Leadership, Education, and Development Skills
Course Syllabus
Emergent Leader Program
Tuedays, 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm

Instructor
Kawana Coulon, M.Ed.
Coordinator of Orientation and Leadership Programs
Center for Student Leadership & Service
University Center, Room 316
Phone:  520-7320 ∙ Email:   ktnavarr@xula.edu

Course Description
The purpose of this course is to teach effective and ethical leadership skills to the student preparing to take on leadership positions.  The comprehensive curriculum will address practical aspects of leadership, which can be utilized on campus, in the local community, and at the workplace.

Course Objectives

1. Students will learn to articulate values, qualities, and skills important to leadership positions.
2. Students will actively participate in leadership workshops and panel discussions.
3. Students will develop an awareness of leadership via community projects.
4. Students will enhance their written and oral communication skills through article reviews, reflective writings, in-class discussions, and out-of-class assignments.
5. Students will develop their personal identity as a leader and a vision statement.

Attendance and Participation
A quality leadership training experience rests heavily on the degree of interaction and exchange of ideas among students and instructor.   Each emergent leader is expected to be prepared for class and actively participate in class discussions.   Your ability to contribute to class discussions and reflection activities and to integrate course readings will heavily weigh in determining eligibility for leadership certification. 

In the event that you will miss class or be late, the instructor must be notified prior to that class.  More than one absence will result in your being ineligible for leadership certification.

Assignments, Readings, and Journal Entries
Assignments and readings should be completed prior to the start of class.  Journal entries will focus on what you are learning about yourself related to leadership development.  Suggested questions are provided each week, and entries should be at least one page in length and legible. 

Leadership Certification
Any emergent leader who successfully completes a semester of XU LEADS training will receive leadership certification for this track.  The certification is required to hold the position of Peer Dean, Resident Assistant, Mobilization at Xavier Project Coordinator, Freshmen Class Executive Board member, 2008 Student Government Association candidate.   Certified emergent leaders are required to participate in the advanced leader track.

Community Projects
Each leader is required to participate in at least two community projects during the semester.
Course Outline/Assignment Explanations:
Week 1:                                Introduction and Course Overview
We will discuss the syllabus and expectations.  The XU LEADS certification will be explained.

Week 2:                                What is Student Leadership?
We will discuss the dynamics of student leadership in higher education.  Qualities and skills necessary to be an effective leader will also be addressed.   

1. Assignment/Reading:  first draft of leadership vision statement
2. Journal Questions to Consider:  What are my goals/expectations for the course?  How and what will I contribute to Xavier’s student leadership community?  What does leadership mean to me?   

                 
Week 3:                                Stress & Time Management
We will discuss the definition of stress, its many causes, and management techniques.  Upon completion of stress and time management tests, you will learn what factors stress you the most and how to cope as a student leader.  We will also address the importance of managing your time as a student and future leader at XU.  Time management tips will be provided.

1. Assignment/Reading:  “How I Overcame Stress Addiction”
2. Journal Question to Consider:  As a new college student, what stresses you?  Do I have a safe, effective outlet for managing and relieving stress?  Do I know where and how to seek help should stress become unbearable?  How do I prioritize?

Week 4:                                Ethical Leadership
We will address the importance of ethical leadership.  You will reflect on personal values and how they play a key role in leadership action.

1. Assignment/Reading:  Ethics Case Studies 55 & 72                  
2. Journal Questions to Consider:  What do I value?  What investment have I made in my spiritual development?  What is the difference between ethics and morality?  How should spirituality impact my decision making as a leader?

Week 5:                                Communication Skills
We will discuss the importance of effective communication, your communication skills, and seven steps to better communication.

1. Assignment/Reading:  Why Communication Skills are So Important                  
2. Journal Questions to Consider:  How do I define effective communication?  How well do I communicate?  What barriers prevent me from communicating with others?

Week 6:                Being a Highly Effective Person
Using Stephen Covey’s The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, we will consider the source of our attitudes and behaviors as it relates to self, others, and the world.  We will also review what “paradigm shift” may need to take place in order to live an better life.

• Assignment/Reading:  summary of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People
• Journal Questions to Consider:  How do I view myself?  How do I view the world?  What events or life situations have caused me to view the world the way I do?  How do I prioritize the seven habits?

Emergent Leader Syllabus Schedule - Advanced Leader Syllabus -