Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Composition

This is a process-based writing class that focuses on academic writing, reading, and critical thinking as expressed in expository and analytical writing assignments through 5 to 7 substantial essays over the course of the semester. Develops fluency, coherence, style, effectiveness, and literary analysis. Students must pass this course with a C- or better to fulfill general competency requirements and to proceed to ENG 123. Prerequisite: ENG 103. Placement into this course is determined by ACT/SAT scores. Placement may be challenged by the Writing Placement Exam. (3 units)

Intermediate Composition

Continued practice in writing with emphasis on critical thinking, argument, analysis and interpretation of multicultural readings and other interdisciplinary expository materials. Includes the writing of a major research paper (or report) in addition to several shorter essays requiring various types of documentation. Fieldwork required. This course requires LiveText. Prerequisite: ENG 113 with a grade of C- or better unless the student has demonstrated writing competence through a written placement exam. Note: Students must successfully complete this course with a grade of C- or better to fulfill general education requirements and to begin any literature course. (3 units)

Human Resource Management

This is a survey of the principles and practices involved in supervising employees and administering personnel programs. It includes the study of human resource planning; recruitment; selection; training and development; and compensation and benefits. (3 units)

Business and Organizational Management

This course is the study of management theories and the functional concepts of leadership, planning, and decision making. Special emphasis is placed on quality issues, globalism, diversity, ethics, productivity, motivation, skill development, and human resource management. An emphasis on integrating biblical principles and leadership will also be studied. (3 units)

Project and Team Management

This course focuses both on general management theory and specific project and team practices useful in the rapidly shifting environment of technology. Particular emphasis is given to the range of diverse techniques required to meet the challenges of managing teams to the successful completion of technology projects in the contemporary workplace. A comprehensive project will be completed in a group setting using Project Management theory and techniques. (3 units)

Interpersonal Communications

This class examines the dynamics of the two-person communication process. Students will study the development of self-concept, self-disclosure, perception, listening, and feedback as they affect the communication process. Non-verbal communication, attitudes, beliefs, and values will also be explored. (3 units)

Rhetoric and Persuasion

This course is designed to develop advanced analysis of communication artifacts using theories of rhetoric and persuasion. The course discusses and makes use of rhetorical theorists from classical and contemporary traditions through the lens of compliance gaining. A focus will be on understanding human persuasion in everyday life, as well as in scholarly perspective. (3 units)

Leadership Theory

The purpose of this course is to equip students with skills necessary for successful leadership in public, private, and non-governmental organizations. Emphasis is on assessment of personal growth needs and enhancement of administrative skills including communication, decision-making, motivation, leadership styles, and team building. Experimental class work will be utilized in conjunction with classic and current organizational literature so that students can appreciate the bridge linking theory and practice. Students completing this course for credit may not also earn credit for BUS 435. (3 units)

Personal Leadership

This course introduces the student to the concepts of personal leadership and helps identify the skills and strategies that the student may employ to effectively lead. (3 units)

Communication Principles for Leadership

This course provides an analysis of the principles of communication in the workplace. Students will learn basic communication theories, strategies, and processes as they relate to the modern organizational structure. We will be examining the nature and process of communication in modern organizations, including pragmatic implications of organizational communication theories as they relate to understanding organizations, and implementing change strategies. The course will also compare contemporary principles of leadership with the contemporary literature on communications. (3 units)

Ethical and Biblical Principles for Leadership

This course evaluates the principles for practicing ethical judgments and behavior that confront those in leadership positions. Students will evaluate various ethical frameworks and survey the Bible to explore and develop principles and habits for Biblically-based leadership practices. The course will also compare Biblical principles of leadership with the contemporary literature on leadership ethics. (3 units)

Decision Making and Leadership

This course explores various biases, common heuristics, and social dynamics that often lead to faulty decisions and evaluates strategies and tactics to safe guard the decision making process so as to enhance the probability of implementing good decisions. Students will also study the creative process and models for making wise decision that optimize personal and collective outcomes. (3 units)

Culture and Leadership

This course deepens the student's understanding of principles of collaboration, modeling positive behavior, and mentorship in relation to diverse groups, communities, and individuals. Students will evaluate various effective strategies for fostering and nurturing diversity best practices. The course will also have students appreciate the differences of individuals and how to capitalize on those differences as strengths. (3 units)

Group and Leadership

Effective groups and teams are critical in modern organizations, yet there are often dysfunctional dynamics and processes within the group. This course will provide the student with fundamental concepts relating to group dynamics, group decision making, and interpersonal conflict. Special attention will be paid to diversity in this class. Students will gain a better understanding of dynamics of small group interaction and having an understanding of some of the techniques for solving conflict and improving communication toward future benefits. This course will provide the platform necessary for the student to engage in accurate communication of ideas which can influence other behavior. (3 units)

Organizational Theory and Design

Students will use classic and current literature to examine the fundamental questions guiding organization theory in public administration with an emphasis on reconciling democracy with bureaucratic principles and behavior. (3 units)

Career and Professional Development (Capstone)

This course examines and prepares students for a successful transition from undergraduate studies to graduate level coursework. This course provides students with an opportunity for assessment of career interests and capabilities, initiation and implementation of a personal development plan (PDP) or career portfolio, and feedback on personal and career development. Strategies, practical skills and resources for addressing graduate admission requirements, and grad school expectations are addressed. Advanced computer skills in excel, PowerPoint, Word, LiveText capstone portfolio, and e-bray will be included. (3 units)

Overview of the Bible

A general survey of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian writings (New Testament) with special emphasis to the religious and national life of the Hebrew people, the life of Jesus, and the development of the early church. A Online and Professional Studies requirement for Online and Professional Studies degree programs only. (3 units)

Foundations of Christian Thought

An introduction and primer to Christian theology with special emphasis on identifying the importance and development of a Christian worldview, understanding the doctrine of scripture and biblical authority, learning to do theology, comprehending the relationship between truth, faith and reason, and applying a biblical worldview to the Christian life. (3 units)