All course information is listed within this syllabus.

CEDEV 505: Leadership Development (3 credits). Exploration, understanding, and application of leadership roles, strategies, and principles in group and community settings.

Prerequisites: None

Instructor

Instructor For CEDEV 505.

Mary Kate Berardi
Assistant Teaching Professor
Coordinator, Community and Economic Development (CEDEV)

Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education
302 Armsby Building
University Park, PA 16802

E-mail: Use Canvas Inbox

Course Overview

This course focuses on understanding leadership, from its practical and theoretical applications, within the context of community. Additionally, we will explore the organizational literature to better enable us, as community and economic development practitioners, to understand emerging trends that will facilitate development in and of a community. Given the nature of community and economic development, much of our readings are drawn from applied fields and rely heavily on case studies. Through these readings, you will be able to better understand how theory is applied in "real-world" situations and gain further insight into how best to work with community leadership within your own context. Through the use of class discussion, students will share examples of working with community leaders or other leadership experiences; reflect critically on the literature, including identification of notable strengths and weaknesses; share thoughtful critiques of others' posts, and provide insightful commentary on discussion forum questions or questions asked by colleagues. Information on the class syllabus may be changed during the semester to better serve class learning needs.

The seminar includes "modules" which are the World Campus equivalent of classes for students in residence. Each module is the equivalent of a week of class content and activities. The average time for completing the reading and activities for a module is about 12-15 hours.

Course requirements include completing assigned readings, participating in asynchronous online class discussions, and compiling four reflective essays.

Course Objectives

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Explain how leadership applies to and fosters community and economic development.
  • Apply the leadership concepts in a holistic and applied manner.
  • Develop skills for identifying community leaders.
  • Develop a personal approach to working with community leaders to better understand how successful community and economic development can be achieved.

This is a graduate seminar and therefore we will largely rely on readings and discussion as a means to familiarize you with topics in the community and leadership bodies of literature. Your learning depends on your participation and your personal engagement in the topic. Class discussion forum postings are designed to encourage an expression of your opinions and observations, to share experiences, and to ask questions. Primary assessment will be derived from your performance on four Reflective Essays

I will be looking for evidence that you understand your own unique capabilities and the importance of bringing your own qualities to this course. There are no "right answers" in our class discussions and your degree of personal and collective insight will determine success.

It is important to develop one's own personalized sense of self; reflecting on your own values and beliefs should help you identify ways in which to apply your own strengths to community leadership situations. I have designed this class to set the stage for students to take responsibility for their own learning rather than dictating content for students to learn.

Course Outline

Module 1: Welcome and Basic Leadership Theory

Module 2: Community, Collaboration, and Leadership

Module 3: Community Agency, Capacity, and Action

Module 4: Reflective Essay #1

Module 5: Sources of Power

Module 6: Sustained Dialogue and Public Deliberation

Module 7: Community Power

Module 8: Reflective Essay #2

Module 9: Volunteerism

Module 10: Youth Leadership

Module 11:  Leadership and Empathy

Module 12:  Reflective Essay #3

Module 13: Interview a Leader

Module 14: Overview of Leadership

Any/all materials needed for this module will be provided by the instructor at the beginning of the module.

Course Requirements

This course will incorporate a mixture of discussion, case study analysis, and small group work. I encourage value and expect your preparation, participation, attention, reflection, and attendance. My expectations for students include:

  1. Academic Integrity
  2. Submit assignments on or before the due date indicated. No late assignments will be graded unless you have discussed extenuating circumstances with me before the assignment deadline.
  3. Exhibit willingness to engage with others in a respectful manner.
  4. Ask questions of the instructor and your classmates that contribute to the learning of the entire class.

Course Schedule

For due dates, refer to the Course Summary on the Syllabus page in Canvas.

Course Materials

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check the World Campus Course Catalog approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.

Required

ISBN: 978-0231151689
Lohmann, R., & Van Til, J. (2011). Resolving Community Conflicts and Problems: Public Deliberation and Sustained Dialogue. Columbia University Press. (E-Book option available)

For pricing and ordering information, please see the Barnes & Noble College website.

