TRINITY WESTERN UNIVERSITY

MA LEADERSHIP GRADUATE PROGRAM

Course Number: LDRS 500 D
Course Name: Leadership Foundations
Semester and Year: SP 2024
Course Dates: Jan 15 – March 1
Day and Time: Fridays, 1pm – 4pm
Instructor: Dr. D. L. (Doug) Atha
Contact Info: [email protected]
Office Hours: By Appointment
Prerequisites: None
Semester Hours: 3 (Starts January 15-March 3, 2023) 9:00am – 12:00pm Pacific Time

Course Description
This introductory course provides an understanding of the philosophical and theoretical basis for
leadership, including the participant's stage of development. Major historical models for leadership are
examined with special attention to servant leadership, and participants examine ways of improving their own
leadership skills through practical interactive group exercises.

Learning Outcomes
TWU Graduate Student Learning Outcomes Course Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and its Application
• Demonstrate in‐depth knowledge of a
particular field of study and/or The learner will apply Servant-Leadership
profession principles in their life personally, as well as
• Demonstrate ability to apply within organizational life.
knowledge and discipline
specific methodology to solve The learner will comprehend the important role
unique problems that Servant-leaders play in directing,
• Demonstrate superior ability to identify sustaining, and shaping organizations.
and interpret new ideas and research in
a specific discipline The learner will be able to utilize and evaluate
• Demonstrate superior skills in the importance of good communications and
academic research, writing, decision-making through practicing listening
and communication act as and problem-solving skills.

Graduate Course Syllabus Template

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 skilled practitioners to move
beyond knowledge into
practice

Inter‐and intra‐personal Wellness

• Demonstrate a holistic awareness of The learner will understand the importance of
their personhood, purpose, and mental health for leaders – their own mental
calling within the context of the health and those they lead.
communities in which they live and
study
• Demonstrate an appreciation of the
role of community in wellness.
• Demonstrate increased professional
capacity and autonomy
• Demonstrate superior organizational
and time management skills
• Demonstrate academic and personal
integrity

Social Responsibility and Global

Engagement
• Demonstrate the ability to analyze, The learner will understand how the right kind
appraise and evaluate their discipline in of leadership can create meaningful and value
a social context laden employment opportunities and an
• Develop the ability to become engaged workforce through the application of
socially responsive agents with a Christian worldview perspectives on leadership.
commitment tounderstanding
global issues.

Required Texts and Materials

1. Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and practice, Ninth Edition. Sage Publications.
2. Various articles will be posted in Moodle.

Course Activities/Requirements
In our time together, we focus our material through a Transformational Servant Leadership lens.
Selecting material most consistent with our approach to Leadership, studying a few ideas in detail, but
falling short of touching on every relevant topic related to Leadership; complete investigation, but not
comprehensive.
The opportunity to interact face to face allows us to take maximum advantage of our time
together. Our focus is on practical leadership development and interacting with one another is a
clear asset in our focus of important concepts.
As Facilitator, I will focus on ensuring we navigate the best available information and inspiration, to
create an adaptive journey for everyone. This requires applying the Transformative Servant paradigm
to what we do and learn, as we walk through course exercises to lead us to a clear understanding of
how to integrate and apply material learned to your own results-focused leadership. To get a sense
of what this means, we rely on one another for mutual learning.
• Mutual learning. The great privilege of mutuality is learning from others in the class we share. An
important part of our class involves communicating information sources/articles/videos etc.
everyone benefits from. Because this is important, we need everyone to contribute Resources
Graduate Course Syllabus Template
Approved by University Senate April; 30, 2019
 whenever you feel everyone can/will benefit.
PRE-ASSIGNMENT: Learner check-in and expectations. Please ensure you check into the course online
forum with information regarding:
Please note that this is very important for our time together: I will be using this information to determine
the depth to which we go into each element of the course. Each stream has now developed some
differential learning levels: it is important that our course content be as balanced as possible
1. Face to face Sessions
2. Group Team Meetings: Encouraged

Course Evaluation
The course grade will be determined by the satisfactory completion of all requirements.

