The Distinction in Leadership Studies program builds on the liberal arts curriculum and the mission of Birmingham-Southern College to challenge students "to be committed to intellectual and social responsibility." A student who meets all of the requirements listed below receives Distinction in Leadership Studies at graduation, distinguished by special recognition in the graduation program and a certificate from the President of the College.

As an interdisciplinary program, Leadership Studies seeks to achieve the following goals: (a) to address conceptions of leadership critically and ethically; (b) to expand conceptions of leadership beyond the context of position and power; (c) to increase in the historical and cultural understanding of leadership; (d) to explore leadership in relation to individuality, community, cooperation, and collaborative inquiry; (e) to develop a personal understanding of the processes, practices, and purposes of leadership; and (f) to demonstrate leadership through community service.

Leadership Studies Program Requirements

After contacting the Hess Center for Leadership and Service and meeting with the Director of Leadership Studies to express interest in participating in the Distinction in Leadership Studies program, a student must meet the following requirements:

1. Complete LS 200 Leadership Studies: Theory and Practice.
2. Complete two other courses in different academic disciplines that have been designated as Leadership Studies courses and earn a 3.00 or higher grade point in each.
3. Participate in a community service project for one term, attend three seminars on service learning, and present a paper to the Director of Leadership Studies explaining how the experience in the community contributed to his or her educational and personal growth (see specific requirements below)
4. Complete LS 400 senior capstone seminar led by the Hess Center for Leadership and Service and taught by faculty members and community leaders, and write a paper on how his or her experience with the community organization relates to his or her major field of study.
5. Make an oral presentation to the Provost or the Provost's designee, the Director of Leadership Studies, and a representative of the division of the student's major field of study regarding his or her experiences in the program.

The Provost determines if the student has met the criteria for Distinction in Leadership Studies. The student must have a grade point average of 2.50 or higher to complete the program.

Community Service Project Requirements

1. The student must select a community service project and have it approved by the Director of Service Learning and the Director of Leadership Studies.
2. The student must spend at least four hours per week for one term working with a community organization on-site, attend the organization's board meetings, and research the issues facing the organization.
3. The student must attend three seminars on service learning during the spring term organized by the Director of Service Learning and the Director of Leadership Studies. These seminars reflect on the community experiences and discuss how the student's experiences relate to academic courses.
4. The student must make a presentation on the community service project to the Director of Leadership Studies, the Director of Service Learning, faculty members, students, and community representatives. In the presentation, the student must address the history of the organization, its membership and board of directors, how the organization manages its fiscal responsibilities, whether the constituents are being served effectively, and other aspects of the organization that contribution to its long-term success or failure.
   

Courses with the Leadership Studies (LS) Designation

LS 200 Leadership Studies: Theory and Practice (1)

An introduction to the academic study of leadership from both theoretical and practical perspectives. Not limited to students in the Leadership Studies Program. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing. Fall, Spring.

 

LS 400 Capstone Senior Leadership Seminar (½)

A capstone seminar of selected topics on leadership theories, service learning, and civic responsibility. The course requires an in depth paper and presentation on a leadership topic, demonstrating a student's accumulated knowledge and skills in leadership studies. Students lead discussion on required journal articles and texts. The seminar is a requirement for the Distinction in Leadership Studies certificate. Prerequisites: Distinction in Leadership Studies student and senior standing or consent. Spring.

 

LS 498 Teaching Experience in Leadership Studies (1)

Experience in the teaching of Leadership Studies: Theory and Practice under the supervision of a member of the faculty. This course does not count toward the completion of the Distinction in Leadership Studies. Prerequisites: LS 200 and consent.

 

LS 200 is a multi-disciplinary course that serves as a prerequisite to other leadership designated courses for students pursuing Distinction in Leadership Studies. A list of these courses appears below:

BA 400 Organizational Theory and Behavior in Business
BA 445 Leadership and Decision Making
HI 208 Diplomatic History of the United States since 1941
HI 347 Britain in the Twentieth Century
MU 371 Conducting
PL 205 The Idea of Community: Civil Society Today
PL 255 Contemporary Political Philosophy
PL 307 Environmental Ethics
PS 240 Introduction to Latin American Politics
PS 306 Ethics, Public Policy, and Public Service
PS 307/HON 207 Civil Rights and Justice
PS 325/HON 218 Contemporary Southern Politics
PS 340 Comparative Elite Behavior
PY 203 Group Dynamics
PY 300 Service: Motivations and Outcomes
PY 320 Cross-Cultural Psychology
SO 370 Sociology of Medicine
ThA 303 Directing and Stage Management