Political Science 292P - ST-Political Leadership

This course begins with the premise that leadership is a continuous process, and that leadership can be studied, analyzed, and learned, across the public, as well as private sectors. The first part of the course will delve into various theories of leadership, including the traits, skills, style, and situational approaches. The course will also cover gender differences in leadership studies, and leadership ethics. The second part of the course will deal with transformational leadership and real life (historical and recent) examples of political leadership, including Nelson Mandela, George Washington, Margaret Thatcher, and others. There will also be in-class discussions on current challenges in public policy, asking students to envision what leadership skills they have studied that could come into play in solving these public policy challenges.

Open to Seniors, Juniors & Sophomores only. Regarding questions about the course, please contact Michelle Goncalves at mgoncalves@polsci.umass.edu