2016 Graduate Studies

MSP 5030 Leadership and Conflict Resolution

Public organizations desperately need people who care enough about the communities they serve to be change agents who empower others to tackle tough issues. This course examines the leader's role as a conflict negotiator, peacemaker, and change initiator using Heifetz theory of Adaptive Leadership. We will look at leadership practice in a variety of settings while staying rooted in public service organizations and students' experience. The learning methods of this course include group discussion, case study analysis, in-class simulations, reflection on readings, and short lectures to provoke further thought and application. Out of class assignments are designed to be practical and transformational experiences focused on analysis of personal approaches to conflict and reflection on a "change initiative" of his or her choice. The goal is to increase students' capacity for leadership by exposing them to different options and strategies for engaging conflict as leaders and followers personally and professionally.

Credits

3

Offered

Every Spring