LEADERSHIP IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT

PA 5316
University of Texas at Dallas
Fall 2006

Professor:
Alicia C. Schortgen, Ph.D.
alicia.schortgen@swbell.net (preferred communication method)
Phone: (972) 883-5342
Office: WSTC 1.211
Office hours: Mondays & Wednesdays 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or by appointment
Class Meeting:
Monday, 7:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
WSTC 1.224
Course Description
Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Management examines the major theories and practices of
leadership in public and nonprofit organizations. Students will explore their own leadership
abilities and engage in skill development activities throughout the semester. In addition to
lecture and discussion, the topic of leadership will be explored through the use of guest speakers,
group projects, and individual presentations.

Course Objectives
Leadership in Public and Nonprofit Management combines knowledge and application in order
to advance students’ understanding of the importance of leadership development and its role
within organizations. Specific objectives for this course include:
• Develop leadership skills necessary for success at all levels of public and nonprofit
management.
• Develop a clear understanding of the purpose of leadership, the ethical dimensions of
leadership, and the relationship between leaders and followers.
• Understand personal strengths and weaknesses as a leader and follower, and develop a
personal approach to the practice of leadership.
• Understand the impact of individual differences and different situations on the practice of
leadership.
• Hone written and verbal communication skills in order to effectively relay ideas.

Required Texts:
1. John W. Gardner. On Leadership. 1993. ISBN 0029113121.
2. Bart Nanus & Stephen M. Dobbs. Leaders Who Make a Difference: Essential Strategies
for Meeting the Nonprofit Challenge. 1999. ISBN 0787946656.
3. Montgomery Van Wart. Dynamics of Leadership in Public Service: Theory and Practice.
2005. ISBN 0765609010.
 PA 5316 Syllabus
Fall 2006

Required texts and supplemental readings are on reserve in the McDermott Library where
available. Students will have limited access to reserve materials (they may not be removed from
the library and are subject to check-out time limits) so investing in the textbooks is highly
recommended.

Requirements & Grading

Journal 20%
Group Project 25%
Team Analysis 5%
Leader Profile Presentation 10%
Personal Leadership Framework Paper 25%
Attendance & Participation 15%

Students are expected to attend class and to arrive punctually and prepared to contribute to
discussions. Class participation is mandatory. Students must also contribute productively to
their group projects. The attendance and participation portion of students’ grades pertains to
both in- and out-of-class meetings. Note that the quality, tone, and timeliness of class comments
are more important than their frequency and length.

Students are responsible for ALL material presented in class. There will be material presented in
the classroom that cannot be found in the textbook or course readings. It is your responsibility to
get notes from students after an absence. The professor will not provide class notes to students.
Use the space below to collect information from a fellow student you may contact in the event
you must miss class.

Name Email Phone

Extensions & Special Exceptions:

As a rule, no extensions are granted for written work. Unexcused late papers will be penalized
one full grade per day (including weekends). If you are in need of special consideration or
extension of deadlines, you should address your situation with the professor in private (by email
or in person). Please do not ask for exceptions before, during, or after class.

Email Communication Policy

Email is an efficient and effective mode of communication, especially given the busy lives of
university students and faculty. Therefore it is recommended that students contact the professor
via email when appropriate. In certain instances, it will be necessary for students to use either
WebCT or their UTD email account to contact the professor. All graded assignments submitted
electronically (when permitted) must originate from an official UTD account. More information
regarding email communication may be found in the “University Disclaimer” section of the
syllabus.

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Fall 2006

Scholastic Dishonesty Policy:

Cheating in any form will simply not be tolerated. Suspicions of academic dishonesty will be
investigated and pursued to the fullest extent of the university’s policy. More information
regarding academic integrity may be found in the “University Disclaimer” section of the
syllabus.

Disabilities and Accommodations:

If you have a condition that requires accommodation in this course, please speak with the
professor after class or during the first week of office hours. Any necessary or appropriate
accommodations will be made provided timely notice and that the arrangement is consistent with
recommendations from Disability Services, when applicable. Disability Services may be
reached at (972) 883-2098. The syllabus and other course materials can be made available in
alternative formats. More information regarding disability services may be found in the
“University Disclaimer” section of the syllabus.

Disclaimer:
The course syllabus may be amended at any time by the professor. If necessary, the updated
syllabus will be posted on WebCT and its changes discussed in class.

SYLLABUS: CLASS AGENDAS & READINGS

August 21 Introductions, Course Overview & Objectives
Why Study Leadership?
Van Wart Preface & Introduction (Chapter 1)
Gardner Introduction (pp. xv-xix)

August 28 What is Leadership?

