Syllabus

LEADERSHIP IN AMERICAN HISTORY

History 196S.06
Spring 2005
Gerald L. Wilson
04Allen Building
684-2865

I. FOCUS OF SEMINAR

By using examples from American History this seminar will examine characteristics of leaders and the decision-making process. Attention will be given ethical issues involved in both the process and the product of decision-making.

II. METHODOLOGY

As a seminar, student participation lies at the core of the classroom experience. Each student will be expected to contribute to class discussions daily and to lead the seminar on the day his or her paper is presented.

III. REQUIRED READING

Burns, James MacGregor, Leadership
Clark, Walter, Ox Bow Incident
Gergen, David, Eyewitness to Power
Kennedy, John F., Profiles in Courage
Machiavelli, Niccolo, Prince
Neustadt, R., and May, Thinking In Time
Warren, Robert Penn, All The King's Men
Wills, Gary, Certain Trumpets

Additional readings as assigned

Specific reading assignments for each week will be made the preceding week.

IV. PAPER AND CLASS PRESENTATION

Each student will prepare a paper of about 20 pages either individually, or as part of a team, to be presented to the class on a designated day, examining the life of a historical or contemporary person or examining a problem or policy as it reflects leadership or the failure thereof.

Please note the following:

(1) The paper/presentation topic must be approved in advance by the instructor.

(2) On the day of the presentation at the beginning of class, student(s) will present an outline of the paper to the instructor and class.

(3) The paper is due at the end of the final exam period designated for a course if a final exam were to be given. It should be revised taking into account class criticism\comments and it should contain a section of at least 1 page at the beginning or the end responding to these criticisms (e.g. Indicated how you revised the paper or why you did not). If you wish to have a copy returned to you with the instructor=s comments, you must turn in two copies of the paper.

V. CLASS ATTENDANCE

Since this is a seminar, students are expected to attend all class sessions unless compelling reasons prevent attendance.

VI. EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE

Final evaluation of a student's performance in the class will be based on two factors:

(1) Participation in class discussions (50%)
(2) Paper and class presentation (50%)

VII. QUESTIONS/PROBLEMS

Dean Wilson will be available to students for discussion of matters pertaining to the course. Please call 684-2865 or come by 04 Allen Building and identify yourself as a member of the class to arrange an appointment.