MA (Leadership) Courses
ON-LINE COURSES
The on-line courses can be completed anywhere Internet service is available. Courses are based upon "applied knowledge". Most evaluations will be real world case studies, simulations or experiences.
You will be provided with all of the resources needed to successfully complete the course: a website for communication and research, all print-based texts and readings as well as any discs, videos and other learning materials.
Online classes are offered one at a time. Between each course you will have a minimum of one week to rest and regroup. You should expect to spend approximately 20-25 hours per week for each course taken.
RESIDENTIAL COURSES
Brief, intensive, in-classroom courses are offered to provide participants and faculty with an opportunity for face-to-face interaction. Students will spend one-week in-residence stays at the University of Guelph.
The one-week in residence courses in Guelph are offered in May or September of each year.
All costs for in-residence stays except transportation are included in program fees.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Foundations of Leadership
The course will enhance participants’ interpersonal competency, as well as their knowledge and understanding of the theory and research underlying the impact of team management and collaboration on the organization.
Theories of Leadership
This course traces the development of the concept of leadership. Through the interplay of theory and practical application, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the requirements, responsibilities, and consequences of effective leadership.
Role of the Leader in Decision-Making
This course is designed to improve decision-making skills and will examine the process of decision-making, taking into account complexity, risk and outcomes, and the impact of decisions on people, the community and the organization.
Leadership of Organizational Change
This course studies the role of leadership in the management of change within an organization and the changes required of management. The course examines the development of trust, the building of organizational loyalty, and motivation and inspiring of high performance teams.
Ethics in Leadership
Issues in the use and application of ethical standards by leaders are explored through examples from history, current events, novels, films and television. Relevant theory is applied to leadership examples to help students develop an ethical framework for the exercise of leadership skills.
Personal Skill Self-Assessment
Using the "Basis of Competence" model, this course examines personal skills in four areas: Managing Self, Communicating, Managing People and Tasks, and Mobilizing Innovation and Change. The skills required to make smooth transitions from one job to another in a dynamic workplace will be explored.
Research Methods
The course will explore both quantitative and qualitative techniques used in the analysis of research results from a variety of sources (surveys, government statistics, in-depth interview, focus groups and program evaluation results). Case studies will be used to demonstrate the application of multiple research methods.
Major Research Project
This course involves a directed research project leading to a referenced, professional report on a leadership problem or issue.
Elective Options:
Politics of Organizations
This elective course reviews a variety of theories and models that help to explain the behavioral underpinnings that influence and shape management and leadership processes within organizations. Examples from history and current events are explored to illustrate theory.
Coaching and Developing Others
This course will provide students with an opportunity to design developmental plans for direct reports, assess their coaching skills, and develop their coaching skills to support the development of others.
The Role of the Leader as a Reflective Practitioner
This course will enhance the leader's ability to navigate the complexity of organizational life and contribute to building a more sustainable society by developing skills in reflective practice. Reflective practice is divided into four areas that stretch over eight modules: Rethinking, Relating, Responding, and Reinventing.
Strategic Leadership and Management
As a research intensive course in the M.A. Leadership, this course requires students to apply strategic leadership and management concepts in different organizational, external and leadership contexts through group learning dialogues, case reports and an independent research paper.
Readings in Leadership
Students will complete a set of readings and an associated paper as approved by designated faculty. Specific learning objectives consistent with the program will be developed each time the course is offered based on faculty and student interests.