Gannon University

MARYANNE MANDEVILLE KOZAK, M.A., Program Director

FACULTY: Professor: David C. Kozak. Assistant Professor: Rick Prokop. Lecturers: : Maryanne M. Kozak.

Professional schools, graduate schools, and employers seek candidates with strong leadership abilities, yet few institutions offer any formal leadership training. Students that graduate with a leadership degree enter their career fields with both expertise in their discipline and the skills and knowledge to lead with vision.

Gannon is one of the few universities that offer students the opportunity to receive academic credit and a degree in leadership studies. Students major in any field and minor in leadership.

Objectives

Good leaders understand that the ability to lead requires good judgment, right values, service to community, and vision. Although there is no one right answer for the best way to lead, certain basic skills and beliefs are necessary for all leaders.

The Leadership Program focuses on theory, skills, and experiential learning. As students prepare to become leaders in their careers and communities, they learn about and practice leadership skills such as listening, collaboration, problem-solving techniques, conflict resolution, organization, creativity, team building, interpersonal communication, strategic planning, decision making, ethics, and critical thinking.

Effective leaders demonstrate good judgment and a value system based on strong ethical standards. Students learn the necessity of an ethical foundation for leadership skills both through study of theory and through practice in community service. Students will consider and attempt to resolve some of the many ethical dilemmas that face leaders.

The Leadership Program gives students the opportunity to engage in community service and internships. These activities allow students to experience the theories in reality, to observe leaders in action, and to practice the skills and concepts they have studied.

The Leadership Program provides students with many opportunities to interact with professionals within and outside the university. Students in the Leadership Program will benefit from the interaction with Gannon’s Student Development Division, the Entrepreneurship program, the Leadership Scholarship program, Leadership Erie, the Center for Social Concerns, and Alumni mentors. Local and national leaders share their leadership ideas and experience with students. Students will visit organizations that promote quality leadership.

Requirements for the Minor
The Leadership Minor requires 15 credits (12 credits of leadership courses and a 3 credit elective). Students seeking the minor will also complete community service hours and an internship.

Requirements for the Certificate
The Leadership Certificate requires 12 credits (9 credits of leadership courses and 3 credits of leadership or an elective). Students will also complete community service hours.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

LEAD 101: The Leadership Process
Introduces the basic concepts, theories, vocabulary, and skills of leadership. Students learn how to gain and perform a leadership role on campus and in the community.
1 credit

LEAD 201: Experiential Leadership
Introduces students to types of leaders and leadership styles. Students use case studies and meet with national and community leaders to study problem solving, creativity, interpersonal communications, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.
2 credits

LEAD 301: Leadership Studies I: Theory
Examines leadership theory, the differences between leadership and management, the skills necessary for successful leadership, and various styles of leaders. Students will become familiar with the "great books" of leadership, interact with practicing professionals, learn leadership lessons from the study of the American Presidency, and experience negotiation and creativity exercises. (Also listed as POLI 301 or MGMT 399.)
3 credits

LEAD 302: Leadership Studies II: Practice
Builds on the theoretical study of leadership with an emphasis on practice and application. Students study leaders, systems analysis, planning, strategic thinking, and the requirements of community leadership. Students participate in exercises to increase skills in communication, media relations, and effective political leadership. (Also listed as POLI 302 or MGMT 399.)
3 credits

LEAD 395-398: Special Topics in Leadership
This course includes specific issues and/or topics of current interest in leadership using various methods and approaches to the study of leadership.
1-3 credits

LEAD 400: Capstone Seminar: The Leadership Synthesis
Leadership internship and community service are combined with an advanced seminar of reading and reflection for the purpose of interfacing theory and skills. Students develop a final integrating portfolio to weave together theory and experience, developing their own philosophy of leadership and a personal plan for lifelong learning and stewardship.
Prerequisites: KA 101, 201
1-3 credits

LEADERSHIP MINOR CURRICULUM

Students will also complete community service hours and an internship.

LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE CURRICULUM

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