Introduction to Leadership

Course Details

Course Number: EDLE 5603  Section Number: X20

Spring 2011

Location: Ferguson Hall

Classroom Number: 303

Days & Times:

Internet course

Course Attachments

Schedule  Schedule Spring 2011-20120411-142252.docx

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. Martha Burger   
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Course Objectives

Course objectives:

  • Candidates analyze themselves with regard to values, behaviors, and skills related to successful school improvement.
  • Candidates develop professional growth plans based on findings from Leadership Styles Inventory, the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, and the Assessment of Leadership Qualities and Skills, which includes a self-assessment and an external assessment by a peer.
  • Candidates reflect on self-assessments as well as on learning throughout the course.
  • Candidates learn the foundations of leadership theory and practice appropriate to any organizational setting.

Course Expectations

Course Catalog Description:

            Successful leadership in organizational settings requires an understanding of human behavior, beginning with knowledge of self and leading to the understanding of others.  This course provides students with opportunities to analyze themselves with regard to values, behaviors, and skills related to successful school improvement.

Major Assessments:

            This course is based on ELCC Standards 1.1 and 2.4. The major assessment to be submitted to Tk20 is based on the LSI and the candidate’s personal learning philosophy.

  • Standard 1.1 – Candidates develop a vision of learning for a school that promotes the success of all students. The vision is based on relevant knowledge and theories, including but not limited to an understanding of learning goals in a pluralistic society, the diversity of learners and learners’ needs, schools as interactive social and cultural systems, and social and organizational change.
  • Standard 2.4 – Candidates develop and implement personal professional growth plans that reflect a commitment to life-long learning.

Grading Standards

Grading procedures:

  • Preparation for class and for discussion board assignments is imperative in order to participate adequately in class discussion that leads to learning. Failure to prepare reflects badly on you and is unfair to classmates. Points can be subtracted for obvious lack of preparation.
  • Assignments not turned in by the due date will not receive full credit.
  • Grading will be based on the quality of the work done and timely submission. Obvious effort, pride, and precision result in more points than work of lesser quality.

Assignment weights:

  • Discussions and chapter activities (journals and blogs) – 25% (includes timely participation)
  • Leader Interview – 5%
  • Dialectical Journal  – 10%
  • Book study discussions 10%
  • Growth plan sequence – 25% (including 3 inventories and a growth plan) (This major assessment is aligned with ELCC Standards 1.1 and 2.4 for Educational Leadership candidates).
  • Final project  - Personal Leadership Theory – 25%

Submission Format Policy

All assignments will be submitted to Blackboard. Major writing assignments (Dialectical Journal, Personal Leadership Theory) will follow APA format.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy
  • Assignments not turned in by the due date will not receive full credit.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor 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 professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Attendance Policy:

  • Regular attendance in the online environment is required to meet deadlines necessary for the successful completion of the course.
  • Participation is also expected in online discussions. Requirements for participation will be posted as part of each discussion assignment and points will be deducted if requirements aren’t met.

Other Policies

Other Class Policies:

  • Respect for others in online or face-to-face class demonstrates professionalism. Issues covered in this class can (and hopefully will) lead to heated discussion and disagreements among class members. This is to be expected and is not discouraged. It is important to remember that you may disagree with the thought or idea of another person, but not disrespect the person who has it. A diversity of opinions brings growth, especially if we concede that other people’s ideas may be as valid as our own. Points may be subtracted for disrespectful behavior.
  • Please participate in required Discussions in a timely manner so that the result is a genuine discussion – not a requirement to be checked off. Make your discussion comments – both initiations and responses – full and thought-out. Treat the discussions as you would a conversation to try to arrive at the deep meaning of a topic.  

Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.