Assignment % of Grade Due Date

Team Dialogue (Online forum questions and in-class team dialogue) 50% Units 1-5

Servant Leadership Case Study 25% Unit 3

My Leadership Story 25% Unit 5
Total 100%

Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is an essential component of leadership because there is an intelligence to practice. This
practical wisdom or phronesis is an intellectual virtue incorporating discernment and judgment and is
enhanced through practice. How does a leader in your context incorporate critical thinking? To prime
your thinking, view the following videos (total of just under 25 minutes). Then explore the website
www.criticalthinking.org These should give you enough information. You may also research other
sources.
Videos and Resources:
*What is Critical Thinking (https://youtu.be/9oAf3g5_138)
*Example of Lateral Thinking when it matters
(https://youtu.be/q3HjWA7bii4?list=PL3fSda8lJVjQ4Sdumgrz1Ghfdx_DgovoS)
*Edward de Bono discusses Lateral Thinking (https://youtu.be/Nb9Oe83ruUw?)
*Beyond Common Sense: Critical Thinking Skills and Decision Making for Leaders
(https://youtu.be/QTWc-JLh3Fw)
*The Importance of Critical Thinking (https://youtu.be/2yEZHXgQKsM)
*http://www.criticalthinking.org (http://www.criticalthinking.org/pages/college-and-university-
students/799)

Grading System
To ensure consistency in the MAL assignment of grades and to inform graduate students of assessments
of the quality of work at the graduate level, the following interpretation of grades in assignments and
courses offers a guideline

Graduate Course Syllabus Template

Approved by University Senate April; 30, 2019
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Grade
Letter Meaning in Graduate Work Note: For assignments that meet criteria in
% Point
Grade several categories, instructors will assign an average grade.
Value
Exceptionally well-reasoned, compelling development of position.
Outstanding incorporation of personal vision as well as of references and
resources. Strikingly appropriate examples. Extraordinary insight, critical
A+ 95-100 4.3 analytical and evaluative ability, and creativity. Superlative style and
language usage. Makes an original contribution and is potentially
publishable.
Well-argued and convincing development of position. Insightful
incorporation of personal vision as well as of references and resources.
A 90-94 4.0 Notably appropriate examples. Excellent insight, critical analytic and
evaluative ability, and creativity. Impressive style and language use.
Thorough and plausible development of position. Skillful incorporation of
personal vision as well as of references and resources. Very good
A- 85-89 3.7 examples. Very good insight, analytic and evaluative ability, and creativity.
Commendable and fluent style and language usage.
Proficient development of position. Appropriate incorporation of personal
vision as well as of references and resources. Relevant examples. Good
B+ 80-84 3.3 quality insight, analytic and evaluative ability, and creativity. Clear and
correct style and language usage.
Competent development of position, but possibly with some gaps and/or
limitations. Satisfactory incorporation of personal vision as well as of
B 75-79 3.0 references and resources. Satisfactory examples. Reasonable insight,
analytic and evaluative ability. Little creativity. Generally satisfactory style
and language usage, but possibly with some minor flaws.
Unimpressive development of position. Position not completely consistent
with personal vision or references and resources not taken fully into
account or examples are basic or not completely convincing or lacking
B- 70-74 2.7* acceptable insight and analytic and evaluative ability. Style and language
usage with weaknesses (e.g., clarity, coherence, grammar). Overall quality
shows noticeable deficiencies.
Unacceptable work at graduate level. Shows lack of understanding and/or
competence in several of the criteria described above. This grade is a
F <70 2.0 failing grade at the graduate level, and students receiving an “F” course
grade are required to re-take the course.
*Note: Learners require a composite GPA of 3.0 to graduate.
Other Designated Grades
INC = Incomplete. A grade may be incomplete if assignments remain outstanding in a course or if the
instructor has not yet submitted a grade. If assignments remain outstanding at the end of a course,
students must obtain and complete an incomplete grade form from Enrolment Services.
W = Withdrew. This grade is assigned for students withdrawing during the first half of the course.

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Approved by University Senate April; 30, 2019
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WP /WF = Withdrew passing / Withdrew failing. These grades are assigned to students withdrawing
during the second half of a course. Grades are not computed into the cumulative GPA. A student may
withdraw from a course only because of severe extenuating circumstances and if approval is granted by the
Program.

