Description:

This course is designed to help students develop the capacity and confidence for leadership in their personal, professional, and civic activities. The course focuses on the study of essential components and concepts of leadership, examination of characteristics and skills of effective historic and contemporary leaders, analysis of leadership skills and responsibilities in community settings, identification of personal leadership goals and standards, and development of competencies needed to meet community and global challenges in an informed, innovative, and responsible manner. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Explain and compare selected theories and changing concepts of leadership.
2. Identify, describe, and evaluate characteristics and skills of effective leaders, using historical, contemporary, and fictional examples.
3. Observe and critique leadership in a community setting.
4. Describe and demonstrate teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills needed to function effectively in groups.
5. Explain the relevance and value of diversity of individuals, ideas, perspectives, and solutions in community life and decision-making.
6. Describe and practice strategies for effective public action and problem-solving.
7. Articulate a personal definition of leadership and strategy for community engagement.
8. Exercise the ability to balance action and critical reflection, individually and collectively.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Concepts and Components of Leadership
   A. Explain various theories and changing concepts of leadership.
   B. Compare characteristics and skills of effective leaders using
historical, contemporary, and fictional examples.
   C. Identify and prioritize values which guide individual and community
decisions and actions.   
   D. Explain ethical responsibilities of leadership; provide examples and
discuss inherent complexities of choices and consequences of alternative
actions.
   E. Provide examples and describe importance of servant leadership--a
commitment to the public good rather than to personal power.

II. Foundation for Leadership and Community Action  
   A. Demonstrate the ability to acquire, evaluate, and integrate
information from multiple sources.
   B. Demonstrate the ability to recognize and assess individual skills
and community assets.
   C. Articulate a vision to inspire others and unify action.
   D. Develop and describe critical thinking skills that integrate action
with reflection.

III. Strategies for Planning and Collaboration 
   A. Explain concepts of group dynamics and stages of development.
   B. Analyze types, causes, impact, and resolution of conflict.
   C. Demonstrate strategies for consensus-building, decision-making, and
problem-solving.
   D. Explain the importance of diversity—its impact on and contribution
to group decisions.
   E. Explain and justify the concepts of shared leadership and
empowerment of others.

IV. Strategies for Action 
   A. Evaluate methods which encourage and support change and innovation.
   B. Explain strategies for goal-setting and implementation.
   C. Explain evaluation as a strategic process to increase effectiveness
of decisions and actions.
   D. Describe communication strategies designed to increase visibility,
credibility, and support.

V. Commitment to civic responsibility and community engagement
   A. Articulate a personal definition of leadership 
   B. Outline a personal strategy to recognize, seek, and accept
opportunities for participation and leadership.
   C. Complete a community-based learning assignment (such as a
service-learning project at a non-profit organization, care facility, or
school, or an internship with a governmental agency or office).
   D. Connect the community experience to course readings and discussion.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

Classroom discussion and participation:  30 – 50%
Papers, presentations, projects:   30 – 50%
Community-based learning assignments:  20 – 30%

Grade Criteria:
A = 90 – 100%
B = 80 -  89%
C = 70 -  79%
D = 60 -  69%
F =  0 –  59%

Caveats:

1. Some required course activities, such as community-based learning assignments, will take place off-campus and outside scheduled classroom time.

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.