Gardner Chapter 1
Nanus & Dobbs Chapter 1
Homework: (1) Find a brief news article, cartoon, sketch, photograph or other
representation that pertains to the issue of whether there is a leadership crisis at
present or not, and bring it to class (August 28). These items will not be returned
to students. (2) (To be completed before the reading assignments) Describe your
current definition of leadership in 300 words or less. Bring two copies to class
on August 28.

September 4 Labor Day

No Class

September 11 Current Leadership Research & Self-Assessment Methods

Van Wart Chapter 9
In-Class KAI Assessment (Administered by Sam Crouse)
Homework: (1) Administer the Jung Typology Test online. Bring your scores to
class. (http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/JTypes2.asp) (2) Find and read a
scholarly article on leadership. Your chosen article may not be more than six
years old (dated before 2000). Prepare to describe and discuss the article in
class on September 11. Bring a copy of your article for each student and the
professor.
Preliminary Leadership Framework Paper Due

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 PA 5316 Syllabus
Fall 2006

September 18 Leadership Goals

Van Wart Chapter 3
Gardner Chapter 2

September 25 Leadership Development

Guest Speaker: Sam Crouse, KAI Assessment Results & Applicable Theory
Gardner Chapters 14 & 15
Nanus & Dobbs Chapter 3

October 2 Leader Characteristics

Van Wart Chapters 4 & 5

October 9 Leader Styles

Van Wart Chapter 9
Leader’s Profile Presentations

October 16 Leader Behaviors

Van Wart Chapters 6&7

October 23 Organizations & Ethics in Leadership

Van Wart Chapter 8
Gardner Chapter 8
Sims & Quatro Chapter 20 (on reserve)

October 30 Followership
Gardner Chapters 3 & 13
Homework (To be completed before the reading assignments): Describe your
current definition of followership in 300 words or less. Bring two copies to class
on October 30.

November 6 Nonprofit Leadership: A Special Breed?

Sims & Quatro Chapter 5 (on reserve)
Nanus & Dobbs Parts 2 & 3

November 13 Exercising Leadership

Gardner Chapter 6

November 20 Group Presentations

Group Critical Review Paper Due

November 27 The Challenge of Leadership

Last Day of Class
Nanus & Dobbs Part 4
Leadership Framework Paper Due (Negotiable)

Wednesday,
December 6 Fall Semester Grades Due

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 PA 5316 Syllabus
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COURSE COMPONENTS

Leadership Framework Paper

The Leadership Framework Paper assignment takes place in two parts. First, students will
submit a preliminary paper (three to five double-spaced pages) outlining their current leadership
framework. The preliminary paper is due in class Monday, September 11. This is an ungraded
assignment, but not completing the preliminary paper will adversely affect the student’s
participation grade. The first paper provides a means of comparison and benchmark against
which progress will be measured. Students will comment on the preliminary framework in their
final draft.

The final draft of the Leadership Framework Paper will be 10 to 15 double-spaced pages and
should present students’ leadership framework addressing the components outlined below. A
framework is an organized set of ideas that help make sense of the role of leaders and followers
in various situations. Students’ framework should be both theoretical and practical and present a
cogent analysis of the themes presented in class. Students should reference outside materials in
their papers, but this assignment’s primary concern is the presentation of the analysis and
synthesis of ideas. The paper should follow a logical flow. At a minimum, the final Leadership
Framework Paper should address the following concepts.

1. The definition of basic concepts of leadership.

2. Identification and discussion of basic issues or controversies that face public and/or
nonprofit managers and how you view them.
3. An amalgamation of the major theories into your own theory that accounts for leadership
on the broadest possible context.

Group Project & Team Analysis

The group project represents an important leadership learning dynamic unavailable through any
other course requirement. Students should embrace their roles of leader and/or follower when
working with the group. Each team should choose a theme from the list below. Each theme may
only be chosen by one group. Groups must negotiate the selection of topics; the professor will
not assign teams or choose between groups that desire the same subject.

Groups will analyze the group of books listed under each theme. Additionally, students should
find at least five (5) academic articles that apply to their chosen subject. Once groups have been
formed and topics chose, each group should plan to meet with the professor to discuss their work
plan and delegation of responsibilities. Meetings should last approximately 30 minutes.
Students may schedule a meeting during office hours or arrange a separate time with the
professor, but ALL group members must be present for the meeting.

Topic 1: U.S. Military Leadership

Topic 2: Women in Government
Topic 3: Leading Communities
Topic 4: American Political Leadership
Topic 5: Leading Agencies

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1. Team Writing Assignment – Critical Review Paper

Each student group will compose a 15 to 20 page critical review of significant topics in
government and nonprofit leadership. Papers will synthesize the books and academic
articles that represent the chosen theme.