Course Outline
Date Topic Due
Introductions, course logistics
Unit-1 Unit 1 Team Dialogue
Defining Leadership and the Essentials of
Transformation
Defining Leadership/Servant Leadership Assignment: Servant Leadership Case Study
Unit-2
Excellence Unit 2 Team Dialogue
Unit-3 Self Leadership I Unit 3 Team Dialogue
Assignment – My Leadership Story
Unit-4 Self Leadership II
Unit 4 Team Dialogue
Unit-5 Relational Leadership Unit 5 Team Dialogue
Submit: Servant Leadership Case Study
Unit-6 Case Study and My Leadership Stroy
Submit: My Leadership Story

Course Policies
Academic Integrity and Avoiding Plagiarism at TWU
One of the core values of Trinity Western University is the integration of academic excellence with
high standards of personal, moral, and spiritual integrity. The University considers it a serious offence
when an individual attempts to gain unearned academic credit. It is thestudent’s responsibility to be
informed about what constitutes academic dishonesty. For details on this, and on identifying and
avoiding plagiarism go to the University Homepage > Academics > Academic Calendar > Academic
Information > Academic Policies > Academic Dishonesty and Plagiarism.
https://prezi.com/od62fxnkbmxh/plagiarism‐how‐to‐get‐it‐out‐of‐your‐life/ (Prezi presentation)
http://bit.ly/1p00KX3 (Google Slide presentation offering more comprehensiveinformation)

TWU WRITING CENTRE

The Writing Centre is available to assist all students with their academic writing assignments in any
subject at any stage of the writing process from brainstorming to editing. Live, online writing
appointments are available throughout the week by appointment and take place within the
Learning Commons appointment booking system. To make an appointment, visit
www1.twu.ca/writingcentre. For more information, visit https://www.twu.ca/writing- centre
or contact [email protected] .
Accessibility Statement
Students with a disability who need assistance are encouraged to contact the Centre for Accessible
Learning upon admission to TWU to discuss their specific needs. All social and educational
considerations must be recently documented by an appropriately certified professional and include the
educational impact along with recommended accommodations. Within the first two weeks of the
semester, students must meet with their professors to agree on accommodations appropriate to each
class. Students should follow the steps detailed by the Centre for Accessible Learning outlined in on the
Centre for Accessible Learning website. https://www.twu.ca/academics/learning-commons/centre-
accessible-learning
Graduate Course Syllabus Template
Approved by University Senate April; 30, 2019
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Hospitality in the Classroom Policy
TWU is committed to an ethic of inclusion centred on the principles of Christian hospitality, reciprocity
and reconciliation. We seek to cultivate generous learning spaces that are based on respect for
differences and are open to diverse views, opinions, and identities that are thoughtfully expressed in a
collegial manner. We welcome and value all voices, including those from under‐ represented groups or
those who have been marginalized.
Late Assignments Policy
Assignments are expected on the due date. I give everyone a two-day grace period without asking.
Requests for extension beyond this must be communicated in advance of the due date. Special
circumstances may warrant additional consideration. Beyond the two days grace and without prior
approval, late assignments are marked down 10% per day. This course does not allow for rewriting
assignments.
Program Grade Submission Policy
Grades will be submitted to the Registrar within 14 days of the course end date. All assignments are due
on the final day of classes unless otherwise specified.
Attendance & Class Participation Policy
To ensure consistent participation for classes in the MA LEAD/MAEL programs, it is important for all
learners to maintain regular attendance to scheduled face-to-face class times. Missing class time in a
face-to-face class hinders learning and the success of those enrolled (individuals/ teams) in MA
LEAD/MAEL courses.
To ensure learner success in the program, learners missing any class sessions will:
1. Not be allowed to remain in the course.
2. Be required to take the course again.
3. Be unable to attend further classes for the course in the same semester.
Where a student is restricted because of attendance:
1. A student must arrange to take the course again.
2. Enroll in a future offering of the course.
3. Pay the tuition and fees related to the future date for the course.
TWU WRITING CENTRE
The Writing Centre is available to assist all students with their academic writing assignments in any
subject at any stage of the writing process from brainstorming to editing. Live, online writing
appointments are available throughout the week by appointment and take place within the Learning
Commons appointment booking system. To make an appointment, visit www1.twu.ca/writingcentre.
For more information, visit https://www.twu.ca/writing-centre or contact [email protected] .

Graduate Course Syllabus Template

Approved by University Senate April; 30, 2019