Transformational Leadership (11:607:487) Syllabus

Course Description

3 Credits. Transformational Leadership models offer learners insights about ways that leaders can inspire, stimulate, influence, challenge, and connect with others, leading to outstanding results. Extensive research and practical applications make Transformational Leadership models attractive for study and application in organizations today. Transformational Leadership models explore how leaders can influence, inspire, motivate, challenge, and recognize followers. To achieve desired goals, transformational leaders inspire followers to develop their leadership capacities. In the process, the leader, the followers, and the organization are transformed.

As stated by Bass and Riggio (2006), interest in this leadership model has grown because, as compared to transactional approaches, "transformational leadership provides a better fit for leading today's complex work groups and organizations, where followers not only seek an inspirational leader to help guide them through an uncertain environment, but where followers also want to be challenged and to feel empowered, if they are to be loyal, high performers" (p xi).

In this course, students will learn about Transformational Leadership models, focusing on the Full Range Leadership Development model and the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. Learners will explore and critically analyze concepts, theory, practices, leadership profiles, real life application and research. Using Kouzes and Posner's book, The Leadership Challenge (sixth edition), students will reflect on how leaders can be successful displaying the practices and behaviors from the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership. Students will also have the opportunity to explore their current strengths in the Five Practices via a 360 survey. They will apply the Five Practices model to their life and work. Students will also prepare a Transformational Leadership Development Plan to understand their capacity to lead from a transformational leadership perspective.

Instructor

Emil J. Sadloch, MA
215-736-8869
c/o Dr. Lisa Sanon-Jules, Martin Hall, G. H. Cook Campus

Office Hours: Call 215-736-8869 for communication with Mr. Sadloch.

Prerequisites

None

Open To

Sophomores and above

Course Delivery

Fully online via Canvas

Course Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe basic Transformational Leadership theory.
2. Critically evaluate and describe Transformational Leadership models and practices.
3. Identify the behaviors and characteristics associated with exemplary leaders.
4. Describe the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership.
5. Identify their own leadership strengths-based feedback from the Five Practices model.
6. List the contributions of these models to leadership practice and effectiveness.
7. Design a personal action plan for developing leadership skills in the Five Practices model.

Required Texts and Test Material

Primary Textbook - Required

Kouzes, J.M. & Posner, B. Z. The Leadership Challenge (6th edition), John Wiley & Sons, 2017.

Electronic CoursePack Material

These will be available through the Rutgers Libraries.

1. Bass, B.M. & Riggio, R.E. Transformational Leadership (2nd edition). Psychology Press, 2006, Chapter 1.
2. Avolio, B. J. Full Range Leadership Development. Sage, 2011, Chapter 6.

Leadership Assessment - Required

The Student Leadership Practices Inventory. Available from Wiley. (Details on purchasing this will appear in the Modules. Cost, via credit card, will be $ 25.00). This purchase and the completion of this assessment is a course requirement.

Supplemental Textbooks (Rutgers University Library eReserves)

1. Kouzes, J. & Posner, B. The Student Leadership Challenge (2nd edition), John Wiley & Sons, 2014.
2. Avolio, B. J. Full Range Leadership Development. Sage, 2011.
3. Avolio, B. J. & Bass, B. M. Developing Potential Across a Full Range of Leadership: Cases on Transactional and Transformational Leadership, Psychology Press, 2001.
4. Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. Transformational Leadership (2nd ed.), Psychology Press, 2006.

Course Requirements (This course will be available in Canvas)

1. Assigned Readings
2. Online Threaded Discussions (8)
3. Quizzes (3)
4. Leadership Journal Papers (2)
5. Film Analysis Paper (1)
6. Personal Leadership Profile and Development Plan (1)

Assigned Readings: Readings are from the required text listed above. Each week you will be expected to read all the assigned materials and to be prepared to participate in online discussions as described in the Weekly Content tabs (Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, etc.). The readings associated with each chapter are meant to provide an overview of the weekly course topics, facilitate online discussions and contribute to the development of your personal leadership profile.

Online Threaded Discussion: Throughout the semester, you will be required to contribute to online discussions. There will be 8 graded threaded discussions for the semester. After completing the weekly assigned readings, you will be required to respond to online discussion questions and activities drawn from the readings as well as respond to your peers in the threaded discussion forums. You will also be divided into smaller groups to facilitate more in-depth discussions and provide you with the opportunity to assume a leadership role. The specific discussion questions will be indicated in the Threaded Discussion tab of Weekly Content sections. It is expected that you will participate fully by addressing the questions assigned to you and acknowledging the responses of others when responding to threaded discussion questions.

Overall, the threaded discussions allow students to discuss weekly course topics and weekly assigned readings as well as practice leadership skills and competencies. This includes sharing your thoughts, knowledge about the discussion topic(s), related experiences, the outcomes of your self-assessment, and insights about what you have learned from the contributions of others.

As part of the discussion, it is important that you incorporate the readings and provide constructive responses regarding the ongoing conversation. The objective of the threaded discussion is not to just repeat what other students have said, but to add something new to the ongoing discussions. These discussions allow the professor to understand whether you comprehend and can apply the course content. In responding to online questions or discussions, please reference course materials, quote or paraphrase from the text, provide your opinions, respectfully agree or disagree with the text or classmates, expand on the ideas of others, and present a new perspective regarding discussion topic. When you are citing, quoting, or paraphrasing additional source materials, make sure references are included. Your online contributions and peer responses should be A MINIMUM of 100 words in length. Proper grammar and word usage are also required.

