Director: Martinella Dryburgh
The leadership studies program focuses on the study of contemporary and classical models of leadership effectiveness. These seminars are designed to introduce and enhance students’ knowledge and personal awareness of the subject and field of leadership and develop the student’s ability to act in a principled manner as a person of influence. These courses are open to all students. In addition, interested students are encouraged to enhance their knowledge and understanding of leadership through other Austin College courses that complement the leadership studies curriculum.
A minor in leadership studies consists of:
LEAD 120 (1 credit)
LEAD 240 (1 credit)
LEAD 495 (1 credit)
Elective (1 credit)
Elective (1 credit)
Total Credits Requirements = 5 course credits
COURSES
LEAD 120 Introduction to Leadership
This course is designed to provide an overview and understanding of the concepts of leadership as well as multiple opportunities for the assessment of leadership styles, leadership effectiveness, strengths and areas needing development. Specific subjects include interpersonal awareness, feedback and communication, decision-making, performance development, conflict management and problem-solving and the values and ethics of leadership. (Each fall and spring).
LEAD 240 Studies in Leadership
This course will focus more particularly on leadership effectiveness, self-leadership and organizational leadership. Students will study more models and theories of leadership through the lens of national and international affairs as well as how culture influences leadership and decision-making. Students will articulate their own ‘theory of leadership’ through oral and written presentations. PREQ: Leadership 120. (Each fall)
LEAD 250 Special Topics in Leadership
The course will examine topics of special interest to students interested in the theoretical and empirical implications of political, military, business or educational leadership. PREQ: Leadership 120 and 240 (Each fall and spring)
LEAD 253 The Ethical Leader
This course will study ethics from a leadership perspective. Students will study various definitions of ethics as well as leadership topics associated with ethical and unethical leadership: pseudotransformational leadership, the Toxic Triangle Model, destructive followership, and more. The class will use articles, podcasts, videos, and documentaries, as well as lots of discussion to study this topic. (Each fall and spring)
LEAD 260 Directed Study
A number of contemporary topics will be addressed in the program of study that will directly engage the student interested in specific leadership studies as a development of personal insight and perspectives of leadership. The program of study will enhance the understanding and practice in through individual investigation and interaction with the instructor. PREQ: Leadership 120, 240 (Each spring)
LEAD 350/450 Advanced Topics in Leadership
The topics to be addressed in this program of study will be the role of leadership in the practice of management in modern international organizations and the role of the professional in guiding and supporting principled and ethical practice as leaders. PREQ: Leadership 120 and 240 (Each fall and spring)
LEAD 394 Advanced Student Research
Intended for advanced students to develop and execute a research project related to leadership studies suitable for public dissemination under mentorship of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the results of their research in a public forum. Typically, this work results in a formal presentation, written work, or creative works. Course credit varies from 0-1.00. PREQ: Instructor permission required.
LEAD 464 Teaching and Learning Leadership
The topics to be addressed in this program of study will directly engage the student interested in teaching leadership studies as a middle/high school teacher or a member of student affairs staff. PREQ: Leadership 120, 240 (Each fall and spring)
LEAD 480 Internship
In this course select students may engage in special leadership internships, constituting 20 hours a week or more, which enables the student to observe, analyze, and practice leadership in action under the guidance of a mentor and supervisor. To earn credit for this experience, the student must present a formal written and oral report at the end of their internship experience. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00. May be repeated for up to 2 course credit units. PREQ: Leadership 120, 240 (Each fall and spring)
LEAD 490 Independent Study
The topics to be addressed in this program of study will directly engage the student interested in specific leadership studies as a development of personal insight and perspectives of leadership on an advanced level. The program of study will enhance the understanding and practice in leadership through individual investigation and periodic interaction with the instructor. PREQ: Leadership 120, 240, 260. Offered in variable course credit from 0.25-1.00. (Each fall and spring)
LEAD 495 Senior Conference: Advanced Studies in Leadership
This course explores a range of more advanced leadership issues and concerns. Advanced students participate in a synthesis and personal investigation of their leadership effectiveness create a Capstone project that demonstrates their knowledge and understanding of leadership concepts. The projects and their reflections on the Capstone experience are presented to other students and faculty. Students will articulate a plan of action and describe their propensity for engagement as a leader in future endeavors. PREQ: Leadership 120 and 240. 1 course credit as of Fall 2016. (Each fall and spring)