Perspectives on Leadership (5cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Schedule

The course has two fixed submission deadlines: the first assignment and the final assignment. The other assignments, which should be completed in the given order, come with a recommended schedule that can be adjusted based on individual needs.

The course must be started no later than April 4 by submitting the first assignment. Inactive students will be removed on April 5.

The course must be completed (all learning assignments submitted) no later than May 16.

Intro

What do different leadership theories tell us about leadership? How is leadership perceived, constructed, and enacted? How does leadership relate to myself and my context? How well do I understand my own actions and behaviour, and how do others perceive me? Join us in our search for answers to these questions!

The course is useful for students working as supervisors, but previous supervisory experience is not required.

Materials

Required materials:

Dugan, J. (2017/2024). Leadership Theory: Cultivating Critical Perspectives. Jossey-Bass.

Other required material is shared via Moodle (articles, podcasts, videos).

Advanced Level: Students are expected to find additional high-quality articles on leadership.

Teaching methods and instruction

This is a virtual course where students complete individual assignments based on provided materials and participate in one group discussion task with other students.

Course tasks are divided into two levels: basic and advanced. Students may choose to complete only the basic level, which includes three assignments and a multiple-choice exam required to pass the course. These tasks can earn a maximum grade of 3.

If the points from the basic level are insufficient for a passing grade or if the student wishes to learn more and achieve a higher grade, they can complete two additional advanced-level tasks.

Key Themes:
Theoretical perspectives on leadership
Critical perspectives on leadership
Contextual nature of leadership
The concept of human nature in leadership
Self-awareness, agency, and self-leadership

Instructor is available throughout the course via Moodle discussion forums will offer two virtual pop-up consultation sessions.

Working life connections

Students utilize their own work-life experiences in leadership-related learning tasks.

Exam dates and re-exam possibilities

The course includes one multiple-choice exam, which can be retaken during the course.

Internationality

Course materials include international materials.

Completion alternatives

If a student has prior theoretical and practical knowledge, they may propose a demonstration of prior learning
Format of demonstration: multiple-choice exam and a video lecture

Learning assignments

Basic Level

Self-leadership – Individual Assignment (Pass/Fail)
Leadership Theories – Multiple Choice Exam (Max 20 points)
My Leadership Potential – Individual Assignment including Interviews (Max 25 points)
Leadership Contexts – Discussion Task in Moodle (Max 25 points)

Advanced Level

Assignment (Max 25 points)
a. Good Leadership – Individual Assignment
or
b. Leader Behavior – Individual Assignment
Agency – Individual Assignment (Max 5 points)

Assessment methods

Final grade is based on the total points from assignments (scale 0–100):

Under 50 points = Fail

50–59 points = Grade 1

60–69 points = Grade 2

70–79 points = Grade 3

80–89 points = Grade 4

90–100 points = Grade 5