The Leadership Studies minor (set to launch fall 2013) seeks to promote leadership development by educating students for and about leadership in a complex world and is dedicated to advancing the field of leadership studies by building upon and critically evaluating existing theoretical, research-based, and practical knowledge. The goal of the minor is to prepare students to serve effectively in formal and informal leadership roles in campus, local, national, and global contexts. The Leadership Studies minor will allow students from any major to study leaders and leadership in a variety of contexts, as well as provide complementary leadership development opportunities that would include student organization leadership, leadership skills training programs, and community leadership experiences.

The program encompasses and supports other Honors College programs such as the ePortfolio program, Career Fridays, and Policy Debate.

This spring, these courses will be offered that can be applied to the Leadership Studies minor:

HON 3397: Leadership Theory and Practice
HON 3397: Argument, Advocacy, and Activism
HON 4198: ePortfolio
HON 4397: Policy Debate and Persuasive Speech

Leadership Theory & Practice (HON 3397) is an interactive, dynamic theory-to-practice course that will engage students in the process of leadership learning through individual and organizational contexts. The course includes literature, theory, and leadership experiences that will provide a foundation for subsequent courses in the Leadership Studies minor.

Policy Debate and Persuasive Speech (HON 4397) This course provides students with an understanding of the theory and practice of argumentation, debate, persuasion, and the art of public speaking. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to communicate effectively through speeches and debates using a research process that includes finding multiple sources, reading critically to determine a source’s reliability, sorting quantitative and qualitative data, and assessing the strengths and weaknesses of arguments. Students will become well versed in a wide range of topics in philosophy, sociology, foreign affairs, economic policy, domestic politics, and more. The goal of this course is to develop articulate speakers and communicators, who are knowledgeable about pressing national and global issues. The skills gained in this class are critical to the development of effective leadership. This course will count toward the new minor in Leadership Studies. It is also required for students participating in intercollegiate policy debate competition through the newly created Policy Debate Program. This course is also strongly encouraged for students involved in undergraduate research.