Main Content

Syllabus

The information contained on this page is designed to give students a representative example of material covered in the course. Any information related to course assignments, dates, or course materials is illustrative only. For a definitive list of materials, please check the online catalog 3-4 weeks before the course start date.

LER/OLEAD 464 – Communication Skills for Leaders in Groups and Organizations: Theory-and research-based communication skills for leaders dealing with work-related problems in contemporary groups and organizations.



Overview

Communication Skills for Leaders in Groups and Organizations is a survey of theory, research, and practice related to processes by which individuals in groups and organizations exercise influence, independently of whether or not they occupy positions of acknowledged leadership. During the course, you will become acquainted with a variety of influences on communication in the process. This will be accomplished by examining theory and research dealing with the function of those influences.

 


Course Objectives

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Understand the leadership communication process; from vision to implementation
  • Develop leadership communication skills
  • Use communication to lead
  • Examine modern challenges of leadership communication
  • Present an organizational vision/mission/values statement

 


Required Course Materials

Most World Campus courses require that students purchase materials (e.g., textbooks, specific software, etc.). To learn about how to order materials, please see the Course Materials page. You should check LionPATH approximately 3–4 weeks before the course begins for a list of required materials.


Library Resources

Many of the University Libraries resources can be utilized from a distance. Through the Libraries website, you can

  • access magazine, journal, and newspaper articles online using library databases;
  • borrow materials and have them delivered to your doorstep—or even your desktop;
  • get research help via email, chat, or phone using the Ask a Librarian service; and
  • much more. 

You must have an active Penn State Access Account to take full advantage of the Libraries' resources and service.  The Off-Campus Users page has additional information about these free services.


Software

One of the benefits of being a registered Penn State student is that you are eligible to receive educational discounts on many software titles. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing software through our affiliate vendor, please visit the Buying Software section of the Course Materials page.


Technical Specifications

Technical Requirements
Operating System

Canvas, Penn State's Learning Management System (LMS), supports most recent versions of Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac operating systems. 

To determine if your operating system is supported, please review Canvas' computer specifications.

Browser

Canvas supports the last two versions of every major browser release. It is highly recommended that you update to the newest version of whatever browser you are using.

Please note that Canvas does not support the use of Internet Explorer. Students and instructors should choose a different browser to use.   

To determine if your browser is supported, please review the list of Canvas Supported Browsers.


Note: Cookies must be enabled, and pop-up blockers should be configured to permit new windows from Penn State websites.
Additional Canvas Requirements For a list of software, hardware, and computer settings specifically required by the Canvas LMS, please review Canvas' computer specifications.
Additional Software

All Penn State students have access to Microsoft Office 365, including Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Students will need a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader.

Hardware

Monitor: Monitor capable of at least 1024 x 768 resolution
Audio: Microphone, Speakers
Camera (optional, recommended): Standard webcam - many courses may require a webcam for assignments or exam proctoring software.

Mobile Device (optional) The Canvas mobile app is available for versions of iOS and Android. To determine if your device is capable of using the Canvas Mobile App, please review the Canvas Mobile App Requirements.

If you need technical assistance at any point during the course, please contact the Service Desk.

For registration, advising, disability services, help with materials, exams, general problem solving, visit World Campus Student Services!


Course Requirements

Performance in LER/OLEAD 464 will be evaluated on two type of assignments: (1) class discussions; (2) vision/mission/values projects. The assignments are designed to enhance real-world skills in written and oral communications. Your responsibility, then, is to read the assignments carefully, post your work on time, and stay prepared throughout the semester. Below you will find information about each of the following course requirements.

Class Discussions

The objective of the discussions is to demonstrate your expertise with the course theories and concepts as well as your ability to critically think about those ideas in professional conversations with your classmates and instructor. The discussions in this course are not formal APA papers, but you are still expected to quote, cite and reference appropriately. In addition to answering the assignment prompts for each discussion, there are some standard things you will need to do and will be graded on:

  • Content Quality/Logic: Your ideas need to be logical and related to discussion prompt and course content. Make sure to use course theories and concepts in your posts. Also make sure to use strong grammar and spelling, as well as paragraphs that are well constructed and fit together logically.
  • Content Quantity: You must make at least 3 substantial posts.
  • Support for Ideas: Your ideas need to be supported with course materials and at least one other quality resource (i.e. one from the library) and they need to be cited and referenced in full APA format.
  • Timeliness of Posts: Your first post must be made by the fifth day of the lesson, the second one before the final deadline.
Discussion Grading Rubric
CriteriaABCDF
Content Quality/Logic (50 pts.)Ideas are logical and related to discussion prompt and course content (50 pts.)Ideas are logical and are related to course content (40 pts.)Ideas are logical and mostly related to course content (30 pts.)Ideas are only partially logical or partially related to prompt or course content (20 pts.)No posts or unrelated to course in any way (0 pts.)
Content Quantity (25 pts.)Made at least 3 substantial posts (25 pts.)Made 3 posts, at least 2 of which are substantial (20 pts.)Made at least 2 posts, neither is substantial (10.5 pts.)Made only 1 post (9 pts.)No posts (0 pts.)
Support Ideas (15 pts.)Supported ideas with course materials and at least one other quality resource (i.e. one from the library) in full APA format (15 pts.)Supported ideas with course materials in full APA format (8 pts.)Supported ideas with course materials, but APA format is lacking (7 pts.)Ideas are only partially supported (6 pts.)

