Course Overview
This page focuses on the course IDS.910 Leadership Development as it was taught by Professor Dava Newman in Fall 2014.
This course is a required experience for first-year students in the Technology and Policy Program (TTP). It is designed to help students develop their leadership capabilities. An initial Outward Bound experience builds trust, teamwork and communication skills. Classes are held in a seminar environment and readings and assignments emphasize the characteristics of desired leadership skills. Global leaders participate in the “Leadership Lunch” story-telling series to share experiences and to provide recommendations. Discussions help explore and further probe leadership development. The learning experience culminates in a personal leadership plan.
This is a partial term course and meets on an irregular schedule during the first 11 weeks of the 15-week semester.
Course Outcomes
Course Goals for Students
- Assess leadership characteristics in a variety of professional and social environments
- Analyze and reflect on instances of leadership in our everyday lives
- Articulate and communicate a personal leadership vision that is goal-oriented
- Synthesize a personal blueprint or check-list for action (a personal leadership plan)
Possibilities for Further Study/Careers
IDS.910 prepares students for further study in the Technology and Policy Program.
Curriculum Information
Prerequisites
Permission of the instructor
Requirements Satisfied
Core requirement in Technology and Policy SM Program
Offered
Every fall semester
Assessment
The students’ grades were based on the following activities:
- 15% Assignment 1: Assess, Analyze and Reflect upon Leadership
- 15% Assignment 2: Reflection on the Outward Bound experience; Structured DiSC Assessment Exercise
- 20% Assignment 3: Elevator Speech
- 30% Assignment 4: Personal Leadership Plan
- 20% Class discussion
Student Information
Enrollment
40 students
Breakdown by Year
Graduate students
Breakdown by Major
First year graduate students in the Technology and Policy Program.
How Student Time Was Spent
During an average week, students were expected to spend 8 hours on the course, roughly divided as follows:
In Class
- Met 1 time per week for 2 hours per session; 13 sessions total; mandatory attendance.
- Students participated in discussion group sessions and Leadership Lunches, in addition to a two-day Thompson Island Outward Bound Leadership Laboratory experience.
Out of Class
Course Team Roles
IDS.910 students participate in an Outward Bound experience to build trust, leadership, and communication skills. (Image courtesy of Alexandre Jacquillat. Used with permission.)
Lead Instructor (Prof. Dava Newman)
- Oversees teaching of the course
- Introduces the Sloan Leadership Model
- Lectures on Creativity and Improvisation
Discussion Leaders (Upper-year students)
Lead small groups of students in discussing key readings and case studies
Teaching Assistant
Support the lead instructor in teaching the course
Guest Speakers (Global Leaders)
Share leadership stories and experiences during Leadership Lunches
