Leadership Theory & Practice

Subject MGMT90127 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

March, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Total 24 hours (intensive)
Total Time Commitment: Total 120 hours
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: none
Recommended Background Knowledge: none
Non Allowed Subjects: none
Core Participation Requirements: For the purposes of considering requests for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Prof Ann Capling

Contact

annc@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

While we often speak of 'born leaders', leadership is also an art and a practice that can be learned. This subject is designed to help students develop their leadership skills through the study of leaders (good and bad, failed and successful) and theories of leadership. The subject will critically examine concepts and definitions of leadership and how they have changed over time. leadership within and outside formal organisational settings. the exercise of hard power, soft power and smart power. and the role of ethics and morality in leadership. Study, discussion and analysis of leadership theory will be complemented by case studies of real leaders, guest speakers, and opportunities for group discussion and critical self-reflection.

Objectives: Students who complete this subject should have:
  • Developed a critical understanding of the key concepts, theories and definitions of leadership.
  • Developed a critical understanding of the types of leadership skills which are said to be most appropriate and effective in contemporary settings.
  • Developed the capacity to analyse different contexts and to understand which leadership styles are most effective in particular contexts.
  • Developed the capacity to reflect critically on and improve their own personal leadership understanding, experiences, insights and goals.
Assessment: 1. A critical review of 500 words to be completed early in the semester, worth 10 per cent of the final mark. 2. In-Class Test of One Hour (1000 words equivalent) worth 20 per cent of the final mark. 3. A 1500 word research essay, worth 30 per cent of the final mark.4. A reflective essay of 2000 words worth 40 per cent of the final mark.
Prescribed Texts: Joseph S. Nye Jr, The Powers to Lead, Oxford: Oxford University Press 2008
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills: Students who complete this subject should:
  • Be able to demonstrate competence in critical and theoretical thinking through essay writing, seminar discussion and presentations.
  • Be able to demonstrate competence in conceptualising theoretical problems, and forming arguments and judgments through critical analysis.
  • Be able to demonstrate increased self-awareness.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 point program - full time over 12 months
200 point program - full time over 18 months
200 point program - full time over 24 months

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