Leadership Studies
Jepson School of Leadership Studies
Professors Ciulla, Forsyth, Goethals, Hickman, Kaufman, McDowell, Peart, Wren
Associate Professors Hicks, Hoyt, Price
Assistant Professors Kim, Mitric, Williamson, Zivi
The Leadership Studies Major
Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the major must be no less than 2.0, with no course grade below a C- (1.7).
Students wishing to major or minor in leadership studies must apply for admission to the Jepson School of Leadership Studies during the fall semester of their second year.
A minimum of 11 units, including:
LDST 101 Leadership and the Humanities
LDST 102 Leadership and the Social Sciences (not required of students admitted to the University prior to 2008)
LDST 205 Justice and Civil Society
LDST 249 Research Methods (.5 units)
LDST 250 Critical Thinking (.5 units)
LDST 300 Theories and Models of Leadership
LDST 351 Group Dynamics (only required of students admitted to the University prior to 2008)
LDST 450 Leadership Ethics
LDST 488 Internship
Four additional units of advanced courses numbered above 300, not including LDST 450 and LDST 488.
Advanced coursework may include one unit of collaborative study, one unit of independent study, one unit of honors thesis work, or one unit of senior thesis work.
The Leadership Studies Minor
Note: The grade point average of the coursework comprising the minor must be no less than 2.0, with no course grade below a C- (1.7).
A minimum of 8 units, including:
LDST 101 Leadership and the Humanities
LDST 102 Leadership and the Social Sciences (not required of students admitted to the University prior to 2008)
LDST 205 Justice and Civil Society
LDST 249 Research Methods (.5 units)
LDST 250 Critical Thinking (.5 units)
LDST 300 Theories and Models of Leadership
LDST 351 Group Dynamics (only required of students admitted to the University prior to 2008)
LDST 450 Leadership Ethics
Two additional units of advanced courses numbered above 300, not including leadership ethics, collaborative study, independent study, or thesis work.
Honors in Leadership Studies
The Jepson School faculty offers a track by which students with a proven academic record of intellectual initiative and scholarly drive can earn honors in leadership studies. The faculty invites interested students to apply for the honors track. The deadline for this application is October 1 of the student's junior year. To qualify, a student must be a leadership studies major, hold at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA and at least a 3.30 leadership studies GPA, and have earned a B or higher in at least four leadership studies courses. The application form is available for qualified juniors from the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
Once accepted to the honors track, in order to receive honors in leadership studies, a student must:
Enroll in LDST 399 Junior Honors Tutorial, for spring semester of junior year. (Students planning to study abroad during this semester may make alternate arrangements with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and relevant faculty members.)
Submit a five-page proposal and preliminary bibliography to be accepted by the course instructor and a Jepson faculty thesis advisor.
Enroll in LDST 497 and 498, Senior Honors Thesis I and II, during senior year.
Successfully present one chapter, bibliography, and chapter-by-chapter outline of thesis to the student's committee by the last day of classes in the fall semester of senior year.
Successfully defend thesis before the student's committee by the last day of classes in the spring semester of senior year.
Complete undergraduate program with at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA and at least a 3.30 leadership studies GPA.
The student in the honors track must complete all aspects of the standard Jepson curriculum. Leadership Studies 497 and 498 can count for a maximum of one unit of advanced course credit.
Concentrations in Leadership Studies
The Jepson School Faculty offers a track by which leadership studies majors can pursue a concentration in an area of leadership studies. Possible concentrations include: international leadership, political leadership, the psychology of leadership, law and leadership, leadership ethics, social justice, gender and leadership, organizational leadership, and religious leadership.
At the beginning of fall semester in junior year, leadership studies majors interested in pursuing a concentration should meet with potential concentration advisors and get approval for a concentration plan. By October 1 of junior year, the student should submit the concentration proposal to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs who will take the proposal before the academic affairs committee. Approval will be contingent on Jepson School expertise in the proposed area of concentration and course availability.
