RockhuRst univeRsity 2012–2014 catalog

Course DescriptionsLS 2000. Introduction to Leadership (3)This course provides an introduction to and overviewof leadership theories and practice. Studentswill examine leaders whose lives illuminate timelessleadership qualities, as well as learn about, andreflect on, their own leadership styles, strengthsand weaknesses.LS 3000. Leadership Theory and Practice (3)This foundation course introduces the student tocommon elements of leadership in the Jesuit tradition.Students will study the genesis of these principalsand their efficacy in leading contemporaryorganizations, as well as how these concepts arerelated to commonly held elements of leadershipsuch as legitimate authority, expert knowledge,power, social responsibility, charisma and influence.Examples of effective leadership, taken fromhistory and contemporary society, are studied.LS 3200. Women and Leadership (3)This course probes and explores the leadershipcontributions of women, along with the leadershipstyles and approaches they bring to the leadershiparena. It visits the substantial social prejudiceexperienced by women, along with their inroads—first in championing social and political causes,and today as indispensable innovators, entrepreneurs,professionals and achievers. Partnering withcurrent women leaders in Kansas City, studentswill explore a variety of preferred leadership styles,experiencing how those styles are shaped to fit theleadership challenges at hand. Self-assessment ofthe student’s own leadership style will be included.This course, though focusing on women leaders, isvaluable to both women and men seeking insightand advancement in leadership.LS 4100. Organizational Change (3)This course will explore the evolution of organizationsthrough various life cycles, how they undergosignificant change during those cycles, promotinghealthy change that results in socially responsiblegrowth. Further, students will analyze the basicsystems and structure of organizations; understandrespective leadership and management roles; identifypriorities, learn how to promote successful andsignificant change to address those priorities, anddo so with attention toward the good of its people,constituencies and society. Finally, an historicalexample of monumental social change led by apreeminent political leader will be examined. Prerequisite:LS 3000.LS 4600. Conflict Resolution (3)This course examines human conflict in organizationsby evaluating the background, attitudes, andbehaviors that cause and perpetuate disputes; andprepares the student to help resolve disputes usingnegotiation and mediation techniques. Contemporaryphilosophies and styles of conflict resolutionare examined. Prerequisite: CT 2000, CT 2040.LS 4930. Research in Leadership (3)This course studies and applies research techniquesto leadership issues: identifying contemporaryleadership questions, researching answers to thosequestions and presenting findings through a properlyconstructed research paper. As part of theseminar process, students will identify a leadershipquestion to be explored, develop a hypothesis andshare in the research responsibilities of a literaturereview and testing the hypothesis. An oral, sharedpresentation of findings concludes the course. Prerequisite:LS 3000, PY 2100.LS 4940. Leadership Capstone (3)This course engages the student in a practical,individual research project demonstrating thepragmatic use of theory and knowledge. As such, itis taken in the final semester of course work. Thestudent will complete a research paper posing apertinent research question, advancing a hypothesis,reviewing current literature, conductingresearch leading to a conclusion. The culminationof the project is an oral presentation of the paperand findings. Prerequisite: LS 3000, LS 4930.School of Graduate & Professional StudiesUndergraduate Programs201