2. Team Oral Presentation

Groups will present the highlights of their Critical Review Paper in an oral presentation.
Presentations should be 30-40 minutes in length (negotiable). Each group member must
present part of the presentation, and time should be divided as equally as possible.

3. Team Analysis
Each individual student will prepare an analysis of their team in two parts. First, students
will compose a three to five (3-5) narrative discussing the application of the course
concepts to their group’s dynamics. Students should devise a scheme in their analysis so
that the names of group members are not specifically revealed. For example, each group
member should be referred to by a letter of the alphabet or number. In addition to the
narrative, students will complete a confidential assessment of themselves and each group
member. The assessment form will be available in early November. Completed forms
should be attached to the team analysis narrative.

Leader Profile Presentation

Students will choose a notable leader to research from either the public or nonprofit sector.
Students must email the professor with their chosen leader’s name no later than 5 p.m. on
September 18. The Leader Profile Presentation should be 10 minutes long and include
information about the leader’s style, traits, personal and professional accomplishments, and any
other interesting or useful information. Leader Profile Presentations should be poised and
professional, and will take place in class on Monday, October 9. If you choose to distribute
handouts, make sure to bring enough copies for all students and the professor.

Journal
Bi-weekly (every other week) journal entries should include written discussions of and/or
reflections upon the course readings and their application to your leadership development.
Students may choose to discuss personal leadership anecdotes or applicable current events in
government and nonprofit organizations.

Each entry must be a minimum of 500 words (2 pages). Seven (7) total journal entries are
required (August 28, September 11, September 25, October 9, October 23, November 6,
November 20). Journals should be bound (i.e. in a binder) and well-organized.

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 PA 5316 Syllabus
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Aesthetic Requirements & Citations

Citations must be used where appropriate, but there is no specified method of citation for
assignments. Use whichever is preferred for your area of study (i.e. APA Style, Chicago Manual
of Style, Turabian), but students must be consistent in their style. Endnotes or parenthetical
citations must include the necessary information to give credit to authors. Students should only
use footnotes for further explanation of a topic in the paper; footnotes should not be used for
reference citations.

All written assignments should follow the following aesthetic guidelines.

One-inch margins on all sides

12 point font size
Times New Roman or comparable sized font style
Double spacing
Left justification (right justification is optional)
Numbered pages
Cover page including, at a minimum, student name, ID number, assignment title, and date
One blank sheet of paper at the end of the assignment
Stapled (no paper clips or other creative paper-connecting mechanisms)

**Portions of this syllabus were adapted from Howard Prince’s “Principles and Practices of Effective Leadership”
syllabus (The University of Texas LBJ School).

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ADDITIONAL UNIVERSITY DISCLAIMERS

Student Conduct & Discipline

The University of Texas System and The University of Texas at Dallas have rules and regulations for the orderly
and efficient conduct of their business. It is the responsibility of each student and each student organization to be
knowledgeable about the rules and regulations which govern student conduct and activities. General information on
student conduct and discipline is contained in the UTD publication, A to Z Guide, which is provided to all registered
students each academic year.

The University of Texas at Dallas administers student discipline within the procedures of recognized and established
due process. Procedures are defined and described in the Rules and Regulations, Board of Regents, The University
of Texas System, Part 1, Chapter VI, Section 3, and in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities of the
university’s Handbook of Operating Procedures. Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in
the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and
regulations (SU 1.602, 972/883-6391).

A student at the university neither loses the rights nor escapes the responsibilities of citizenship. He or she is
expected to obey federal, state, and local laws as well as the Regents’ Rules, university regulations, and
administrative rules. Students are subject to discipline for violating the standards of conduct whether such conduct
takes place on or off campus, or whether civil or criminal penalties are also imposed for such conduct.

Academic Integrity
The faculty expects from its students a high level of responsibility and academic honesty. Because the value of an
academic degree depends upon the absolute integrity of the work done by the student for that degree, it is imperative
that a student demonstrate a high standard of individual honor in his or her scholastic work.

Scholastic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, statements, acts or omissions related to applications for
enrollment or the award of a degree, and/or the submission as one’s own work or material that is not one’s own. As
a general rule, scholastic dishonesty involves one of the following acts: cheating, plagiarism, collusion and/or
falsifying academic records. Students suspected of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary proceedings.

Plagiarism, especially from the web, from portions of papers for other classes, and from any other source is
unacceptable and will be dealt with under the university’s policy on plagiarism (see general catalog for details).
This course will use the resources of turnitin.com, which searches the web for possible plagiarism and is over 90%
effective.

