LDR - Catholic Leadership

LDR 600 Foundations of Leadership

An interdisciplinary course with an emphasis on the following: students will identify individual and team leadership skills within but not limited to planning strategically, communication, decision-making, conflict management, dialogical skills, effective team-building and global leadership.  The candidate will investigate multiple leadership models and define the philosophy of philanthropy.  This course is intended to provide candidates the framework to develop and apply their emerging leadership style.
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LDR 601 The Catholic Understanding of the Human Person

This course will present the key elements of an adequate anthropology.  This is requisite for all in leadership, since leaders must know who it is that they are leading.  The human person will be studied from the perspective of philosophy and theology, that is, by the application of both human reason and revelation.  Key topics will include:  the material and spiritual composition of the human person, the final purpose of human existence, the significance of man created in the image of God, the correct notion of human freedom, the effects of original sin and redemption on the human person, the centrality of moral virtue in human flourishing.  This course will also consider man as a social creature by considering pertinent key elements of Catholic social doctrine, such as the notion of the common good, solidarity, and subsidiarity, as well as the Catholic vision for human society from both a political and an economic perspective.
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LDR 602 Human Resource Management

Human Resource Management examines topics related to the stewardship and alignment of an organization's people (human resources) in order to facilitate organizational effectiveness.  Candidates in this course will develop:  a) a solid understanding of the Church's teachings on Human Resource Management related topics such as the dignity of the human person, personal vocation, compensation, and the meaning and value of work; b) knowledge of how to build and align human resource management practices such as employee engagement, hiring and selection, onboarding and orientation, performance management, payroll and compensation management, as well as talent and succession management, to enhance mission effectiveness; and c) a working knowledge of the regulatory environment surrounding the management of human resources such as ACA, FMLA, FLSA, ADA, ERISA, Title VII, etc.
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LDR 603 Organizational Communication

This course presents a comprehensive study of theories and principles from historic and current communication  practices within a variety of organizational contexts and ethical situations.  The course stresses: a) the importance of communications for leading individuals and groups to meet organizational goals; b) recognizing and examining the causes of communications problems; and c) developing the communications knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to achieve effective organizational performance.  Remote and mobile communication issues and strategies will also be addressed.
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LDR 604 Strategic Finance for Leaders

This course is designed to provide students an understanding of the fundamentals of financial planning, budgeting, accounting and reporting model and the means by which such information is utilized for decision making purposes.  The course focuses on the benefits of a financial information system to enhance financial and organizational effectiveness.  Students will study the crucial aspects of financial analysis and management so that they will have an understanding of the requirements to identify, measure, and communicate financial information, both internally and externally.  Key concepts such as strategic financial management, forecasting, and accounting controls are explored.
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LDR 605 Contemporary Topics in Catholic Leadership

This course will focus on the policies and procedures needed to lead collaborative teams for change.  Candidates will participate in real world scenarios focused on the art and science of respecting both man's temporal and spiritual good.  Through a variety multiple modalities, candidates will examine contemporary world topics.
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LDR 700 Innovation and Change in Catholic School Environments

This course addresses the call from the Congregation of Education for educators and administration working in the Educational sector, to:  a) understand and accept the teachings of Catholic identity and apostolic goals; b) apply the evangelizing mission to address diversity and educational change in Catholic schools; and c) define multiple strategies in the areas of curriculum, instruction, and administrative practice to serve the needs of students, families, Church, and communities and align those to theory and practice of Catholic social thought.  Readings and case studies will draw upon the long and varied tradition of Catholicism as well as from "scientific studies promoted by members of the laity, from the work of Catholic movements and associations, and from the Church's practical achievements in the social field" (Centesimus annus, 4).

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LDR 701 Action Research Project Seminar I

This course will focus on the individual candidate's professional plan.  Candidates will define their local Bishop's expectations and use the information to develop an on-going plan of action for future growth, including professional development, institutional change, and personal formation.  Candidates will return to Catholic social doctrine, applying key notions that include, but are not limited to: human dignity solidarity, subsidiarity, and the common good.
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LDR 702 Action Research Project Seminar II

Working in partnership with Franciscan University faculty and educational leaders, candidates will continue the process of discovery and learning through their approved Action Research Project.  Weekly seminars and modules wil be utilized to support the action research process for candidates.  Progress on the individual projects will be shared throughout the semester.
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LDR 703 Action Research Project Seminar III

Candidates in this course will apply their action research outcomes to update and inform their long-term plan for professional development, institutional change, and personal formation.  Candidates may address the integration of this plan with special topics within school environments, including but not limited to special education, English language learners, affordability and access in Catholic education, school-diocese relations, etc.  Where possible, candidates will seek to integrate their previously acquired knowledge of the Catholic vision of the human person and the principles of Catholic social doctrine.
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LDR 704 Action Research Conclusions and Presentation

Working in partnership with Franciscan University faculty and educational leaders, candidates will present the findings and conclusions of their approved Action Research Project.  Weekly seminars and modules will be utilized to support the action research process for candidates.
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LDR 890 Research Methods and Design

Working in partnership with Franciscan University faculty and educational leaders, candidates will begin the process of defining their Action Research Project.  Weekly seminars and modules will be utilized to support the action research process for candidates.  Projects will be completed during the upcoming academic year.
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