become acquainted with several local leaders and be able to critically analyze their leadership styles.

·        Learn to work effectively in small groups and to prepare effective oral presentations.

Course Requirements:

·        General: Basic course requirements include ten reading/homework assignments, three exams, two group projects, and class participation/attendance. 

•   Attendance:  Students are expected to attend each class and be prepared for daily assignments.  There will be no excused absences.  Students will be         reduced one letter grade for every four classes missed.

·        Special Needs:  Students who require classroom accommodations or modifications because of documented disability should address this with the instructor at the beginning of the semester.  Students not registered with the Access Office for Students with Disabilities should contact Kimberly Godden at 333-2498 or stop by 1115 Nevins Hall.

·        Concerns: Anyone experiencing problems with exams, note taking, or anything else of a course-related nature is encouraged to consult with me during office hours.  If illness or family problems keep you from class for an extended period, the proper procedure is to inform the Dean of Students Office (333-5941) who will, in turn, inform all of your instructors.

·        Class Format:  Class time will be divided into several components, including lectures, guest speakers, small group exercises, and discussion.  Readings will be assigned for each class period.  These readings are outlined on the syllabus and should be completed prior to the class period in which they are scheduled to be discussed.  It is essential that students come to class prepared and take part in all small group exercises and discussions.

 Grading: 

ASSIGNMENT                                 POSSIBLE POINTS 

Case Studies                                         20 points (print out case study and write one page answer on the back)
Online Quiz/Survey                               10 points  (Leadership Quiz and Personality Survey)
Ropes Course                                       20 points
Individual/Group Presentation (final)       30 points  (Grading rubric)
Leadership Paper/Conference                20 points
Total                                                   100 points

Case Study 1            Case Study 19
Case Study 3            Case Study 20
Case Study 5            Case Study 21
Case Study 13          Case Study 23
Case Study 15          Case Study 24

**I reserve the right to change this syllabus at any time.

April 2 W    Presentations & Case Study 24
                        Kane
                        Matthew
                        Whitley

April 7 M        Meet in Gym in the Recreation Center 

April 9 W        Meet at Ropes Course

April 11 F       1-5 pm Ropes Course 

April 14 M      Presentations
Elyse
Ryan
Hilary
                    

April 16 W      Presentations
Lisandra
Dustin, Blake, & Amber
Jamaal, Jonathan, & Justin

April 21 M      No class 

April 23 W      Presentations & Leadership Paper Due
Shavon & Nicole
Scotty & William
Lindsey & April

April 25 F       1-5 Ropes Course 

April 28 M      Last Class Day: Presentations 
                        Ashley & Andrew
                        Lauren, Brett & Anna                

April 30 W      Final Exams Begin

Presentation-Analysis of Famous Leaders 

Students can select any type of leader for whom there is sufficient information to provide a good analysis of leadership processes and outcomes.  Examples include political leaders, military leaders, business executives, religious leaders, sports coaches, and leaders of social movements.

The student should read at least three separate sources (biographies and articles) that provide enough detail to identify specific traits and skills, behaviors, influence processes, and relevant aspects of the situation.  The most useful type of source is a biographical account of the leader’s activities and accomplishments.  Other relevant sources may include:  an autobiographical account or memoirs written by the leader, a detailed, analytical article written by someone besides the leader, filmed biographies or documentaries about the leader, and dramatized accounts of significant events involving the leader.  All sources should be clearly cited in the PowerPoint.

A minimum requirement of the presentation is to identify specific leadership traits and behaviors and why the behaviors were appropriate or inappropriate in the situation faced by the leader.  Even better is to identify reasons why the leader was successful enough to become famous.  Both strengths and weaknesses of each leader should be identified.  Issues of ethical leadership should be considered as well.  It is helpful to use quotes and detailed descriptions of selected incidents to support conclusions about the leader’s behavior and influence on followers.  The source for any quotes or factual details should be clearly cited.

 Students will describe one detailed incident involving effective or ineffective behavior by the leader to support their analysis.  Each presentation should take no longer than 10 minutes. 

Leadership Paper

Must be a minimum of 4 pages typed, double spaced in size 12 font.  Your paper should be in a folder with a title page and include a minimum of 5 sources in your references page. (Title page and reference page do not count as part of the 4 pages.) Identify and explain the leadership style that describes you.  Include the results (actual print out) of your personality survey and leadership quiz.  Discuss those results.  Do these results support your leadership style?  Explain why or why not.  Give at least one example of how you may take a leadership role in the future.