Mondays from 6:00-8:50 P.M.
Through this class, students are introduced to leadership concepts and develop an increased awareness of individual interests and abilities. This class will rely heavily on student involvement and is designed to encourage challenging and stimulating interaction. The primary belief upon which this class and the entire Leadership MSU program is based is that leaders are not born; they are made. The skills and knowledge that contribute to effective leadership are teachable and learnable, and thus provide the premise for this course.
The course will focus on creating “hands-on” experiences, wherein students can develop an understanding of how to be a more effective, self-aware, and knowledgeable student leader.
The course requires active participation and fulfillment of class requirements. The following represents major objectives of class activity:
Required Materials: StrengthsQuest passcode (available at the MSU Bookstore)
Grades:
The basis for your final grade will be the average of your class projects, papers, presentations, exams, participation, and homework. In other words, everything you do in and for class counts towards the final grade. Grades will be as follows: 90-105 (A), 80-89 (B), 70-79 (C), 60-69 (D), and 59 and below (F). There are 105 total points possible in the course.
Overview of Course Assignments and Graded Materials (in no particular order):
Midterm Exam (10 points): Students will complete an in-class, written examination which covers materials and content from the first half of the course.
Journals (10 points): Weekly online posting by each student using WebCT/Blackboard in response to the question or issue posed by the instructor. Students should also review their classmates journals in preparation for classroom. Journal postings are due by 12:00 PM each Monday before class.
Service Learning Project (10 points): As a class, students will plan and implement a community service project at some time during the spring 2011 semester which both benefits the local community and relates to leadership qualities covered in class. Students will write a reflection following the completion of the project not to exceed 3 pages.
Theory/Model Review (10 points): Each student will research a different leadership or organizational theory or model and share their findings with the class via an oral, powerpoint presentation of not more than 10 slides and 10 minutes. The theory/model selected by each student must be pre-approved by the instructor.
Ethical Case Study (10 points): Students will prepare written responses to two different ethics cases/scenarios using an ethical-decision making model covered in class. Responses for each case should not exceed 2 pages (4 pages total).
Team Presentation (10 points): In teams of 3-5 people, student will prepare a 30 minute class session (workshop, seminar, lecture, etc) on a leadership topic of the teams’ choosing. Topics must be pre-approved by the instructor.
Leadership Action Plan (10 points): Students will prepare a written reflection of fundamentals learned throughout the course and how those materials can enhance practice. In addition, students will share personal goals related to leadership over the next couple of years. Not to exceed 4 pages in length.
Final Exam (10 points): Students will take an individual, oral examination with the instructor to demonstrate knowledge gained over the course of the semester and interpersonal communication skills. This assignment includes the preparation and submission of a personal resume with emphasis on leadership experience, skills, and characteristics.
Book Report (10 points): Over the course of the semester, students will read a book related to leadership, after which, they will write a 2 page summary/critique. Book titles must be pre-approved by the instructor.
Leadership Biography (5 points): Students will write a short biography about a real person they consider a strong leader or role model, with emphasis on sharing specific leadership-related qualifications and characteristics possessed by the respective individual. Not to exceed 2 pages.
Homework (5 points): There will occasionally be homework during the semester which will be due the following class period. Completion of homework assignments will be verified by the instructor.
Participation (5 points): The classroom for Leadership MSU is an active learning environment. Students should contribute to discussion, share information with and support/challenge peers (when appropriate) and come to class prepared and ready to participate.
Paper Format:
Unless otherwise instructed, all written work should be submitted in typed, double-spaced format using a font size of 12 or 14 point.
Due Dates:
All assigned work will be due on dates specified. No late work will be accepted unless specific arrangements have been made with the instructor.
Attendance:
Attendance is part of your grade. Roll will be taken at the beginning of class. Students are allowed 2 unexcused absences. After 2, each absence will lower the final course grade by a half letter. Tardiness is considered to be arriving at class more than 10 minutes late. Three tardies equates to one absence. A student with excessive absences may be dropped from the course. See the 2010-11 MSU Student Handbook, page 37, for CLASS ATTENDANCE POLICY and AUTHORIZED ABSENCES.
Safe Zones Statement:
The instructor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the instructor’s expectation that all students consider the classroom a safe environment.
Cell Phone Policy:
Cell phones are not permitted during class time, with the exception of during breaks.