Center for Leadership
and Civic Engagement

 

Leadership Studies TreeLeadership Studies Minor

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The Leadership Studies Program is interdisciplinary in nature and is a significant benefit to students in all areas of study. Courses are designed to give students a practical and theoretical grasp of leadership on the basic assumption that leadership can be learned and, therefore, taught. The program has a unique approach to leadership education that combines practical theories and opportunities for students to study the characteristics of authority, leadership, social and role dynamics, political processes and the values that orient their careers.

 

Vision

The University of South Florida's Leadership Studies Program develops students into knowledgeable, capable, and ethical leaders who are inspired and prepared to address complex challenges and affect positive change throughout our global society.

 

Mission

The University of South Florida's Leadership Studies Program provides intentional and rigorous academic courses that educate students on the cross-disciplinary understanding and applicability of leadership in an increasingly complex world. This is achieved through a diverse, relevant, and comprehensive curriculum emphasizing experiential learning.

 

**The minor is offered through Undergraduate Studies & the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement**

 

Apply to Receive the Leadership Studies Minor

 

 

Required Core Courses

(All 3 core courses are required to receive the Minor)

The minor in Leadership Studies consists of a minimum of 18 credit hours with a "B" (3.0) average and no grades less than a C in the Leadership courses. 9 credit hours must include the core courses: Fundamentals of Leadership or Leading in the Workplace, Theories and Foundations of Leadership, and Capstone Seminar on Leadership. Additionally, you must earn at least 9 hours of elective credits from the remaining approved course offering. One Elective must come from each of the three identified "Dimensions of Leadership": Personal, Group, and Global.

 

LDR 2010: Fundamentals of Leadership OR LDR 3331: Leading in the Workplace - 3 Credits

This special topics course is designed to provide a basic introduction to leadership by focusing on what it means to be a good leader. Emphasis in the course is on the practice of leadership. The course will examine topics such as: the nature of leadership, recognizing leadership traits, developing leadership skills, creating a vision, setting the tone, listening to out-group members, overcoming obstacles, and addressing values in leadership. Attention will be given to helping students to understand and improve their own leadership performance.

 

LDR 4104: Theories and Foundations of Leadership - 3 Credits

This course will provide learners with a review of major leadership theories designed to incorporate research findings, practice, skill-building, and direct application to real world scenarios. Beyond leadership theories, the course will cover a variety of topics impacting today's student, public and private-sector leaders as a foundation for learning including power and ethics, diversity, teamwork, leadership development, politics, coaching and mentoring, motivation, creativity, conflict and communication.

 

LDR 4951: Capstone Seminar on Leadership - 3 Credits

The goal of this course is to assist students in the integration of their academic study of leadership and their leadership experiences in preparation for their roles as members of the contemporary work force. Foundation texts of Leadership Studies as well as current research will be highlighted. The course will provide students with an opportunity to reflect and act on what they have learned about leadership.

 

 

Course Sequencing

Personal Dimensions of Leadership (select one course for 3 credits)

  • LDR 4114 - Survey of Leadership Readings
  • LDR 4564 - Images of Leadership in the Media
  • LDR 4204 - Ethics and Power in Leadership

 

Organizational/Group Dimensions of Leadership (select one course for 3 credits)

  • **LDR 4164 - Organizational Theories and Processes**
  • LDR 3263 - Community Leadership Practicum
  • COM 3120 - Organizational Communication
  • LDR 3214 - Leadership in the Fraternal Movement (permit only)
  • LDR 3930 - Selected Topics in Student Leadership: Organizational/Group (permit only)

 

Global Dimensions of Leadership (select one course for 3 credits)

  • LDR 4230 - Global Leadership
  • LDR 3115 - Contemporary Issues in Leadership
  • LDR 3216 - Leadership and Social Change
  • LDR 3280 - Leadership in the Political Context
  • LDR 3930 - Selected Topics in Student Leadership: Global

 

** Fundamentals of Leadership is a pre-requisite and first in the sequence, although it may be taken in conjunction with another course that does not require it as a pre-requisite. **

 

 

For more information, contact:

 

Jennifer Espinola, J.D.

Director, Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement

jespinola@usf.edu

813-974-7595

MSC 1300

 

Todd Wells

Associate Director for Leadership Development

toddwells@usf.edu

813-974-5635

MSC 1304b

 

Cynthia Brown Hernandez

Assistant Director, Undergraduate Studies

cynthiab@usf.edu

813-974-4051

SVC 2002