Leadership Studies Minor

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Leadership is a specialized ability necessary for success in particular endeavors and for success in life in general. All the key institutions in our society -- arts, business, education, government, health care, human services, religious, scientific and social -- require effective leaders.

Leadership Studies is a multidisciplinary minor designed to fit the liberal arts curriculum of the college. It consists of 22 credits, to include the following required courses:

• LSP 101 Leadership Development
• LSP 102 Leadership Practicum
• LSP 201 Leadership Theories, Styles, Realities
• LSP 202 Leadership in Groups and Organizations
• LSP 396 Junior Leadership Seminar
• LSP 496 Senior Leadership Seminar

Students, in consultation with their major advisor(s) and the Leadership program director, elect other courses that match their organizational and career interests. They may also complete an internship or independent study with an organization. A specific plan will be developed in consultation with the Leadership program director.

Leadership 101 and 102 are usually taken in the freshmen year; 201 and 202 in the sophomore year, 396 and 496 in the junior and senior years. The Leadership Seminars are designed to help students integrate curricular and co-curricular programs into a strategy for continuing leadership development. Unless students have public speaking training, they are also required to take Speech 105 or 111. A course required in a student’s major field of study may not be counted as part of this minor.

Leadership Studies (LSP)

LOWER DIVISION

LSP-101 Leadership Development 2.0 cr.

A study of leadership roles and skills in college organization and activities. The course is designed for students who want to assume leadership positions during college and their careers afterwards. Should be taken in the freshman year. Limited enrollment.

LSP-102 Leadership Practicum 2.0 cr.

A continuation of Leadership 101 for students who are interested in leadership roles in college and other organizations and wish to continue improving their leadership competencies.

LSP-201 Leadership Theories, Styles, & Realities 2.0 cr.

Prereq.: LSP 101 and 102, or permission. This course is designed to challenge students to apply the theoretical and philosophical aspects of leadership to their organizations. Topics addressed include leadership style, motivation, group process, team building, communication, power and authority, and ethics in leadership.

LSP-202 Leadership in Groups & Organizations 2.0 cr.

Prereq.: LSP 201 or permission. This course is a continuation of LSP 201 designed to support students in leadership positions in on-campus and off-campus groups and organizations. Students will be challenged to improve their leadership competencies and reflect on their experiences.

UPPER DIVISION

LSP-396 Junior Leadership Seminar 1.0 cr.

Prereq.: LSP 201 or permission. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. A continuous series of seminars each semester for juniors. Seminars involve reading, directed research, discussions, experiments, speakers and skill practice. An internship plan is developed for each participant.

LSP-494 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Prereq.: LSP 396 and 496 or permission. This culminating experience provides students with the opportunity to pursue an approved interdisciplinary project of choice to increase their understanding of leadership effectiveness in the real world.  See independent study guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)

LSP-496 Senior Leadership Seminar 1.0 cr.

Prereq.: LSP 396 or permission. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credits. A continuous series of seminars each semester for seniors. Leadership competencies such as communication, problem solving, decision making, objective setting and self-development are emphasized throughout. Organizational sponsors and mentors are involved in the seminar.

LSP-497 Internship & Integrating Seminar 1.0 to 3.0 cr.

Prereq.: LSP 396 and 496 or permission. The intern will assume the role of leadership at an approved site to apply the theoretical aspects of leadership in a real organization. In addition to meeting the onsite requirement of the internship sponsor, students will share their interpretation of organizational dynamics during campus seminar sessions.  See internship guidelines.  (INDEPENDENT WORK)