No posts or ideas are not supported (0 pts.)

 

Timeliness of Posts (10 pts.)First post made by 3 PM EST Saturday and second post made by 12 PM EST Monday (10 pts.)First post made after 3 PM EST Saturday and second post made by 12 PM EST Monday. (8 pts.)Both posts made by 12 PM EST Monday. (7 pts.)Only one post or both came after the deadline. (6 pts.)No posts. (0 pts.)
Value/Vision/Mission Projects (Paper and Presentation
  • This project consists of two parts; a written paper and a video presentation. Each will be equally weighted as they represent both the process (the background research and documentation via the paper) and the end result (presentation) of creating a value/vision/mission statement for an organization.
  • The objective of the value/vision/mission projects is to apply what you have learned in the course and demonstrate your expertise with the course concepts. In particular, you need to show your ability to critically think about those ideas and use them to craft your vision/value/mission for your organization.
  • Please check assignment instructions for more details.

Specifically you will be graded on:

  • Content Quality: You will need to explain your ideas in full. This means defining key ideas such as the lesson theory or concept and its specific pieces in addition to the general premise of the theory. Those ideas will then be applied to create the projects.
  • Content Logic and Persuasiveness: Your projects will need a strong thesis, transitions, strong grammar and spelling, a conclusion, paragraphs that are well constructed and fit together logically. Your projects need to motivate others to achieve your vision and mission.
  • Professionalism: Your project needs to look professional.
  • Citations and References: Your ideas must be supported with course materials and at least one other quality resource (i.e. one from the library) and they must be in full APA citation and reference format.
Final Paper and Presentation Grading Rubric
CriteriaABCDF
Content Quality (100 pts.)Ideas are well explained and detailed (100 pts.)Ideas are mostly well explained and detailed (80 pts.)Ideas are somewhat well explained and detailed (60 pts.)Ideas are marginally explained and detailed (40 pts.)Ideas are not well explained and detailed (0 pts.)
Content Logic and Persuasiveness (50 pts.)Ideas are logically explained and ordered in a way to enhance follower understanding AND Ideas would convince and motivate reasonable people to follow the leader’s ideas (50 pts.)Ideas are mostly logically explained and ordered in a way to enhance follower understanding AND Ideas would convince and motivate most reasonable people to follow the leader’s ideas(40pts.)Ideas are somewhat logically explained and ordered in a way to enhance follower understanding AND Ideas would convince and motivate some reasonable people to follow the leader’s ideas   (30 pts.)Ideas are have inadequate explanation and order that will not  enhance follower understanding AND Ideas would convince and/or motivate a few people to follow the leader’s ideas (20 pts.)Ideas are not logically explained and ordered AND Ideas would convince or motivate   few or no people to follow the leader’s ideas (0 pts.)
Support Ideas/Citations/References (50 pts.)Ideas are backed by factual and/or theoretical support (50 pts.)Ideas are mostly backed by factual and/or theoretical support (40 pts.)Ideas are somewhat backed by factual and/or theoretical support (30 pts.)Ideas are inadequately backed by factual and/or theoretical support (20)

Ideas are not backed by factual and/or theoretical support OR there is no support at all (0 pts.)

Professionalism (50 pts.)Ideas are presented in a highly professional manner (50 pts.)Ideas are mostly presented in a professional manner (40 pts.)Ideas are somewhat presented in a professional manner (30 pts.)Ideas are inadequately presented in a professional manner (20 pts.)Ideas are not presented in a professional manner  or are not presented at all (0 pts.)

Outline

  • Prior to the final projects, you will need to craft an outline organizing your ideas. The purpose is to start forming the logical structure of your vision/value/mission for your organization. This will also allow you to receive feedback on your ideas similar to you would in your organization. The outline needs to be in numbered or bulleted format so that the bare essentials of your logic can be seen and can be easily reordered if necessary. You will also need a thesis and at least three high quality sources. If you haven’t created an outline in a while and need advice, please contact your instructor.
Project Outline Grading Rubric
CriteriaABCDF
Thesis (25 pts.)Thesis organizes the ideas of the project well (25 pts.)Thesis mostly organizes the ideas of the project well (20 pts.)Thesis somewhat organizes the ideas of the project well (15 pts.)Thesis inadequately organizes the ideas of the project well (10 pts.)Thesis does not organize the ideas of the project well OR is missing (0 pts.)
Logical Order (25 pts.)Ideas are presented in a logical order that enhances follower understanding (25 pts.)Ideas are mostly presented in a logical order that enhances follower understanding (20 pts.)Ideas are somewhat presented in a logical order that enhances follower understanding (15 pts.)Ideas are inadequatlely presented in a logical order that enhances follower understanding (10 pts.)Ideas are not presented in a logical order that enhances follower understanding OR are not presented in numbered/bulleted format (0 pts.)
Support Ideas/Citations/References (25 pts.)At least three high quality sources are listed in APA format (25 pts.)Three quality sources are listed in mostly  APA format (20 pts.)Fewer than three quality sources are listed and APA format is attempted but lacking (15 pts.)Sources are not of good quality and are lacking in APA formatting (10 pts.)

