The Leadership Degree

THERE ARE FOUR PARTS TO THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM:

(1) Orientation: An orientation course, which not only prepares a student for the methods associated with the adult degree completion study programs but also introduces the Leadership curriculum and concepts of lifelong learning.

(2) Leadership Theory: Ten core theory courses. These classes are hybrid classes involving 2/3 face-to-face instruction and 1/3 on-line.

(3) Praxis: Four credits of practical field experience where the student applies classroom concepts to the work place and one project course constitute the practical stream within the program. The practicum begins any time after the student has completed initial classes. Practicums, projects and assignment may be incorporated in the student's workplace. The project, which allows the student to synthesize his/her learning and field work in a written report and presentation to peers. The project reflects the philosophy of leadership developed by the student as part of the Personhood course.

(4) Capstone: The final capstone course (LDRS 490 Personhood) is  designed to assist the students in helping to formulate and articulate their philosophy of leadership and their particular worldview.

COURSES:

LDRS 301 LIFELONG LEARNING STRATEGIES IN LEADERSHIP (2 CREDITS)

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 302 HISTORICAL CONCEPTS & THEORIES IN LEADERSHIP

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.

LDRS 303 CONTEMPORARY & POPULAR APPROACHES IN LEADERSHIP

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.

LDRS 310 THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION

The course introduces the systematic development of learning organizations. Strategic information management focuses on identifying, defining, and operationalizing data to maximize pre-selected 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.

LDRS 320 ETHICAL DECISION MAKING

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.

LDRS 400 INTERPERSONAL LEADERSHIP: NEGOTIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION

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.

LDRS 410 COMMUNICATION: METHODS AND MEDIUMS OF PERSUASION AND POSITIVE INFLUENCE

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.

LDRS 240/250 BOOK STUDY

An exegetical study of a selected Old Testament or New Testament book demonstrating leadership principle. 

LDRS 420 LEADING CHANGE

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.

LDRS 440 DEVELOPING ADMINISTRATIVE COMPETENCE

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.

LDRS 475 CHRISTIANITY & CULTURE

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 LEADERSHIP PRACTICUM (TOTAL OF 4 SEMESTER CREDITS)

The practicum will provide students a setting in which to test and apply their skills as well as to reflect on their own personal development as professionals. Students must be accepted for their practicum in a supervised business, non-profit agency, social service agency, or institution related to their personal interests and future plans.

LDRS 499 APPLIED LEADERSHIP PROJECT

The project provides students with an opportunity to test and apply the skills learned in their practicum placement as well as to reflect on their own personal development as professionals. Students conduct their applied leadership project in a supervised business, non-profit agency, social service agency, or institution related to their personal interests and future plans

LDRS 490 PERSONHOOD

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.)

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