Once the concentration is approved, the student must:
Complete four approved advanced courses (300-level or above) in the area of concentration. At least one of these courses must be an LDST course. At least one of these courses must be outside LDST. Cross-listed courses count as LDST courses.
Complete a senior thesis. The thesis will be evaluated by the concentration advisor and a second reader. The second reader may be outside the Jepson School. Students may count one unit of thesis work toward the advanced course requirement for the major. In order to satisfy the thesis requirement for a concentration, a student may opt to participate in the honors track and complete a thesis in the area of concentration.
Complete the degree requirements for the B.A. in leadership studies. Concentrations will be restricted to LDST majors.
Concentrations require a minimum of 13 units. They will normally consist of 14-15 units.
Study Abroad
Leadership studies students are encouraged to study abroad. Majors and minors may count a maximum of one unit of study abroad credit toward the advanced course requirement. This course must enhance the student's academic plan in leadership studies. Determination of whether a course enhances a student's academic plan in leadership studies will be made by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the student's Jepson advisor. Students are encouraged to study abroad in the spring of junior year, although alternate arrangements typically can be made to accommodate students planning to study abroad in the fall of junior year.
Courses
LDST
101 Leadership and the Humanities
Introduction to leadership as an object of study through examination of its historical foundations and intellectual development. Readings selected from history, literature, philosophy, political theory, religion, and social theory. Emphasis on assessing these texts in light of reasoned argument and on drawing out their implications for leadership studies. This course may be taken before or after LDST 102.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
102 Leadership and the Social Sciences
Introduction to the study of leadership through theoretical and empirical explorations of social interaction. Readings selected from anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology. Emphasis on advancing the understanding of leadership through an increased appreciation of the rich complexities of human behavior. This course may be taken before or after LDST 101.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
205 Justice and Civil Society
Exploration of contemporary society and understandings of justice. Readings on civil society, theories of justice, and analysis of poverty and related socio-economic problems. Includes a service learning component with critical reflection on community service to populations in need.
Prerequisite(s): Leadership Studies 101 or 102 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
249 Research Methods
In-depth examination of various research methods used in leadership studies. Consideration of issues associated with design of studies, collection of various kinds of data, writing research proposals and reports, and analysis of data.
Prerequisite(s): Leadership Studies 101 or 102 and admission to the Jepson School of Leadership Studies as a major or minor.
Unit(s): .5
LDST
250 Critical Thinking
Examination of knowledge and argumentation as they pertain to leadership. Analysis of scientific methodology and logic, language and interpretation, and their influence on the study and practice of leadership.
Prerequisite(s): Leadership Studies 101 or 102, and admission to the Jepson School of Leadership Studies as a major or minor.
Unit(s): .5
LDST
300 Theories and Models of Leadership
Examination of theories and models in leadership studies. Introduces role of theory in social science, and both classic and contemporary leadership theories/models are presented. Emphasis on critical analysis of theoretical perspectives.
Prerequisite(s): Leadership Studies 101, 102, 249, and 250 and admission to the Jepson School of Leadership Studies as a major or minor.
Unit(s): 1
Advanced courses in leadership studies have a primary focus in one of three areas: Social/Organizational, Historical, and Ethical. Students can meet the advanced course requirement by taking courses from any of the areas. These courses are offered on a rotating basis.
LDST
302 Leadership in Organizations
Focus on leadership theory and research within and across formal organizational settings such as public/private, profit/nonprofit, professional/nonprofessional, and unitary/multidivisional. Examination of rational, natural, and open systems, and of how leadership differs in each system. Primary focus social/organizational.
