COMM 628: leadership and communication is an in-depth examination of factors that contribute to successful leadership practices. Using a lens of historical and current theories, students will develop a multi-faceted perspective of leadership. The required method for written assignments is to type (10or 12-point fonts)
COMM 628: leadership and communication is an in-depth examination of factors that contribute to successful leadership practices. Using a lens of historical and current theories, students will develop a multi-faceted perspective of leadership. The required method for written assignments is to type (10or 12-point fonts)
COMM 628: leadership and communication is an in-depth examination of factors that contribute to successful leadership practices. Using a lens of historical and current theories, students will develop a multi-faceted perspective of leadership. The required method for written assignments is to type (10or 12-point fonts)
oe”) QUEENS UNIVERSITY
COMM 628: LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNICATION
pe - TUESDAYS, 6:00-9:00 P.M.
: oe SUMMER 2010
INSTRUCTOR: Kristen Linnea Johnson, Ph.D.
iohnsonk@queens.edu
Phone messages can be left with the Communication
Department
OFFICE HOURS: By appointment only
COURSE FOCUS: The most successful leaders are able to influence followers through the effective
‘communication of well-reasoned ideas, proposals and values; they essentially create meaning. This
‘course is about leadership, and more specifically, includes an in-depth examination of factors that
contribute to successful leadership practices. Emphasis is placed on the interaction between leadership
‘and communication; we will explore ‘downward, upward, and sideways’ communication, primarily in the
context of the public sector.
Using a lens of historical and current theories, students will develop a multi-faceted perspective of
leadership. Readings and exercises are designed to allow students to apply various skills and techniques.
‘deemed to be essential for successful leadership in the organizational and broader societal setting,
‘STUDENT COMMITMENT: This course is designed as an experiential, skill-based class. Experiential
leaming requires active participation. By enrolling in this class, students are expected and challenged to
take charge of their own learning (in other words, realizing that you will get out of the class what you put
into it). Specifically, students will commit to:
Become involved in the class through discussion and active participation in skill exercises
Complete readings before each class to minimize chapter review time during class sessions
Seriously address assignments designed to integrate everyday experiences with class concepts
Maintain colleagues’ confidentiality to create a safe environment to share experiences
REQUIRED TEXT: Northouse, P., Leadership: Theory and Practice 5°
Edition (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 2010).
‘Additional reading material may be provided.
OTHER MATERIALS: Topics discussed in class will expand on material presented in the textbook, so it
is imperative that students take and organize class notes, although itis at the individual's discretion how
this is managed. No specific materials are required, although group projects may choose to incorporate
visual aids of other items. The required method for written assignments is to type (10- or 12-point fonts).
SYLLABUS: Each student will receive one copy ofthis class syllabus, which serves as a contract
between the instructor and class participants. The syllabus outlines class assignments, due dates,
Policies, and expectations for the semester. The student is responsible for meeting all requirements (text
readings, assignments, exams, etc.) as detailed in the syllabus unless altered and/or approved by the
instructor.ASSIGNMENTS AND EVALUATION: All ofthe following assignments are required for successful
‘completion ofthe course. That is, no one may receive a passing grade without completing ALL of the
assignments. Final grades will be computed based on the point system listed below:
Exam I 16 Points
Exam Il 16 Points
Application Journal 35 Points
Group Project 20 Points
Participation 45 Poi
TOTAL 100 Points
The following grading scale applies:
90—100 Points
80-89 Points
70-79 Points
$69 Points,
Tom>
DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENTS
Exams. Exams will be some combination of short answer, multiple choice, and essay items covering
‘material from class sessions and the text. Exams are not cumulative but may require application from
previous units’ major theories to pass.
