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Leadership and Aesthetics
DPLS 773 – Fall 2012
Table of Contents
Course Information ......................................................................................................................... 2
Description & Format ..................................................................................................................... 2
Objectives ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Reading Materials ........................................................................................................................... 3
Assignments and Grading ............................................................................................................... 4
Schedule of Class Topics and Reading Assignments ..................................................................... 5
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July 15, 2016
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Course Information
Course Name: Leadership and Aesthetics
Course Number: DPLS 773
Credits: 3
Day of the Week/Time: Friday, 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Dates: Sept 7, 21, Oct 5, 19, Nov 2, 16, 30, Dec 7
Location: TIL 107
Instructor: Silvia Behrend, D Min
Email: behrend@gonzaga.edu
Phone: 360 259 3971
Office Hours: by appt.
Description & Format
The Doctoral Program in Leadership at Gonzaga University is premised on the belief that leadership
is based on a deep understanding of the self and of the core values that drive one’s actions. Thus
effective leadership requires the development of a compelling personal vision that engages others by
offering meaning, dignity, and purpose. The ultimate aim of leadership is the building of more
humane relationships, organizations, and societies. Effective leaders need to develop the critical
imagination required to embrace individual, organizational, and global change from a stance of hope
and courage.
Leadership requires awareness, self-knowledge, and self-acceptance. The whole person emerges
from the crucible of thought, action, and reflection. This class is specifically designed for personal
growth and development, using aesthetics and creativity in the form of stone sculpting as
transformational possibilities. Stone is understood as metaphor for the soul/self; as we work on the
stone, we may uncover parts of ourselves previously hidden. What is created is a reflection of the
creator and the process of engaging with the self and the material. This encounter may lead to a more
authentic self in relationship with others, which is a key component of leadership.
There are many aspects to how we know our authentic self, how we interact and perceive other’s
authentic selves, and how we are capable of being changed by a true encounter. The methodology for
exploring aesthetics and creativity will integrate the experience of stone carving with the theoretical
underpinnings of creativity, field theory, and the numinous through reflection and journaling.
There are three aspects to this class that we will consider and reflect upon:
 Engaging in the creative process allows us to experience ourselves in a different way. We
will look at the new sciences and field theory to explore the form of the encounter between
creator and created. This is based on Conforti’s work.
 Aesthetics, in this context, is understood as the congruence among the material, the internal,
and the spiritual (or archetypal). We will ask what it might mean to be a creator in the image
of the holy and what the implications are for our lives This is based on L’Engle’s book
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
Creativity is the means by which we reveal ourselves: this requires an understanding of form
and risk. Creating a sculpture will test our ability to risk showing up and playing. This is
based on Nachmanovitch’s work.
There is no requirement for any kind of previous artistic experience; each meeting with the stone is
an individual encounter.
Important information for the class
Students will need to wear warm clothing which will get dusty and dirty. If there are any special
needs, please advice me with plenty of time so I can make sure that you have what you need. Email
me at behrend@gonzaga.edu with any questions or support requirements.
An $85.00 materials fee payable on the first day of class made out to Silvia Behrend will cover:
stone, safety equipment (glasses, gloves, face masks, ear protection) files and the use of all carving
tools and finishing supplies.
Objectives
Create one piece of stone scultpure
Be able to articulate the field of creativity as it relates to leadership
Integrate the experience of stone carving with personal alignment to leadership
Reading Materials
Required Texts
Conforti, Michael (1999) Field, Form and Fate, Patterns in Mind, Nature,
& Psyche. New Orleans: Spring Journal Books.
L’Engle, Madeleine (1980). Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith & Art. Wheaton, Illinois: Harold
Shaw Publishers.
Nachmanovitch, Stephen (1990). Free Play: The Power of Improvisation in Life
and the Arts. New York: Jeremy Tarcher/Putnam. Read by the first day of class, September 7.
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Assignments and Grading
Students will maintain a weekly journal for the entire semester based on the readings and the lived
experience of carving stone. A week is five days of
Assumptions about grading and attendance:
I assume that:
 Students in this and any other doctoral level class have the required expertise to comply with
Gonzaga’s and the Doctoral Leadership Studies Program grading and honor system.
 Students are able to write cogently, accurately, and in accordance to the APA guidelines.
 Students have appropriately scheduled to attend every class. I follow departmental policies
regarding absences. An Incomplete will be given if students are absent two times and/or
assignments are not turned in on time. If an emergency arises, please advice me as soon as
possible about any conflict with attendance.
 Students know whether they are putting forth their best, good, or mediocre efforts in terms of
attendance and participation.
 We all know what excellent work looks like (A), what good work looks like (B), and what
more marginal work looks like (C). I assume that all students are capable of A work, are
willing to engage respectfully in class discussions and will do all work as assigned on time.
 I will do my best to be flexible to a reasonable degree, if there are extenuating circumstances,
contact me as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements and make up assignments.
I am available to discuss students’ progress at any time during the course, please email me at
behrend@gonzaga.edu
This course is taught in accordance with the policies and procedures set forth in the School of
Education Standards and Fair Practice Manual, and complies with the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA). If you have a disability or suspect that you have a disability that requires
any type of accommodation to fulfill the requirements of this course, please contact the Office of
Disability Resources, Education and Access Management at (509) 313-4134 and notify the professor
within the first week of the course
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Schedule of Class Topics and Reading Assignments
Session Topic
#
1
Creativity and Risk
9/7
Assignment
Read and be prepared to discuss Nachmanovitch
2
9/21
Creativity and Risk
Journal Due
3
10/5
Field and Form
Read and be prepared to discuss Conforti
4
10/19
Field and Form
Journal Due
5
11/2
Aesthetics
Read and be prepared to discuss L’Engle
6
11/16
Aesthetics
Journal Due
7
11/30
Integration of texts and experience
Integration of texts and experience
8
12/7
Work in progress presentation
Final Journal and Artist Statement Due
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