Email Use
The University of Texas at Dallas recognizes the value and efficiency of communication between faculty/staff and
students through electronic mail. At the same time, email raises some issues concerning security and the identity of
each individual in an email exchange. The university encourages all official student email correspondence be sent
only to a student’s U.T. Dallas email address and that faculty and staff consider email from students official only if
it originates from a UTD student account. This allows the university to maintain a high degree of confidence in the
identity of all individual corresponding and the security of the transmitted information. UTD furnishes each student
with a free email account that is to be used in all communication with university personnel. The Department of
Information Resources at U.T. Dallas provides a method for students to have their U.T. Dallas mail forwarded to
other accounts.

Withdrawal from Class

The administration of this institution has set deadlines for withdrawal of any college-level courses. These dates and
times are published in that semester's course catalog. Administration procedures must be followed. It is the student's
responsibility to handle withdrawal requirements from any class. In other words, I cannot drop or withdraw any
student. You must do the proper paperwork to ensure that you will not receive a final grade of "F" in a course if you
choose not to attend the class once you are enrolled.

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Student Grievance Procedures

Procedures for student grievances are found in Title V, Rules on Student Services and Activities, of the university’s
Handbook of Operating Procedures.

In attempting to resolve any student grievance regarding grades, evaluations, or other fulfillments of academic
responsibility, it is the obligation of the student first to make a serious effort to resolve the matter with the instructor,
supervisor, administrator, or committee with whom the grievance originates (hereafter called “the respondent”).
Individual faculty members retain primary responsibility for assigning grades and evaluations. If the matter cannot
be resolved at that level, the grievance must be submitted in writing to the respondent with a copy of the
respondent’s School Dean. If the matter is not resolved by the written response provided by the respondent, the
student may submit a written appeal to the School Dean. If the grievance is not resolved by the School Dean’s
decision, the student may make a written appeal to the Dean of Graduate or Undergraduate Education, and the deal
will appoint and convene an Academic Appeals Panel. The decision of the Academic Appeals Panel is final. The
results of the academic appeals process will be distributed to all involved parties.

Copies of these rules and regulations are available to students in the Office of the Dean of Students, where staff
members are available to assist students in interpreting the rules and regulations.

Incomplete Grade Policy

As per university policy, incomplete grades will be granted only for work unavoidably missed at the semester’s end
and only if 70% of the course work has been completed. An incomplete grade must be resolved within eight (8)
weeks from the first day of the subsequent long semester. If the required work to complete the course and to remove
the incomplete grade is not submitted by the specified deadline, the incomplete grade is changed automatically to a
grade of F.

Disability Services
The goal of Disability Services is to provide students with disabilities educational opportunities equal to those of
their non-disabled peers. Disability Services is located in room 1.610 in the Student Union. Office hours are
Monday and Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8:30
a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The contact information for the Office of Disability Services is:

The University of Texas at Dallas, SU 22
PO Box 830688
Richardson, Texas 75083-0688
(972) 883-2098 (voice or TTY)

Essentially, the law requires that colleges and universities make those reasonable adjustments necessary to eliminate
discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, it may be necessary to remove classroom prohibitions against
tape recorders or animals (in the case of dog guides) for students who are blind. Occasionally an assignment
requirement may be substituted (for example, a research paper versus an oral presentation for a student who is
hearing impaired). Classes enrolled students with mobility impairments may have to be rescheduled in accessible
facilities. The college or university may need to provide special services such as registration, note-taking, or
mobility assistance.

It is the student’s responsibility to notify his or her professors of the need for such an accommodation. Disability
Services provides students with letters to present to faculty members to verify that the student has a disability and
needs accommodations. Individuals requiring special accommodation should contact the professor after class or
during office hours.

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Fall 2006

Religious Holy Days

The University of Texas at Dallas will excuse a student from class or other required activities for the travel to and
observance of a religious holy day for a religion whose places of worship are exempt from property tax under
Section 11.20, Tax Code, Texas Code Annotated.

The student is encouraged to notify the instructor or activity sponsor as soon as possible regarding the absence,
preferably in advance of the assignment. The student, so excused, will be allowed to take the exam or complete the
assignment within a reasonable time after the absence: a period equal to the length of the absence, up to a maximum
of one week. A student who notifies the instructor and completes any missed exam or assignment may not be
penalized for the absence. A student who fails to complete the exam or assignment within the prescribed period may
receive a failing grade for that exam or assignment.

If a student or an instructor disagrees about the nature of the absence [i.e., for the purpose of observing a religious
holy day] or if there is similar disagreement about whether the student has been given a reasonable time to complete
any missed assignments or examinations, either the student or the instructor may request a ruling from the chief
executive officer of the institution, or his or her designee. The chief executive officer or designee must take into
account the legislative intent of TEC 51.911(b), and the student and instructor will abide by the decision of the chief
executive officer or designee.

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