Courses

An introduction to learning in the contexts of academic studies and personal growth for a lifetime of success as a leadership student and practicing leader. Emphasis is given to exploring three themes: (a) understanding the self as leader, (b) understanding the role of learning in leading, and (c) understanding leadership studies.

An exploration of what leaders can learn from the past to understand contemporary leadership and to imagine future ways of leading. Students are provided with the opportunity to use the historical method, including primary sources, to understand past leaders and leadership thought. Emphasis is given to the social circumstances and philosophical ideas that led to the Classical and Scientific Management theories, and subsequent leadership theories emerging through to the 1980s.

An overview of contemporary approaches in leadership from the 1990s to present day, including practices that focus on psychodynamics, individual and organizational values, ethical relations, teamwork, emotional and social intelligence, and other aspects that have helped define current interpretations of leadership.

Examines leadership as systems of leading and following in various contexts. Multiple levels of analysis from self to society at large are considered. Core practices, such as, appreciative inquiry, systems thinking, and design thinking are investigated.

An exploration of the leader's decision-making practice, including the relation to problem analysis, decision-making techniques, and ethical considerations. Emphasis is given to a critical examination of individual, organizational, and macro-level issues in ethics, and exploring the role of values and ethics in the leader's formulation of strategies for motivating, communicating, utilizing power, and developing followers.

A practical examination of leadership in the team context and its relevance to organizational flourishing. Emphasis is given to shared leadership in facilitating collaborative work, problem-solving, learning, and sustainable performance.

An overview of current and evolving global leadership challenges is the focus of this course. Students will explore practical ways in which leadership in foreign countries differs from leadership in North America. Attention is given to practicing open and equal consideration of all cultural viewpoints while maintaining a transformational servant leader perspective emphasizing compassion and reconciliation.

This course will investigate the complex world of innovation, its associated practices, and guiding mindsets. Students will explore key concepts and issues involved in the challenge of innovation, apply best practices, and integrate ethical principles to cultivate innovative thinking and behaviour. Emphasis will be given to the adaptive processes of implementing new ideas and the impact of these inventions.

This course examines important aspects of Christianity's involvement in global culture. Alternative models and historical examples of this involvement are considered as well as the engagement of Christianity with specific current social and cultural issues.