Sample Leadership Courses

Below is a selection of graduate courses that reflect the foundation of the Master of Arts in Leadership program. These offerings provide insight into the skills and knowledge you'll build throughout your studies.  

LEAD 513   Models Leadership- Leadership Practice (TH) (0.83 Credits)
-Leadership training can feel like such a self-help gimmick: "So, I read this, and suddenly I'll become an educational leader?" Not quite. Rather than reaching for quick but inadequate solutions, this class takes a measured look at one leadership theory that has served as the foundation for centuries of passing leadership models: the ancient Greek tradition of askesis, translated as "exercise or practice." The course schedule traces, historically, this tradition of self-care and self-investment through successful leaders' own personal askesis. From the Roman "philosopher king" Marcus Aurelius's journals to Jane Addams's work inspiring immigrant community education at Chicago's Hull House, we explore what it means to make leadership a developing, daily practice and to lead others through modeling self-intentionality. Modern leadership and management models inspired by this core theory will be compared and contrasted. This graduate course meets the TH or Area B requirement.  Requisites: None

LEAD 514   Organizational Culture & Athletics (RS) (0.83 Credits)
This research-based class will allow students to take an in-depth look at Schein's principles of organizational culture (i.e., artifacts, values, assumptions). Students will research how the principals are related to the organizational culture of an athletic organization of their choice. Furthermore, students will collaborate to examine their organization of choice in comparison to others. Requisites: None

LEAD 516   Great Books in Leadership (GB) (0.83 Credits)
What is a "great book" in the field of leadership? The purpose of this foundational graduate course is to analyze, assess, and critique books in the field of leadership that pertain to different industries such as business and entertainment. Students will have the opportunity to analyze leadership texts from the past and present, while also being able to select a text of personal interest. During the semester, students will have the opportunity to reflect and connect course material to their organizations or professions. Requisites:  None

LEAD 592   Coaching & Athletic Administration (EL) (0.83 Credits)
Course Description: This course is designed as an introductory experience in coaching/athletic administration for graduate students pursuing the M. Leadership at St. Lawrence. Students will participate in weekly seminars focused on a variety of professional development topics related to working in an athletic department, student-athlete development, and athletic administration in schools. In addition, students will participate in on-site management, supervision, and evaluation experiences in a variety of programs (e.g. sport, physical activity, intramurals, fitness, sports information). Included in the course requirements will be the organization of a professional portfolio that will include samples of presentations focused on the development of the student-athletes in a school athletic program (e.g. personal and social responsibility, study-skills, team-building, conflict resolution, ethics, and performance enhancing drugs). Students take LEAD 592A in the fall semester of their first year and LEAD 593 in the spring of their second year. Requisites: None

LEAD 593   Practicum: Athletic Administration (0.83 Credits)
Graduate students will examine some of the core tenets of administering collegiate athletic departments. The course will take an in-depth look at administrative leadership theories and practice as it pertains to organizational development, personnel, diversity and inclusion, public relations, alumni relations and development, facility management, operation, and design, as well as legal and ethical issues. Students will analyze budget techniques and strategies for financial planning and decision-making in athletic programs. This course provides students with a working knowledge of the NCAA and offers valuable insights into NCAA structure, legislation, and governance. Requisites: None