California State University, Northridge
Department of Recreation and Tourism Management
COURSE NUMBER & TITLE:
RTM 302: Dynamics of Leadership in Recreation & Human Services (3)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An analysis of personal leadership theory and small group dynamics. The course emphasis will be on
the competencies and skills for successful leadership of small groups. A review of classic leadership
studies with an emphasis on leadership values and methods including group dynamics,
communication, decision making, and motivation. Experiential components are an integral part of the
class design. Field Trip experience required.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
At the conclusion of this course the student will:
1.
Comprehend classic leadership/management theory and research.
2. Comprehend communication theory as it relates to leadership effectiveness and
demonstrate competency in listening skills and personal communication effectiveness
including multi-cultural settings. (8.19)
3. Comprehend decision-making theory as it relates to leadership influence in groups and
demonstrate competency in generation of new ideas and analysis of alternatives, evaluation
of consequences (safety management), and implementation strategies. (8.05, 8.19, 8.30, 8.40)
4. Comprehend group process theory as it relates to leadership influence in creating &
sustaining effective teams and managing conflict and discipline issues in groups.(8.19)
5. Comprehend motivation theory as it relates to sustaining involvement in groups and as it
relates to the recruitment, review, and termination of employees with reference to legal issues
related to the hiring and termination process. (8.31, 9A.03)
6.
Understand the influence of personal value systems in leadership effectiveness.
7. Understand the role of temperament theory in personal leadership and in sustaining
effective teams.
8. Comprehend the theories of personal time management and techniques for managing
personal goal attainment
COURSE CONTENT:
I.
II.
III.
V.
COURSE SCHEDULE:
Introduction
A. Overview of leadership theory
B. Leadership skill models
C. Leadership theories
1. Trait/character theories
2. Behavioral theories
3. Situational theories
4. Path-goal theories
Decision Making Skills
A. Problem solving thinking skills (Spivak et al)
B. Brainstorming techniques
C. Creativity & play models
D. Consequential thinking (safety management)
E. Strategy analysis
F. Group decision making models
1. Consensus/Democratic/Authoritarian
Group Process Models & Skills
A. Types & characteristics of groups
B. Group life cycle
C. Group building techniques
D. Leading discussions & other meeting strategies
E. High performance teams research
E. Conflict management techniques
F. Temperament theory research on work teams
G. Closure techniques
H. Cultural influences on group models
Communication Skills & Leadership
Week 1
Week 2 - 4
Week 5-8
Week 9-11
A.
VI.
Listening skills (Danish et al)
1. Non-verbal
2. Verbal
B. Speaking skills
1. AI@ messages
2. Presentation techniques
C. Cross-cultural communication & leadership
Personal Management Skills
Week 12
VII.
A. History of time management skills
B. Managing priorities
Motivation & Leadership Roles
A. Motivation theory
B. Recruitment
Applications/ Interviews
C. Training
D. Performance reviews
E. Discipline theory (Glasser et al)
E. Terminations
Week 13-15
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION:
The class will use a combination of lectures, discussions, readings and experiential learning strategies.
Central to the course design is identification, practice, and mastery of leadership skills.
In -class leadership roles and exercises: Most class sessions will provide an experiential leadership
learning experience. Students may be in the role of identified leader for a particular class exercise or
working in triads on a skill development area. Active participation is central to achieving skill
competency. (8.19; 8.30; 8.40)
Journal assignments will be given throughout the class and may include reflection questions on an
in-class experience or on assigned readings. Journal assignments are worth 20% of the grade.
Leadership experience weekend: An outdoor adventure experience or similar experiential design will
explore issues of leadership values and the leadership decision making & group development process.
(8.19; 8.30; 8.40; 8.41)
METHODS OF EVALUATION:
Examinations: Two exams will be given to assess comprehension of leadership theory and practice.
Each exam will represent 30 % of the class grade. (8.19, 8.30, 8.31, 8.40)
Journal I: Leadership weekend experience: Each student will keep a reflective journal on
observations of the group process and leadership effectiveness in facilitating decisions by the group.
The leadership weekend will be an outdoor experiential design that will involve students in direct
issues of environmental awareness while being used as a context of leadership issues.
Journal I
represents 20% of the class grade. (8.05, 8.19; 8.30; 8.40; 8.41)
Journal II: In-class leadership skill exercises: Each student will keep an observational journal on the
skill development of self and others in decision making, communication, group process, and
motivation skills as represented in class room learning exercises. Journal II represents 20% of the
grade. (8.19, 8.30, 8.31, 8.40)
SUGGESTED TEXTS:
The Role of the Instructor in the Outward Bound Educational Process by Ken Kalisch
The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Developing Leadership Effectiveness: Experiential Strategies by Alan Wright
Lecture notes packet