Leadership and Ethics
Spring 2014
___________________________________________________________________________
Dr. Jim Street
Beth Holcomb
Center for Student Involvement & Leadership
CSIL Graduate Intern
(828) 262-6252
holcombba1@appstate.edu
streetjl@appstate.edu
(828) 262-8717
Office Hours: 8am-5pm Monday-Friday
___________________________________________________________________________
Course Description
This course is designed to encourage you to see the connections between leadership and ethics
and to carefully analyze your responsibilities and commitments in the context of leadership for
the common good and for purposeful change. The course is more than the study of leadership
and ethics; it is designed to help you develop your own leadership potential and your moral
competency in the leadership context. This course will encourage a high level of class
discussion and active participation. You will have a chance to work through case studies, interact
with experienced leaders, and discuss current events and the realities of leadership. You will be
encouraged to think critically about ethical issues facing our communities and society, to
understand the importance of self-knowledge, and to explore how values influence the leadership
process. From this course, you will realize that leadership and ethical issues permeate every
aspect of daily living, from events in our personal lives to world crises.
Course Objectives
1. To broaden students’ moral perspective and enlarge their moral imagination
2. To develop students’ ability to present and critique moral arguments
3. To practice ethical problem solving
4. To reflect on the moral challenges of leadership and power
Course Expectations:
Students are expected to:
1. Complete the assigned readings prior to class sessions.
2. Come to class prepared to participate in class discussions, presentations, and activities.
3. Turn in all assignments on the due dates.
4. Attend class regularly. Tardiness, requests to leave early, and absences will result in points
being deducted from class participation.
Required Textbook
Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership, Craig Johnson, Sage Publications, 2010.
Other readings as assigned.
Course Requirements and Evaluation
1. Participation
2. Class Presentation
3. Quizzes
20
20
20
1
4. Reflection Papers
5. Service Project
6. Final Exam
Total Possible
20
10
10
100 points
Attendance
More than 3 absences will adversely affect your grade.
Leadership Ethics Assignments
Participation – assessment based on in-class participation and completion of particular
assignments (e.g., Personal Shadows Paper, Personal Mission Statement, Core Values)
Class Presentation – Students will be assigned to a group and topic. Presentations should be
40-45 minutes. The group will be evaluated based on quality of presentation, effort given, and
learning. Use a variety of teaching methods: lecture, large/small group discussion, personal
assessments, experiential learning, etc.
Quizzes – for every chapter 1-10. If you miss a quiz, see me about an alternative assignment.
Reflection Papers – Students will write a reflection paper on topics related to class. At least one
full page (double spaced, 1-inch margins)
 Paper 1 – Share a personal experience with an ethical issue
 Paper 2 – TBA
 Paper 3 – Students will write a paper picking either Kohlberg or Perry and analyze how
the theories personally apply
 Paper 4 – How does mindfulness apply to leadership ethics? What can a leader do to
practice mindfulness? What did you get from our meditation exercises?
Service Project – In small groups, students will perform 4 hours of service for a local non-profit.
While working with the agency, find out why they exist and what ethical issues surround the
work they do. Each group will present their findings to the class.
Final Exam – What it is.
Statement of Academic Integrity
As a community of learners at Appalachian State University, we must create an atmosphere of
honesty, fairness, and responsibility, without which we cannot earn the trust and respect of each
other. Furthermore, we recognize that academic dishonesty detracts from the value of an
Appalachian degree. Therefore, we shall not tolerate lying, cheating, or stealing in any form and
will oppose any instance of academic dishonesty. This course will follow the provisions of the
Academic Integrity Code, which can be found on the Office of Student Conduct Web Site:
www.studentconduct.appstate.edu.
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
Appalachian State University is committed to making reasonable accommodations for
individuals with documented qualifying disabilities in accordance with the Americans with
2
Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Those seeking
accommodations based on a substantially limiting disability must contact and register with The
Office of Disability Services (ODS) at http://www.ods.appstate.edu/ or 828-262-3056.
Student Religious Observance
Students must be allowed a minimum of two (2) excused absences each academic year for
religious observance required by the faith of a student. Written notice must be given to each
instructor no later than three weeks after the first class day of the term.
Class Schedule
January 14
Introduction to Class
January 16
Creating our Class Community - Class Credo
January 21
Four Corners: Is it ethics?
January 23
Paper Discussion
Reflection Paper 1: Personal Ethical Experience Paper
January 28
What is ethics? /Perspective Taking
January 30
The Leader’s Light or Shadow Chapter 1
Quiz
February 4
TBA
February 6
Shadow Casters Chapter 2
Quiz
February 11
The Leader’s Character Chapter 3
Quiz
February 13
Personal Mission Statements
February 18
Values Clarification
February 20
Ethical Development pg 199-207
February 25
Ethical Development Continued
Reflection Paper 2: Connect Safety Month to Ethics
February 27
Group 1 Presentation
Ethical Decision Making and Behavior Chapter 7
Reflection Paper 3: Response to Kohlberg/Perry
3
March 4
Group 2 Presentation
Quiz
March 6
General Ethical Perspectives Chapter 5
Quiz
March 11-13
SPRING BREAK
March 18
General Ethical Perspectives Chapter 5 cont’d
March 20
Normative Leadership Theories Chapter 6
Quiz
March 2
Group 3 Presentation
March 27
Group 4 Presentation
Quiz
April 1
TBA
April 3
Group 5 Presentations
Quiz
April 8
TBA
April 10
Mindfulness Part 1
April 15
Guest speaker and Mindfulness Part 2
April 17
Group 6 Presentation
Reflection Paper 4: Mindfulness, Leadership and Ethics
April 22
EASTER BREAK
April 24
Group 7 Presentation
April 29
Present Service Projects
May 1
Four Corners: What is Ethics?
May 6-10
EXAM WEEK
4