Your contributions to the online discussions will be graded for quality, i.e., your ability to critically evaluate the question/information you are discussing. Review the Online Threaded Discussion Protocol for more information about how to provide quality responses and how your responses will be graded.

Quizzes: During the course there will be 2 quizzes, each covering a specific chapter of the text. The quizzes are meant to test your basic understanding of material covered in the textbook. ExamGuard will be used and you may need to downloaded (or updated) before taking your first quiz. Each quiz will consist of 10 multiple-choice questions. Study notes are available and can be reviewed before taking the quiz.

Leadership Approach and Film Analysis Paper: You will have the opportunity to watch a film presenting a specific approach to leadership. From the portrayal of leadership in the film, you will critically analyze the approach, incorporate what you have learned about the approach from Northouse (2016), contrast the approach with other leadership approaches described by Northouse, compare with your approach to leadership, and reflect upon what you have learned about yourself from the your critical analysis of the film. The paper will include referencing the film and text using APA or MLA publication style, information about these styles are available on the course website.

Personal Leadership Profile and Development Plan: This assignment will give you the opportunity to assess your leadership skills and competencies as well as your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Your paper will combine the analysis of your Student Leadership Practices Inventory (SLPI) 360 assessment feedback (you will take the SLPI as a required part of the course) and an integration of your readings and experiences.

Basis for Grading

Grading Scale

A = 900–1000
B+ = 875–899
B = 800–874
C+ = 750–799
C = 700–749
D = 600–699
F = 599 and below

Weekly Course Outline

Week 1 (1/21--1/27): Course Overview & Requirements

• amiliarize yourself with the Canvas platform
• Read online Course Materials
• Participate in the Online Threaded Discussion # 1

Week 2 (1/27--2/2): Introduction to Transformational Leadership

• Read Bass and Riggio, Chapter 1 (via Rutgers Library)
• View videos
• Participate in the Online Threaded Discussion # 2

Week 3 (2/3--2/9): Full Range Leadership Development

• Read Avolio, Chapter 6 (via Rutgers Library)
• Participate in the Online Threaded Discussion # 3
• Complete Quiz # 1

Week 4 (2/10—2/16): The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

• Read Kouzes & Posner, Introduction and Chapters 1 & 2
• Complete survey on leadership characteristics
• View videos
• Participate in the Online Threaded Discussion # 4

Week 5 (2/17—2/23): Model the Way

• Read Kouzes & Posner, Chapters 3 & 4
• Complete values survey
• View video
• Complete Journal Paper #1

Week 6 (2/24—3/1): Inspire a Shared Vision

• Read Kouzes & Posner, Chapters 5 & 6
• Participate in the Online Threaded Discussion # 5
• Complete Quiz # 2

Week 7 (3/2 - 3/8): Student Leadership Practices Inventory

• Complete Self SLPI and identify observers

Week 8 (3/9 - 3/13): Leadership and Film Analysis Paper

• Leadership and Film Analysis Paper due

Spring Break (3/14 - 3/22)

Week 9 (3/23—3/29): Challenge the Process

• Read Kouzes & Posner, Chapters 7 & 8
• Complete leader interview

Week 10 (3/30—4/5)

• Complete Journal Paper #2 based on leader interview

Week 11 (4/6 -- 4/12): Enable Others to Act

• Read Kouzes & Posner, Chapters 9 & 10
• Participate in the Online Threaded Discussion # 6

Week 12 (4/13—4/19): Encourage the Heart

• Read Kouzes & Posner, Chapters 11 & 12
• Participate in optional threaded discussion
• Complete Quiz # 3

Week 13: (4/20—4/26) SLPI Results Presentation

• View SLPI Results Presentation
• Participate in coaching with instructor
• Participate in the Online Threaded Discussion # 7

Week 14: (4/27—5/4) Pulling the Pieces Together

• Personal Leadership Profile Development Plan due

Week 15 (5/5—5/7) : Conclusion: Resources for Continued Leadership Development

• Personal Transformational Leadership Profile Development Plan Discussion
• Participate in the Online Threaded Discussion # 8

Note: Changes to the syllabus may be made to the course during the semester and will be communicated to students through email or Course Announcements.

Academic Integrity

As an academic community dedicated to the creation, dissemination, and application of knowledge, Rutgers University is committed to fostering an intellectual and ethical environment based on the principles of academic integrity. Academic integrity is essential to the success of the University's educational and research missions, and violations of academic integrity constitute serious offenses against the entire academic community. This academic integrity policy is designed to guide students as they prepare assignments, take examinations, and perform the work necessary to complete their degree requirements.

Students are required to adhere to the professional standards outlined in the Rutgers University policies on academic integrity, which are available Academic Integrity Policy and at Office of Student Judicial Affairs. More information about Academic Integrity at Rutgers University is available at studentconduct.rutgers.edu/processes/academic-integrity.

Online Participation Policy

Students are expected to actively participate in online course activities as indicated in the course materials in a timely manner. This will enhance this unique learning experience for all students and contribute to the development of a learning community, where everyone learns from each other. It is expected that students will participate a minimum of 2 days each week in the threaded discussion as well as take quizzes, and check and post assignments by the required due dates.

Accessibility at Rutgers

Rutgers University welcomes students with disabilities into all of the University's educational programs. In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, a student with a disability must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. For the full explanation of the process, go to Documentation Guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability services office will provide you with a Letter of Accommodation. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. To begin this process, please complete the registration form on the ODS website.