Leadership program and courses.
The 42 semester hours in the Leadership major consists of two elements - leadership theory and leadership praxis.
LEADERSHIP THEORY
The program begins with a course that not only prepares a student
for the methods associated with degree completion but also introduces the Leadership curriculum and concepts of
lifelong learning. This is a great way to ease back into university studies before starting the Leadership theory courses. See the course descriptions below.
LEADERSHIP PRAXIS
The PRAXIS part of the BA Leadership Program is comprised of practicums and a written project report. This gives students the opportunity to earn 7 or 9 semester hours for concrete application of theoretical knowledge while practicing leadership skills within the context of an organization. Students may choose either a 2 or 3 semester hour practica based on the number of semester hours needed in your Learning Plan.
LEADERSHIP COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
LDRS 301 LIFELONG LEARNING STRATEGIES IN LEADERSHIP (2 sem. hrs.)
Students are introduced to learning methods that will ensure academic and personal learning success for a lifetime of leadership development and application. Topics include building a personal knowledge profile, application of personal assessment tools, concepts of personal mastery, learning styles and competencies. Topics in leadership include the definition of good leadership, the difference between leadership and management, why leadership is necessary in organizations, and the importance of learning in organizations.
LDRS 300 LEADERSHIP THEORY AND PRACTICE (3 sem. hrs.)
Leadership Theory and Practice is an introduction to leadership as it pertains to the leader, the practices of leadership, and the desired outcomes of effective leadership. This course has a three-fold purpose and focus as it relates to leaders, leadership, and leadership development. First, to develop a basic understanding of what a leader is; second, to develop a personal understanding of leadership; and thirdly, to develop an understanding of what effective leadership looks like, specifically the study of servant leadership and transformational leadership.
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LDRS 302 HISTORICAL CONCEPTS & THEORIES IN LEADERSHIP (3 sem. hrs.)
An introduction to historical concepts and theories that have influenced current leadership and management trends. Highlighted are early societal and philosophical influences that have led to the development of classical management theories and subsequent emerging theories through the 1980's. Students learn current marketplace applications that will assist them in interpreting the actions and perspectives of individuals in organizations.
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LDRS 303 CONTEMPORARY & POPULAR APPROACHES IN LEADERSHIP
(3 sem. hrs.)
An overview of contemporary, popular approaches that have influenced current trends in leadership. It concentrates on influences from the 1990s to the present. Topics include psychodynamic theories, individual and organizational values, ethical and relational orientations, emotional intelligence.
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LDRS 310 THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION (3 sem. hrs.)
The course introduces the systematic development of learning organizations. Strategic information management focuses on identifying, defining, and operationalizing data to maximize preselected output criteria. Using systems theory, the role of fast feedback loops is explored. The alignment of organizational values, vision, mission, information and technology are discussed.
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LDRS 320 ETHICAL DECISION MAKING (3 sem. hrs.)
An exploration of ethical decision-making in a business environment. This study includes examination of individual, organizational, and macro-level issues in ethics. Students build understanding of the role of values and ethics in strategies for motivating, communicating, utilizing power, and developing followers. Cases for resolving ethical issues are used.
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LDRS 400 INTERPERSONAL LEADERSHIP: NEGOTIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION (3 sem. hrs.)
Students learn sources of conflict within and outside organizations related to personal differences, real and imagined levels of power, and stakeholder interests. Through simulation and role-playing, students develop skills in conflict resolution: transforming horizontal and vertical relationships, turning teams around and keeping disputes out of court. Forms of dispute resolution are discussed including professional arbitration and alternative methods of mediation.
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LDRS 410 COMMUNICATION: METHODS AND MEDIUMS OF PERSUASION AND POSITIVE INFLUENCE (3 sem. hrs.)
Communication not only informs and entertains, but perhaps most important, it persuades in written, oral, and body language forms. Listening is also significant but often overlooked aspect of communication. Communication affects colleagues, subordinates, superiors, and current and potential customers. This course provides a broad overview of these communications skills.
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LDRS 420 LEADING CHANGE (3 sem. hrs.)
In this course students learn about change and transition, how change affects teams and how to lead complex change. Other topics include engagement principles to gain commitment, and how to coach in the midst of change. Students apply learning to their own change project.
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LDRS 440 DEVELOPING ADMINISTRATIVE COMPETENCE (3 sem. hrs.)
Students learn key principles and methods to successful administration of private and public organizations. The course enables the student to develop skills in organizational effectiveness. Topics include: preparing strategic plans, modifying strategies, designing the organization to fit objectives, organizational governance, staffing the organization, budget building and defending, risk management and due diligence, effective implementation of plans.
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LDRS 475 CHRISTIANITY & CULTURE (3 sem. hrs.)
This course examines the important aspects of Christianity's involvement in western culture. Alternative models and historical examples of this involvement are considered as well as leadership related to Christian cultural activity.
LDRS 491/492 (2 sem. hrs) or LDRS 493/494 (3 sem. hrs.) APPLIED LEADERSHIP PROJECT PRACTICUM 1 & 2
From the onset of the BA in Leadership program, students will look for a potential project that will provide them with a leadership opportunity within their organization (or agency of their choice). The outcome of the Project Practicum will benefit the organization and provide students a setting in which to test and apply their skills as well as to reflect on their own personal development as leaders and professionals. Projects will be piloted within a supervised business, non-profit agency, or institution related to each student's personal interests and future plans. The Practicum 1 & 2 series is a seamless process that involves one project.
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LDRS 499 APPLIED LEADERSHIP PROJECT (3 sem. hrs.)
The project report consists of a 2-step "reporting out" to demonstrate learning and measure the success of project outcomes and leadership growth. Students will report in written form by way of a Final Paper and also by oral form at a celebratory Presentation Evening at Trinity Western University for each Praxis group.
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LDRS 490 PERSONHOOD (3 sem. hrs.)
Students develop a personal philosophy of leadership weaving together key concepts from previous courses and relating these concepts to their particular world view. This capstone study may include small group discussions and the preparation of a monograph. (May be offered in a partial on-line format.)
Your Learning Team...
A cohort is your learning team. You begin and end the program in a supporting and enjoyable learning environment of like-minded learners - balancing busy life schedules at home and work. Find out more.
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