Materials will be available at Barnes & Noble College approximately three weeks before the course begins. It is very important that you purchase the correct materials. If your course requires one or more textbooks, you must have exactly the correct text required (edition and year).

Optional

ISBN: 978-1250183866
Willink, J., & Babin, L. (2017). Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win (2nd ed.). St. Martin's Press, Inc.

You may purchase course materials from Barnes & Noble College (the bookstore used by Penn State's World Campus). For pricing and ordering information, please see the Barnes & Noble College website. Materials will be available at Barnes & Noble College approximately three weeks before the course begins. Alternatively, you may obtain these texts from other favorite bookstores. Be sure you purchase the edition/publication date listed.

E-Book Option

An online version of one or more of your texts is available at no cost as a Penn State Library E-Book. Some E-Books will only be available online, while others will be available to download in full or in part. You may choose to use the E-Book as an alternative to purchasing a physical copy of the text. You can access the E-Book by selecting Library Resources in the Course Navigation Menu, and then selecting the E-Reserves link. For questions or issues, you can contact the University Libraries Reserve Help (UL-RESERVESHELP@LISTS.PSU.EDU).

E-Reserves

This course requires that you access Penn State library materials specifically reserved for this course. You can access these materials by selecting Library Resources in the Course Navigation Menu, or by accessing the Library E-Reserves Search and searching for your instructor's last name.

Assignments

Four Reflective Essays

Reflective essays should demonstrate your ability to understand and synthesize the concepts presented in the course readings. You should be critical of the literature, but able to ground your views based on said literature. An acceptable reflective essay identifies key points that emerge across the weekly readings as a theme and relate it to some facet of community and economic development. Please note, whether you agree or disagree with a particular reading is immaterial; your ability to rationalize your argument through carefully selected quotes and citations will be evidence of a "good" essay. 

  • Reflective Essay 1, covering Modules 1-3
  • Reflective Essay 2, covering Modules 4-6
  • Reflective Essay 3, covering Modules 7-9
  • Reflective Essay 4, a cumulative essay covering content from three modules

Discussion Group Participation

It is expected you provide thoughtful and timely commentary. Discussion postings are due as specified in your Canvas Syllabus under the Course Summary heading.

Virtual Community Role Play

Discussions for this assignment will focus on an applied case study scenario, drawn from real-world example(s). Here, your task is to select the role of a community leader persona (mayor, representative of a nonprofit, religious leader, postmaster, etc.) and advocate/debate the posted scenario. In completing this task, you should represent the interests of your persona, while also remembering how to apply the lessons, skills, and insights drawn from previous modules. Details concerning specific scenarios will be provided at the beginning of the module.

Learning Log

During the semester, you’ll start developing your own definition of leadership. As we explore various leadership strategies and theories in the modules, your definition may shift or evolve. To document your thoughts on leadership, you’ll maintain a Leadership Learning Log.

Leader Interview

Develop your interviewing and analytical skills by conducting an in-depth interview with a leader in your community or field of interest. This assignment will help you understand leadership styles, decision-making processes, and the impact of leadership on organizations and individuals. 

Grading Policy

Grading Scheme
Letter Grade Percentage
A 100% – 94%
A- < 94% – 90%
B+ < 90% – 87%
B < 87% – 84%
B- < 84% – 80%
C+ < 80% – 77%
C < 77% – 70%
D < 70% – 60%
F < 60%

Grading Policy

The following table is the grading criteria for the course.

Grading Criteria
Requirement Cumulative Point Value
Participation in Group Discussions  480
Reflective Essays  400
Learning Log  60
Leader Interview Assignment  100
Virtual Community Role Play 275
TOTAL: 1315

The following table is the grading scheme for the course.

Due to the effort in providing you with comments, suggestions, edits, and my evaluation of your reflective essays, you should expect my response and grade within 7 business days following the due date of the essay. Feedback and evaluation of your discussion forum posts begin at the start of the next module. For example, the review of your post(s) on Module 2 will begin at the start of Module 3. You should expect my feedback and evaluation within 7 business days from the start of the next module.

Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Graduate Courses for additional information.

NOTE: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please see "Graduation" under World Campus Student Resources.

Online Students Use of the Library

As Penn State World Campus students, you have access to many of the materials that the library offers to students. The library website has a lot to offer, but can be overwhelming. A guide has been created to serve as your introduction to important library resources, services, and important pages within the library. The Online Student Library Guide is updated regularly by the online librarian and is intended to provide a level of comfort through an introduction to help you feel comfortable navigating the library website to find valuable information for your coursework.

Technical Requirements

This course is offered online and it is assumed you possess the minimum system requirements and computing skills to participate effectively. A list of technical requirements is listed on World Campus' Penn State Technical Requirements page.

Minimum Skills

  • You should have an understanding of basic computer usage (creating folders/directories, switching between programs, formatting and backing up media, accessing the internet).
  • You must be able to conduct word processing tasks such as creating, editing, saving, and retrieving documents.
  • You must be able to use a web browser to open web pages, download files, and search the internet.
  • You must be able to use an e-mail program to send and receive messages and to attach and download documents/files.
  • You must be able to download and install programs or plug-ins from the internet.

Getting Help With Canvas Courses

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Accessibility Information

Netiquette

The term "Netiquette" refers to the etiquette guidelines for electronic communications, such as e-mail and discussion postings. Netiquette covers not only rules to maintain civility in discussions but also special guidelines unique to the electronic nature of messages. Please review Virginia Shea's "The Core Rules of Netiquette" for general guidelines that should be followed when communicating in this course.

Penn State Policies

Login Policy

Students are expected to log in regularly to keep up to date with announcements, discussions, etc. The class will progress at a regular pace throughout the semester and there are specific due dates and times for assignments, etc.

Course Availability

Your course will be available to you beginning the first day of class and will remain open for one year. After one year the course will close.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest, and responsible manner. Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle.

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity, an academic integrity violation is "an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically." Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean's List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

You can learn more at The College of Agricultural Sciences Academic Integrity Information for Students.

Educational Equity Statement

Penn State takes great pride in fostering a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity on the Bias Response page.

Privacy Policies

For information about Penn State's privacy statement and what it encompasses, please read their Web Privacy Statement. Visit Penn State's FERPA Guidelines for Faculty and Staff page for information regarding its rules governing the privacy of student educational records.

Copyright Notice

All course materials students receive or to which students have online access are protected by copyright laws. Students may use course materials and make copies for their own use as needed, but unauthorized distribution and/or uploading of materials without the instructor's express permission is strictly prohibited. University Policy AD40, Recording of Classroom Activities and Note-Taking Services, addresses this issue. Students who engage in the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted materials may be held in violation of the University's Code of Conduct, and/or liable under federal and state laws.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Many students at Penn State face personal challenges or have psychological needs that may interfere with their academic progress, social development, or emotional well-being. The University offers a variety of confidential services to help you through difficult times, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, consultations, online chats, and mental health screenings. These services are provided by staff who welcome all students and embrace a philosophy respectful of clients' cultural and religious backgrounds, and sensitive to differences in race, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation.

Accommodations for Persons With Disabilities

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has an office for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources website provides contact information for every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the Student Disability Resources page.

In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus disability services office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.

Accommodations for Military Personnel

Veterans and currently serving military personnel and/or spouses with unique circumstances (e.g., upcoming deployments, drill/duty requirements, disabilities, VA appointments, etc.) are welcome and encouraged to communicate these, in advance if possible, to the instructor in the case that special arrangements need to be made.

Use of Trade Names

Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by World Campus, Outreach and Cooperative Extension, the College of Agricultural Sciences, or The Pennsylvania State University is implied.

Subject to Change Statement

Please note that this Course Syllabus is subject to change. Students are responsible for abiding by such changes.

Course Availability

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