This course provides a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment focused on leadership theory and current practice in public and private sector organizations through a communication lens.  Leadership models will be analyzed and evaluated for effectiveness from a variety of perspectives providing opportunities to gain a greater understanding of theories, concepts, models, and approaches of leadership in diverse contexts (personal, team, group, organization, community, etc.).  Students will also make connections with their own leadership philosophy, experiences, and areas for future growth.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Define what leadership is (and is not) in terms of central characteristics, goals, and principles.
• Identify and describe key foundational theories, approaches, and disciplinary perspectives to the study of leadership and communication.
• Analyze different leadership traits, competencies, skills, and styles and assess their effectiveness in diverse contemporary settings.
• Self-assess one's leadership traits, competencies, skills, and styles, as well as strengths and areas for future growth, and identify a personal leadership philosophy to adopt in personal and professional endeavors.
• Practice principles of leadership in personal and professional endeavors particularly leadership involving group dynamics.