LEADERSHIP AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES LEADERSHIP 102-03 FALL 2011 INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Crystal Hoyt OFFICE HOURS: By appointment EMAIL: [email protected] OFFICE LOCATION: Jepson 132 PHONE: 804-287-6825 COURSE TIME AND LOCATION: Tuesday, Thursday 9-10:15am, Jepson Hall 107 COURSE WEBSITE: http://blackboard.richmond.edu READINGS: The readings for this course consist of a mix of empirical social science articles and more popular readings based on social science research. Most of the readings will be available through BlackBoard. In addition to those readings, three books are assigned for this course. The readings may change slightly and other readings may be assigned during the semester. The assigned readings provide the background and context for classroom lecture and discussion, therefore, you should read the readings before the class period during which they are discussed.  Gladwell, M. (2008). Outliers. New York: Little Brown.  Ariely, D. (2008). Predictably Irrational. New York, NY: Harper Collins.  Kristof, N. D., & WuDunn, S. (2009). Half the sky: Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. New York: Random House. DESCRIPTION AND GOALS OF THE COURSE: This course is designed to introduce you to the study of leadership through theoretical and empirical explorations of social interaction. Using findings from a variety of the social sciences (e.g., psychology, economics, political science, sociology…) we will explore questions central to an understanding of leadership: Why is leadership so important to us? Are leaders born or made? What drives overconfidence, irrational thought, and self-serving biases? How do people regulate their behavior? Why do people obey authority? How does power impact people? What are the fundamentals of persuasion and social influence? What is so important about being treated fairly by a leader? Is leadership a real phenomenon or is it just in the eye of the beholder? How do expectations and stereotypes impact how we perceive leaders? Thus, the ultimate goal of the course is to advance your understanding of leadership through an increased appreciation of the rich complexities of human behavior. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Your grade in the course will be determined by performance on the following course requirements: 1. WRITTEN ASSIGNMENTS: You will be required to write two papers this semester. The first paper is due Oct 6th. The second paper is due on the last day of class. Details for each assignment will be provided in the course.2 2. EXAMINATIONS: There will be two exams in this course, one midterm and one cumulative final. The exams will cover information from both in-class discussions and reading assignments. 3. ACTIVITIES AND RESEARCH PARTICIPATION: We will engage in a variety of activities throughout the semester. For example, students will be asked to attend some Jepson events that occur outside of class time and to participate in and/or attend local presentations of research. 4. CLASS PARTICIPATION: This course is predicated on the active participation of all members. You are expected to attend all classes, arrive on time, and fully engage in discussions and activities. The emphasis is on quality of class participation rather than quantity. Each unexcused absence will penalize your final grade. The class discussions and activities are highly dependent upon the assigned reading for the day. You must come to class fully prepared to discuss the assigned readings. Inadequate class participation will lower your course grade. Makeup Exams and Paper Extension Policy: Only under extraordinary circumstances will a make-up exam be administered or will a late paper by accepted. When these extraordinary circumstances arise, a letter from the Dean is required. A paper turned in late without an acceptable excuse will be docked 10 percentage points for each day it is late. Makeup exams may take an alternative form to that taken by the rest of the class. ELEMENTS OF YOUR GRADE: Grades in this course will be based on your performance on the course requirements described above. Good performance on each assignment and exam is important to your overall success in this course. Final grades in the course will be based on the percentage of total points that you earn, according to the following cutoffs: Percentages for final grades: A 90-100% B 80-89% C 70-79% D 60-69% F 50-60% Utter humiliation < 50% Plus and minus grades are not shown but will be used HONOR CODE: Every piece or written work presented by individual students must have the honor pledge with the student’s signature on it. The pledge is: “I pledge that I have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance during the completion of this work.” STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you have a verified disability and would like to discuss special academic accommodations, please contact me during the first week of class to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodations.3 OTHER CAMPUS RESOURCES: Academic Skills Center (http://asc.richmond.edu or 289-8626) helps students assess their academic strengths and weaknesses; hone their academic skills through teaching effective test preparation, critical reading and thinking, information processing, concentration, and related techniques; work on specific subject areas (e.g., calculus, chemistry, accounting, etc.); and encourage campus and community involvement. Career Development Center (http://cdc.richmond.edu/ or 289-8547) can assist you in exploring your interests and abilities, choosing a major, connecting with internships and learning experiences, investigating graduate and professional school options, and landing your first job. We encourage you to schedule an appointment with a career advisor during your first year. Counseling and Psychological Services (289-8119) assists students in meeting academic, personal, or emotional challenges. Services include assessment, short-term counseling and psychotherapy, crisis intervention and related services. Speech Center (http://speech.richmond.edu or 289-6409): Assists with preparation and practice in the pursuit of excellence in public expression. Recording, playback, coaching and critique sessions offered by teams of student consultants trained to assist in developing ideas, arranging key points for more effective organization,