Prerequisite(s): Leadership Studies 300.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
303 Leadership in Political Contexts
Informal and formal processes by which power and authority are exercised and leadership is selected within political systems in various settings. Examination of leadership in basic processes and institutions of government through case study of legislative issues. Primary focus historical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
304 Social Movements
Exploration of history of leadership in social movements. Comparison and contrast of forms, mechanisms, and practices of leadership in various stages of a social movement. Examination of values of leaders as expressed through stories of ordinary people involved in leadership in social movements. Primary focus historical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
306 Leadership in Cultural and Historical Contexts
Analysis of impact of larger contextual factors on the process of leadership. Exploration of role of long-term social, political, economic, and intellectual forces, as well as the influence of cultural norms and values. Emphasis on application to actual leadership situations. Primary focus historical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
307 Leadership in International Contexts
Comparative study of leadership in various cultures and in cross-cultural organizations. Topics include cultural and ethical influences on leadership, the relationship between leaders and followers in various cultures, and problems of cross-cultural leadership. Primary focus ethical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
308 The Creation of the American Republic
Examines principles and practice of leadership within political context of the founding of the American Republic from 1776 through 1788. Primary focus will be on day-to-day work of the Constitutional Convention and the subsequent debates over ratification of the new constitution. Primary focus historical. (Same as Political Science 330.)
Unit(s): 1
LDST
320 Good and Evil
An analysis of empirical studies of moral phenomena, examining such question as (a) What is humanity's moral nature? (b) Why do people act morally or immorally? (c) What feelings and sentiments do people experience when they consider and act in ways both proper and improper? and (d) How do people see, construct, judge, perceive, and react to positive and negative feelings, thoughts, and behaviors? Primary focus social/organizational.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
325 Leading Socially Active Businesses
Examines a new business model in which company leaders go beyond charitable donations to humanitarian causes to facilitate the involvement of employees directly in community problem-solving and volunteering. Addresses questions such as the following. Does this form of leadership raise new expectation s for business in the 21st century? Does it change the primary role of business? Is this approach sustainable? What are the motivations for this business model? Does this business model require a different form of leadership from traditional models? Primary focus social/organizational.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
340 Early Modern Crises in Leadership
Discussion of primary texts that disclose difficulties in formulating political and religious policy during the crises that start with the later Middle Ages in Western Europe and run into the seventeenth century. Students will be expected to evaluate as well currently influential interpretations of the crises and proposed resolutions. Specific subjects will be selected from a menu that includes medieval papal imperialism and decline, the development of early modern secular bureaucracies, Renaissance political theory, religious reformations, and religious wars as well as Machiavelli, More, Luther, Calvin, Whitgift, Lord Burghley, Queen Elizabeth I, Emperor Charles V, and King Henry IV (France). Primary focus historical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
342 Dead Leaders Society
Exploration of the lives and times of important leaders of the past to gain insight into leadership, to learn how to evaluate leaders, and to gain expertise in better understanding the complex role that the surrounding context plays in the leadership relationship. Uses historical case studies to identify the leadership challenge and examine the values and activities of individuals in response to the mix of opportunities and constraints provided by fellow stakeholders and contemporary cultures, as well as by the long-term social, economic, and intellectual forces. Primary focus historical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
345 Civil War Leadership
A study of the events leading to the Civil War, and the military and political leadership on both Union and Confederate sides during the war. Topics include the roles of slavery and political leadership in starting the war, the leadership of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis during the war, and that of Generals Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, George B. McClellan, and William T. Sherman in shaping the outcome of the war. Primary focus historical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
351 Group Dynamics
Introduction to scientific study of group processes through vocabulary, concepts, theories, and research. Both classic and contemporary theories and research are presented. Emphasis on both theoretical and applied components of group dynamics. Primary focus social/organizational.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
352 Presidential Leadership
A study of theories of presidential leadership and assessments of several presidencies, including those of George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Bill Clinton. Addresses the personal qualities and capacities as well as the situational and historical contingencies that influence the effectiveness of various presidencies. Also considers the nature of social perception and its role in appraisals of presidential performance. Special attention will be given to presidential campaigning and presidential debates. Each student will undertake the study of one or more presidents. Primary focus historical. (Same as Psychology 449.)
