Courses

The major project is a synthesis of research, theory, and practice. Students work under the supervision of an approved supervisor to design, implement and evaluate a project related to their professional field of interest. Such projects may involve an analysis of current educational policy, development of a curriculum product, or an in- depth analysis of extant literature on a particular topic related to the course of study. The main focus of the project is the integration of research and theoretical and practice perspectives to a particular practice, focus or problem.

Students are required to complete a thesis (6 sem. hrs.) that passes an examiner external to the University with expertise in the particular area of the thesis. The thesis must be defended orally before an examination committee. Students may choose their area of research with help from the program director and other faculty. This may occur at any time after their first semester in the program.

This introductory course provides an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical basis for leadership, including the participant’s stage of development. Major historical models for leadership are examined with special attention to servant leadership. Participants also examine ways of improving their own leadership skills through practical interactive group exercises.

The student gains an appreciation of practical visioning and strategic leadership with an emphasis on understanding strategic leadership framework, integrating new leadership knowledge, using different strategic perspectives, appreciation of strategy-making process and factors, developing workplace application skills, acquiring development tools and the integration of transformational servant leadership skills throughout.

This course prepares those currently in leadership positions to assess and develop their abilities to coach and develop teams, manage conflict by building relationship, and turning confrontation into cooperation, as well as explore and experience teamwork. Participants understand conflict theory teamwork development, motivation, and management strategies. As leaders and agents of change, candidates analyze and formulate key knowledge and skill areas that enable them to construct the competencies of self-renewal, communication, and understand how they interact in a team. Development of these competencies increase participants' abilities to value people, and thereby, increase the effectiveness of their negotiation, intervention, and impact in a team environment. The course is facilitative, participatory, and experiential. Candidates complete this course having experienced personal change, and having the confidence and competence to influence others through building relationship, cooperative negotiation, and a greater trust in a team environment.

An analysis of organizational development and operation in a leadership-based system for performance results measurement and reporting: terminology, concepts, and skill needs; the role of a Christian perspective on financial accountability, concepts and principles; specific stakeholder interests in defining data/ information needs; key elements and factors for quality business plans and budgets; governance, financial leadership, performance results measurement and reporting strategies.

This course provides an overview of the process, critical analysis, and associated skills required for scholarship and research. This course is designed for learners who may have little experience in the area of research, and provides introduction to scholarly inquiry and various research approaches being used in the field of leadership to the end that learners may become discriminating consumers of research.

This course examines the complex issue of the Christian believer's mandate to indwell the Biblical story in the context of contemporary western culture, paying particular attention to ways in which this issue impacts the task of educational leadership. Students will discuss the potential of transformational servant leadership and values-based leadership for building personal and shared vision in educational settings. They will develop and discuss strategies through which the school leader can work reflectively with faculty, parents, students and others in establishing and sustaining a vision-shaped educational community. Students will also participate in a school leadership self-assessment exercise.

This course reviews the foundations and practises of both macro- and micro-level program development for schools and school systems. Students will consider the underlying assumptions and effects of alternative approaches to program planning. They will explore how worldviews shape curriculum theory and analyze how they affect curriculum development. They will also examine contemporary issues and research problems related to planned curriculum change and development. The participants will develop a framework and criteria for developing programs, resources, and curriculum practice based on a Christian worldview.