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EDEL 800

EDEL 800
Leadership in the 21st Century

1. Catalog Entry

EDEL 800
Leadership in the 21st Century

Credit hours (3)
Prerequisite: This class is offered for students accepted into the Doctoral Program in Education.

In this course, students will examine various theoretical approaches to leadership from the 20th and into the 21st century with an emphasis on how theory can inform and direct the way leadership is practiced.

2. Detailed Description of Course

The following theories of leadership will be explored through both an historical and applied lens: Trait Approach, Skills Approach, Behavioral Approach, Situational Approach, Path-Goal Theory, Leader-Member Exchange Theory, Transformational Leadership, Authentic Leadership, Servant Leadership, Adaptive Leadership, Psychodynamic Leadership.

Major topics include:
• Evolution of leadership theory and practice
• Emerging theories of leadership
• Development of leadership strategy for 21st century organizations
• The role of technology in leadership
• Leadership ethics
• Gender and Leadership
• Culture and Leadership

3. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

This course may include leadership self-assessments, professional reading, case study analysis, discussion, lecture in synchronous and asynchronous online formats, and application of course content to problems, issues, and decisions within school/district settings in which students are engaged as leaders.

4. Goals and Objectives of the Course

Upon successful completion of course requirements, students will:
• Articulate her/his personal preferences and tendencies towards certain leadership behaviors.
• Describe the evolution of leadership theories through the 20th and into the 21st century.
• Select an approach to leadership that is reasonably designed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Articulate rationales for specific leadership strategies in urban as well as suburban and rural environments.
• Select and use specific leadership strategies in response to events or issues within school and school district settings.
• Demonstrate uses of technology as a tool to enhance leadership effectiveness.
• Identify potential ethical issues associated with leadership.
• Describe potential impact of gender and cultural issues on leadership practice.

5. Assessment Measures

Students will be assessed with multiple instruments that may include, but are not limited to, case study responses, online assessments of content knowledge, group projects, and individual projects.

6. Other Course Information

None

Review and Approval

May 2017