The Leadership Development minor has three core courses which each focus on a different area of leadership. The valuable leadership lessons learned in the core courses of the minor are supplemented by the required four elective courses which all support the theories and practices learned. Below are a brief summary of the courses I have taken and the lessons that these courses have supplemented and solidified from my experiences in the leadership core courses.
POL 101
Class Summary:
The focus of this class was to introduce the basic concepts of the various types of government and the effect that these governments have on the current state of affairs in the world today. We learned about the complex issue through the lens of models which depicted conflict between nations. Additionally, the class focused on the relationship between countries and how they interact, paying close attention to foreign policy and the effect the leader or governmental style has on the issue.
Leadership Lesson:
The class had a strong focus on the relationship between leaders and followers, specifically within nations of varying governmental styles. The class taught me about the process by which a leader comes to power in a nation, with drastic differences due to the varying government types. As a leader it is important to take into consideration the needs of followers, remembering what reasons you were elected to represent the people for, and shape these needs into foreign policy in order to best provide for the success of your nation on the global playing field. Due to varying needs of people in distinct areas of the world, there are many approaches to leadership exhibited by world leaders in all types of governments.
POL 102
Class Summary:
The primary focus of this class was to analyze the United States government, from both a procedural and functional standpoint. This was accomplished by taking a look at the constitution and breaking down the hierarchy of the various branches of government. Additional we discussed the role played by media and its effect on government. This also ties into the role that is played by people in the United States government.
Leadership Lesson:
This class taught me the importance of open communication between leaders and followers. The interaction between leaders and followers is a critical piece to leadership and it was definitely emphasized in this class. A primary focus of the class was the impact of followers on government, with special attention given to the significance of elected officials to represent the ideas of people. This class also brought up elements of ethical leadership in its covering of the system of checks and balances that is in place to ensure that one branch of the government doesn’t overstep its bounds. This also highlights the importance of elected official’s duty to stay true to the values of the people whom elected them.
EGL/HUR 232
Class Summary:
Through focusing on the works of historically significant writers, which include; Shakespeare, Dostoevsky and Dickens, an in depth look was taken at the significance of the role played by many famous rebels and tyrants throughout literary history. These writings demonstrate the classical characterization of many tyrants and rebels throughout history. Special attention is given to the development of the characters personality and leadership throughout the novel. The writers are also analyzed in a similar manor in order to shed light on the motivation for writing the novels.
Leadership Lesson:
This class explores leadership through the lens of various rebels and tyrants throughout the course of history. There is a detailed analysis of the styles of each of the characters and additional on the evaluation of their leadership from an ethical standpoint. Additionally, we focused on the relationship which these tyrants had with their followers and the way in which many of them dealt with their followers. The balance between leader and tyrant is very delicate and often these leaders with good intentions become corrupt in their quest for power.