Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The unit provides a foundation for understanding core leadership concepts and processes and critically reviews past and current conceptions and theories of leadership. Key issues central to the work of leaders are explored. The unit is appropriate for those from both educational and non-educational backgrounds.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to enhance your leadership knowledge, understandings and capabilities of current leaders and those aspiring to such positions in organizations.

Objectives

On completion of this unit you should be able to:

1) Discuss and critique core leadership concepts appreciating the social, ethical, intellectual, emotional and cultural dimensions of leadership; GC: A, B, F

2) Articulate the broader socio-political and historical context of leadership and the way that leadership has been conceptualized and how leaders are shaped; GC: A, B, C

3) Critically evaluate knowledge and understanding of various theoretical approaches to the study of leadership; GC: A, B, C, D

4) Evaluate current leadership issues and problems in your own organizational settings in the light of relevant literature and concepts; GC: C, D, E, F, G

5) Engage as critically reflective lifelong learners through analysis of your own and others' leadership experiences; GC: E, F, G

Content

This unit will cover the following topics:

• Leadership concepts - The language of leadership and some significant aspects of the historical developments of the concept are examined. Included here are forms and uses of power and how power is critical to an understanding of leadership.



• Global context - Included here are some contextual imperatives impacting on leadership such as corporate managerialism, changing national and international agendas and the impact of globalisation and technology on leadership



• Leadership as career - The notion of leadership as career and the importance of biography and context on leadership formation and practices are explored



• Leadership theories - Included here are a variety of models, theories and perspectives of leadership for critique. These include transformational and transactional leadership, ethical and moral leadership, authentic leadership, feminist leadership, shared leadership and Indigenous leadership.



• Current issues in leadership - Included here are some current issues facing leaders including ethical dilemmas and competing pressures, leading the learning organization, and other issues relating to equity and diversity.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Innovative adult learning approaches are used employing written resource materials, on-line support and activities and face-to-face lectures and/or tutorials. The emphasis in all of these approaches is student-centred, with a strong focus on the application of theory to a better understanding of, and improvement in, professional practice.

Assessment

There are two pieces of written assessment for this unit. Assessment is both formative and summative.Formative assessment will be provided through feedback on initial assignment work and in electronic communication or in class as appropriate. Feedback will provided on the two summative tasks.

Assessment name: Critique (written)
Description: The first assignment requires you to read a biography or autobiography of a recognized leader in any field (e.g. politics, sport, religion, the arts. Some examples include Oodgeroo of the Noonunccal tribe, Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela) and critique his/her leadership story and practices in the light of current leadership concepts and theory.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Problem Solving Task
Description: The assignment asks you to reflect upon and identify a leadership issue or problem that has emerged in your organizational setting. You are required to explore and analyse the issue drawing upon theoretical insights and literature covered in this unit and elsewhere. The final part of the assignment requires you to tease out key implications and lessons learned for leadership based on the exploration of the issue.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End-Semester

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Relevant resource materials will be available on the CMD and other references can be found in the library and on-line.

Risk assessment statement

No risks have been identified as associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 31-Oct-2012