Leadership Curriculum

"In matters of style, swim with the current. In matters of principle, stand like a rock."
--Thomas Jefferson

Lawrence Tech's objective is to have the best leadership program in the country and be distinguished for its core curriculum, which integrates principles of leadership and entrepreneurship within global and societal contexts at all academic levels.

Educational Goals for Leadership

The Leadership Programs Office's primary goal is to see that undergraduates will receive an education that enables them to exhibit leadership and entrepreneurial skills. This goal is supported by the following outcomes:

• Graduates will have had experiences that promote a high level of professionalism and integrity, responsible decision-making, confidence in approaching opportunities, and pride in their abilities;
• Graduates will have had experiences that promote the understanding of themselves and others, sensitivity to other cultures in the context of globalization, and interpersonal skills;
• Graduates will have had experiences that promote the ability to analyze unfamiliar situations, assess risk, and formulate plans of action;
• Graduates will have been made aware of the importance of lifelong learning; and,
• Graduates will have had experiences that promote a global and societal perspective.

Curriculum and Required Course Work

The Leadership Curriculum will ensure that all Lawrence Tech students engage in experiences that enable them to understand and practice the leadership skills they need to become positive contributors in society and in their professional lives. The four-year curriculum includes the development of important leadership skills at each year of the program.

Freshman Year (Integrated 2007-2008)

University Seminar (COM 1001 or COM 1002)

First-year students take "University Seminar" in which they receive an introduction to leadership, study the Social Change Model of Leadership, and participate in a six-week service learning group project. The course also exposes students to concepts of social responsibility, time management, and diversity awareness, and introduces them to the Leadership Portfolio that they will develop throughout their undergraduate studies at Lawrence Tech.

Sophomore Year (Integrated 2008-2009)

Leadership Models and Practices (LDR 2001)

The Leadership Models and Practices uses the Relational Model of Leadership as a framework for studying and understanding traditional and contemporary leadership theories and models. This course emphasizes experiential learning and self-reflection. Students participate in teamwork exercises, use creativity and innovative thinking, participate in self- and peer assessment, and develop their personal leadership philosophy.

Junior Year (integrated in 2009-2010)

Leadership Seminar Series

Students will attend a series of seminars and workshops that focus on organizational leadership and professional development and reflect on their experiences in their leadership portfolios. Co-curricular activity participation also will be encouraged.

Senior Year (integrated in 2010-2011)

Capstone Project

Students participate in a capstone project in their field in which they will demonstrate leadership skills and work in teams. This project will emphasize experiences that promote teamwork, the ability to analyze unfamiliar situations, assess risk, and formulate plans of action.