Leadership is often presented as a set of personal qualities or skills that individuals can develop to become more effective leaders. This course takes a different approach. Rather than asking students how to become leaders, it examines leadership as a social phenomenon and considers how leadership can be understood through theories and concepts drawn from the social sciences.
The course is anchored by one central question: What does leadership mean in the context of society? Students will explore selected leadership theories while examining power, influence, followership, trust, identity, culture, communication, media, and social context. Contemporary leaders and leadership phenomena will provide opportunities to question traditional assumptions about who leads, why people follow, where influence comes from, and how society shapes our perceptions of leadership.
Designed as an intensive, discussion-based course, learning will occur through short lectures, whiteboard brainstorming, reflection, case analysis, small-group activities, a leader interview, interaction with a guest leader, and contemporary examples. The emphasis is on questioning, applying, and reflecting upon leadership concepts rather than memorizing theories.
No previous coursework in leadership or management is required.
- Teacher: Sherry Maykrantz