Politics and The Nature of Leadership

Fall 2011 and Winter 2012 quarters

Faculty

Amy Gould political science, public policy

Fields of Study

American studies, government, leadership studies and political science

Preparatory for studies or careers in

public administration, public service, non-profit management or political office. 

Description

Harold Lasswell stated, "politics is about who gets what, when, where, and how." Therefore, we need leaders who can access the underpinnings of politics and the consequences of political ideologies. In the fall, students will learn to be actively engaged in politics by first understanding where politics come from and the myriad of ideologies in practice globally. In the winter, students will focus on how they can hone their own leadership style. We will explore how engagement in politics can test our character regularly. To this end, Bill George stated, "successful leadership takes conscious development and requires being true to your life story."

Throughout both quarters, as members of a learning community and society, we will endeavor to excavate the nature of leadership and the relational space of politics via classic and contemporary readings, guest speakers, seminar, debate, lecture, workshops and local field trips. We will seek to understand the dynamics of politics by applying leadership techniques for decision-making through program analyses, policy briefs, and legislative testimony. We will also pursue an understanding of philosophical foundations of Western political thought, the history of the U.S. Constitution and Constitutions of regional Tribal Nations, and concepts of political "otherness." In this pursuit we will define multiple political ideologies internationally and assess the nexus of leadership and politics. Students will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills of active listening, analytical thinking, scholarly dialog, effective communication, and writing for public administrators.

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Hybrid Online Learning < 25% Delivered Online

Books

Greener Store

Offered During

Day