Unit(s): 1
LDST
354 Conflict Resolution
Understanding principles and dynamics of mediating disputes and achieving agreements between groups and individuals. Discussion of negotiating techniques and ethical issues related to use of such techniques by leaders. Use of simulations and exercises to practice skills for resolving conflicts. Primary focus social/organizational.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
355 Competition, Cooperation, and Choice
Economic approach to leadership examines how individuals come together in social settings (a market place, an organization, a political entity) to make distributive decisions. Particular focus on Adam Smith's analysis of the development of modern industrial society and on important policy debates about slavery, the franchise and eugenics. Consideration of Smithian insights applied to contemporary game theoretic and experimental research on the emergence of cooperative behavior in settings where individual interests sometimes conflict with the interest of the group (or society). Special attention to public goods games and institutional frameworks that facilitate cooperation in a repeated prisoner's dilemma setting: competition, repetition, punishment, and reciprocity. Primary focus ethical.
Prerequisite(s): ECON 101
Unit(s): 1
LDST
356 Leading Change
Examines theories, concepts, and processes of leadership and change in several contexts including organizational, community, political, and societal. Focuses on purpose or reason for leading change in social structures, human conditions, dominant ideas, or prevailing practices using theoretical and experiential approaches. Primary focus social/organizational.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
359 Gender and Leadership
Examination of gender, and leadership by focusing on the psychological literature related to gender, stigma, and leadership. Primary focus is on using empirical research to help decipher fact from myth, evaluating and analyzing the scientific merit of the research, and applying the research to real world situations. Focus will be on understanding prejudice, stereotyping, and stigma, analyzing perceptions of female leaders as well as experiences of these leaders, and considering strategies for change. Course may be taught from a non-empirical perspective. Primary focus social/organizational.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
361 Sex, Power, and Politics
Explores the processes by which "sexuality" is constituted and informs the leadership process. Readings on the social construction of gender, theories of power, and conceptions of freedom will be coupled with analyses of policy debates on issues such as reproductive freedom, pornography, and gay rights. Primary focus ethical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
371 Moral Limits of the Criminal Law
Engages John Stuart Mill's project to determine "the nature and limits of the power which can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual." The starting point for the course is Mill's defense of the "harm principle" in On Liberty. Discussions address questions about whether we would be justified in using the criminal law to limit the liberty of individuals who engage in offensive behavior, behavior that is harmful only to the actors themselves, or behavior that is thought to be immoral. Readings from thinkers such as James Fitzjames Stephen, Patrick Devlin, H.L A. Hart, and Joel Feinberg. Primary focus ethical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
374 Contemporary Debates in Democratic Theory
Examination of contemporary debates in democratic theory, drawing primarily on writings of political theorists supplemented by scholarship in empirical political science, sociology, and political economy as appropriate. Specific topics examined may include the distribution of political and economic power in democratic societies; the relationship between political institutions and economic actors; the role of citizens in sustaining democratic regimes; the role of normative values in public-policy making; the role of deliberation in democratic societies; and possibilities for institutional reform to expand democratic self-governance. Primary focus ethical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
376 Leadership and Governance in the Contemporary American Metropolis
Examination of political, economic, and civic structure of contemporary American cities and their surrounding suburbs through the lens of contemporary democratic theory. Critically assesses historical and contemporary strategies for improving urban life employed by leaders in each of these sectors, with particular attention to the constraints these actors face. Specific topics discussed include transportation, land use, economic development and fiscal management, public education, crime, poverty, the formation of governing regimes, multiracial coalition building, and suburban sprawl. Primary focus ethical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
377 Ethical Decision Making - Health Care
Systematic examination of the central ethical decisions faced by leaders in medicine and healthcare. Topics include deception, decision making for incompetent patients, consent, abortion, euthanasia, disability, resource allocation, organ donation, and experimentation with human and non human animals. Readings by historical thinkers such as Jeremy Bentham, Immanuel Kant, and John Stuart Mill. Contemporary readings from bioethicists such as John Finnis, Judith Jarvis Thompson, Derek Parfit, Jonathan Glover, James Rachels, Peter Singer, and Ronald Dworkin. Primary focus ethical.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
378 Statesmanship
Focus on statesmanship through historical and biographical case studies of such figures as the American founders, Abraham Lincoln, and Winston Churchill. Also will seek to understand ways in which constitutional, legal, and political institutions can encourage, thwart, or direct leadership on a grand political scale. Primary focus historical. (Same as Political Science 310.)