Application Joumal. Each student will be asked to submit written journal assignments on the date
specified on the course schedule. Timely submission of assianments wil be tracked through the
semester, A list of topics for this journal and evaluation requirements are included as an appendix to this
syllabus,
Group Project. Students will form groups of two to four members and prepare 50-minute oral
presentations on a key leadership ‘pop culture’ book (selection must be approved). Individual contribution
\ill be a high determinant of the assigned grade (in other words, you will not be allowed to slide by as
others do all the work). Sufficient in-ciass time will be devoted to group project preparation, although
outside meetings may also be required. Specific guidelines are attached as an appendix to this syllabus.
Participation. As discussed previously this class not only encourages active participation in class
discussion and exercises, itrequires it. Participation will be evaluated by attendance, role-playing, the
degree of preparation for class, demonstrated efforts to lea and understand the material, and
‘constructive input during class. The attendance policy is below.
ATTENDANCE POLICY: Ordinarily, student attendance is @ matter of personal choice with the
‘consequences of absence being born entirely by the absent student. However, in this case, attendance is
2 prerequisite for participation (which is 15% of your grade). In addition, because this class involves
theory, application, and ‘real-world’ practice, merely reading the textbook is not sufficient to eam a passing
{grade; this means that students must be present for each class session, for the entire class session,
‘Students who are absent for more than six hours of instruction (2 classes) will receive a 5-point reduction
{rom their final participation grade. Please note that absences are defined as non-attendance during the
regularly scheduled class period for whatever reason, illness notwithstanding.
‘Assignments missed by the student may be turned in or made-up at the instructor's discretion, and if
‘accepted are subject to the assignment late policy listed below (again, regardless of reason for absence).
Excessive absences (more than four) will result in failure of the course.
Leadership Syllabus, Page 2 of 7LATE ARRIVALS: Tardiness will aiso affect the participation grade. Students are expected to be in their
seats before or at class start time. Three late arrivals (defined as 5 minutes or more) will count as one
absence and apply as listed above.
CELL PHONES & OTHER DISTRACTIONS: Ringing cell phones or sounding beepers are a major
disruption in the classroom and should be turned off upon entry. Ifa cell phone or beeper goes off during
class, the owner will be asked to leave immediately and the absence will count per the policy listed above.
Ifthe class meets in a room with individual student intemet access and terminals (or if students bring
personal smart phones), the same goes for checking personal emails and/or surfing the web during class.
ASSIGNMENT LATE POLICY: Itis not fair to those students who complete material on time that late
work be accepted without penalty. Therefore, 10% of the grade will be deducted from any assignment for
each class day the assignment is submitted late for whatever reason (again, illness notwithstanding). In
extreme emergencies, contact the instructor before the assignment is due.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS: If you are a student with a verified disabilty and you require
‘accommodations, please provide instructor with the necessary memorandum that was given to you by
‘Student Disabilty Services. Contact: The Coordinator of Disability Services: Sandy Rogelberg, 704-337-
2508.
HONOR CODE: The Honor Code, which permeates all phases of university life, is based on three
fundamental principles. It assumes that Queens students: a) are truthful at allimes, b) respect the
property of others, and c) are honest in tests, examinations, term papers, and all other academic
assignments. Please contact instructor if you believe a violation of the Honor Code has occurred. It is @
Violation of the Honor Code for a student to be untruthful concerning the reason for a class absence.
UNIVERSITY CLOSINGS/CANCELLED CLASSES: In the rare occasion when itis necessary to close
the university announcements will be made on TV and radio, and will be posted on the Queens web site
{(vrww.queens.edu). Students who live on campus will be notified of a decision to cancel classes through
their voice mail. Commuter students should call the Queens Information Hotine (704-337-2567). NOTE: If
classes are meeting but you feel that you cannot find a safe way to get to class, you should notify
instructor as soon as possible.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY: Queens University of Charlotte faculty and students adhere to
the Queens’ Intellectual Property Policy. See Faculty Handbook, http:/moodle.queens.edu, and the
‘Queens University of Charlotte website at hittp/www.queens. edu
KEY ACADEMIC CALENDAR DATES:
Last date to ADD: May 21
Last day to DROP: May 28
Last day to WITHDRAW: July
Leadership Sylabus, Page 3 of 7