Professor:  Dr. Pat Burns                     
Office Hours:  M-F 8-9am; MW 2:50-3:30pm

Office:  1119 University Center                   
E-Mail:  pcburns@valdosta.edu

Syllabus:  http://www.valdosta.edu/~pcburns/pers2160

Phone:  333-5934

Introduction: A major goal of college is to educate men and women who will make important differences in the world, affecting academic, professional, civic, social, and business outcomes.  Three of the most important skills in achieving a meaningful education are leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills.  The Honors Seminar on Leadership is designed to assist students in developing these three important skills.

Course Description:  An introduction to the nature of leadership, with a focus on the history and origins of leadership, theoretical approaches to leadership, and the essence of contemporary leadership. Application of these concepts to life experiences will be addressed through discussion, interactive scenarios, and written/in-basket exercises.

Course Goals:
1. Develop an understanding of the nature and tasks of leadership.
2. Examine the impact of ethical decision-making in effective leadership.
3. Critically analyze different leadership scenarios and develop solutions based on a personal philosophy of leadership.
4. Become acquainted with existing models, philosophies, and theories of leadership.
5. Draw some general conclusions regarding the relationship that exists between power, conflict, decision-making, and moral leadership.
 

 Course Overview:

·        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 245-2498 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 discusses.  It is essential that students come prepared and take part in all small group exercises and discussions.

·        Grading: 

                                      Total Points = 230

A = 207+ Points     B = 184-206 Points     C = 161-183 Points    

D = 138-160 Points     F = 137 Points and below

• Attendance: Attendance is very important to your success (A highly successful leader once said that 90% of success is just showing up). You begin the semester with 30 points for attendance.  I will subtract two points for each class you miss.  There is no such thing as an excused absence, i.e., you are either here or you are not.  If you miss more than 5 classes, you will automatically be dropped one letter grade.  By the way, perfect class attendance is highly correlated with higher grades.

1. Extra Credit: Each reading assignment has a study guide.  Click the online syllabus link for each reading assignment to get the reading guide. If you complete the study guide and turn it in at the beginning of the class on the day that the reading assignment is due, you will earn an additional point towards your final grade.  Complete all of the reading guides, and you earn 12 points!

Required Textbook:
                                 Principle-Centered Leadership by Stephen R. Covey.  (ISBN: 0-671-79280-6)

Date

August 15

August 17

Introductions and Course Overview. 

Theme:  What do leaders do?

Syllabus, Reading Assignments, and Grading

August 22

August 24

A Principle-Centered Approach to Leadership Development

Reading Assignment: PCL, pages 13-39

The Changing Nature of Leadership

August 29

August 31

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People PowerPoint Presentation
Reading Assignment: PCL, pages 40-56

The Five Things Every Effective Leader Knows About People

September 5

September 7

You aren't here & neither am I; it's Labor Day

Situational Leadership

September 14

September 19

Paradigm Shifts and Change

Reading Assignment: PCL, pages 57-78
A Leadership Primer (PowerPoint Presentation)

A New Way of Understanding Leadership

Test #1

September 21

September 26

The Miracle of Diversity

September 28

October 3

High Performance Teams

Reading Assignment: PCL, pages 101-129

Power, Control, & Purpose

October 5

October 10

Mission & Purpose: A Personal Mission Statement

October 12

October 17

Fall Break - If you come to class on this day, you will be very lonely

October 19

October 24

October 26

Creativity through Brainstorming

Test #2

October 31

November 2

Fostering Collaboration & Strengthening Others

Thinking Gray, Thinking Free

Reading Assignment on the web

November 7

November 9

Bad Leadership

Bad Leaders

Reading Assignment on the web

November 14

November 16

Working as a team

November 21

November 23

November 28

November 30

December 5

December 7

What Do Leaders Do?
Reading Assignment on the web

Thanksgiving

Team Presentations

Team Presentations

In Search of Excellence

Final Exam 12:30-2:30pm

PowerPoint Presentations

(1) Three Responsibilities of a Leader

(2) General Powell's Leadership Primer

(3) Leadership Paradigms

(4) 7 Habits of Highly Effective People