Public Leadership

3 Credits · Level: Graduate

What better time to be studying leadership than now? This course is designed for students seeking to become effective public leaders, regardless of institution or position. Students will be challenged to think critically about the moral responsibilities and ethical dilemmas of public leadership; to understand the competing demands on leaders trying to accommodate politics, institutional constraints, and the multiple agendas of interested parties; to examine your own capacity for leadership; and to discover new ways to think about and exercise leadership for the public good. We will explore leadership in a variety of ways: analysis of the current political scene, key actors, and forces influencing leadership decisions; case studies of leaders, ranging from grassroots organizers to presidents; class discussions with experienced public leaders; and participation in class activities designed to allow you to practice your own leadership skills. Students will have an opportunity to interview two leaders about the issues they face, the strategies they use, and the advice they offer to emerging public leaders.