Unit(s): 1
LDST
379 Reason, Rhetoric and Leadership
Consideration of the relationship between rhetoric and leadership. Focus will be on such examples as Thucydides' "History of the Peloponnesian War," the Declaration of Independence, "The Federalist Papers," and the oratory of Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Primary focus historical. (Same as Political Science 316.)
Unit(s): 1
LDST
386 Leadership in a Diverse Society
Focuses on historical and contemporary issues concerning the role, responsibility, and process of leadership in diverse communities, organizations or groups. Students use readings, projects and class exercises to examine leadership in diverse settings and in the classroom. Primary focus social/organizational.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
387 Leadership and Religious Values
Study of how persons draw on their religiously-based moral convictions as they lead and serve in a diverse society. Attention to public functions of religious ideas, practices, and communities. Focus on appropriate roles of religion in politics, the workplace, schools and universities, and civic organizations. Primary focus ethical. (Same as Religion 370.)
Unit(s): 1
LDST
390 Selected Topics
Topics developed by Jepson School faculty, visiting faculty, or faculty in other schools of the University that address particular issues in leadership studies. Examples may include leadership and psychology and literature and leadership. May be taken more than once if topics vary.
Prerequisite(s): Varies depending on topic.
Unit(s): .5-1
LDST
399 Junior Honors Tutorial
Juniors accepted to honors track (in fall of junior year) work with Jepson faculty members in this spring tutorial to develop thesis proposal and preliminary bibliography to be accepted by the course instructor and a Jepson faculty thesis advisor.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to honors track.
Unit(s): .5
LDST
450 Leadership Ethics
Application of moral theory to the values and assumptions of leadership, focusing especially on the ethical challenges of leaders past and present, group behavior, and leadership theory. Topics include self-interest, power, charisma, duty, obedience, and the greater good.
Prerequisite(s): Leadership Studies 300. Restricted to senior majors and minors or by permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
488 Internship
Applied experience in field of leadership studies and accompanying seminar. Observations of leaders in government, corporate, or nonprofit settings. Students are expected to apply what they have learned in required courses such as Theories and Models. Majors only.
Unit(s): .5-1
LDST
490 Independent Study
Independent study allows students to pursue research on their own topic of interest under the supervision of a faculty member. Independent study proposals must be submitted to the associate dean for academic affairs at least two weeks before the beginning of classes for the semester in which the independent study is to take place. The independent research experience will culminate in a final written product.
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
Unit(s): .5-2
LDST
491 Collaborative Study
Collaborative study provides students with the opportunity to conduct research collaboratively with a Jepson faculty member on a project of theoretical or methodological importance to the faculty member's program of research. Collaborative study must involve more than providing research assistance to an ongoing project; rather, the student must take responsibility for conducting original research of scholarly value. Collaborative study will be grounded in rigorous methods appropriate to the discipline in which the student is working and will culminate in a final written project.
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
Unit(s): .5-2
LDST
492 Directed Study
Group reading and discussion in a specified area of leadership studies under faculty supervision.
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
Unit(s): 1
LDST
495-496 Senior Thesis I and II
Year-long engagement in independent research project under supervision of faculty advisor.
Prerequisite(s): Department approval.
Unit(s): 1-1
LDST
497-498 Senior Honors Thesis I and II
Year-long engagement in independent research to produce written thesis worthy of honors in leadership studies. See description of Jepson honors track for further details.
Prerequisite(s): Leadership Studies 399 and commitment of a faculty thesis advisor are required to register for 497; in December of senior year, upon oral presentation of research and proposal, Jepson faculty verifies permission to enroll in 498.
Unit(s): 1-1