Sources are missing (0 pts.)

Details (25 pts.)Information is provided in enough detail that anyone can comment on the logical structure and content of the document (25 pts.)Information is mostly provided in enough detail that most people can comment on the logical structure and content of the document (20 pts.)Information is somewhat provided in enough detail that some people can comment on the logical structure and content of the document (15 pts.)Information  provided is inadequately presented in enough detail and few people can comment on the logical structure and content of the document (10 pts.)Information is not provided in enough detail and very few people, if any, can comment on the logical structure and content of the document (0 pts.)

 

 


Course Schedule

Note: All due dates reflect North American eastern time (ET).

The schedule below outlines the topics we will be covering in this course, along with the associated time frames and assignments.

Course Schedule

  • Course Length: 16 weeks

Note: All assignments are due by 12:00 PM (ET) the Monday after each Lesson's timeframe, unless otherwise noted. 

Lesson 1: Leadership and Communication
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapters 1 and 3.
  • Northouse, pg. 163  [eReserves, via Library Resources]

Optional Readings:

  • Kruger, Epley, Parker and Ng, pp 925–936
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Academic Integrity form
  • Class Introductions
Lesson 2: Vision 
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Mirvis, P., Googins, B., & Kinnicutt, S., pp 316-324. [eReserves, via Library Resources]

Optional Readings:

  • Lefkowitz, J. (Chapters 6-12.
  • Massey, M. 
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Draft vision/mission/value statement
  • Engage in peer feedback via Lesson 2 Discussion
Lesson 3: Ethics
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapter 2.

Optional Readings:

  • Northouse, P.G.. pp. 329-362  [eReserves, via Library Resources]
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Review and revise values/vision/mission statements for ethics
  • Engage in peer feedback via Lesson 3 Discussion
Lesson 4: Culture and Diversity
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapter 13.

Optional Readings:

  • Northouse, P.G. pp. 427-466
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Review and revise values/vision/mission statements for inclusiveness
  • Engage in peer feedback via Lesson 4 Discussion
Lesson 5: Thinking
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapter 4.
  • The Critical Thinking Community.
  • How Leaders Should Think Critically. 

Optional Readings

  • Davis, D.M., & Hayes, J.A.  
  • Bird, A., & Osland, J.S. pp.57-80.
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Review values/vision/mission statements for critical thinking
  • Discuss critical thinking via Lesson 5 Discussion
Lesson 6: Perceiving and Listening
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapters 5 & 6.
  • Schilling, D. 
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Discuss listening via Lesson 6 Discussion
Lesson 7: Power of Words
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapter 7.
  • Guduru, R. 
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Review values/vision/mission statements for the influence of your words
  • Discuss the words of your values/vision/mission statement via Lesson 7 Discussion
Lesson 8: Nonverbal Communication
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapter 8.
  • Matsumoto, D., & Hwang, H. S.
  • Toastmasters International
  • Cuddy, A. 
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Presentation and discussion on how to improve nonverbal communication
Lesson 9: Groups and Group Communication
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapters 10 & 11.
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Discuss how groups influence your vision/mission/values statement via Lesson 9 Discussion
Lesson 10: Motivating and Inspiring
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapter 12.
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Discuss how motivation and inspiration influence your vision/mission/values statement via Lesson 10 Discussion
  • Outline for final paper and presentation
Lesson 11: Conflict
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapter 9.
  • Kolb, D.M., & Putnam, L.L. pp 311-325.
  • Tjosvold, D. 
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Discuss how conflict influences your vision/mission/values statement via Lesson 11 Discussion
Lesson 12: Technology and E-leadership
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chua, Y.P., & Chua, Y.P. pp 109-121.
  • Lee, C. E. pp 513-529.
  • Kristoffersson, S.C., & Loutifi, A. pp 1-17.
  • Pan, Y. pp 409-413.
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Discuss how technology and e-leadership influences your vision/mission/values statement via Lesson 12 Discussion
Lesson 13: Innovation
READINGS:

Required Readings:

  • Chapter 14.
  • Baregheh, A., Rowley, J., & Sambrook, S. pp 1323-1339. 
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Discuss how innovation and e-leadership influences your vision/mission/values statement via Lesson 13 Discussion
Final Paper and Presentation
READINGS:
  • Review all materials from the course
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Final vision/mission/value paper
  • Final vision/mission/value presentation 
Lesson 14: Putting It All Together
READINGS:
  • Review all materials from the course
ASSIGNMENTS:
  • Lesson 14: Putting It All Together Discussion

NOTE: If you are planning to graduate this semester, please communicate your intent to graduate to your instructor. This will alert your instructor to the need to submit your final grade in time to meet the published graduation deadlines. For more information about graduation policies and deadlines, please see "Graduation" on the World Campus Student Policies website.

Formal instruction will end on the last day of class. Provided that you have an active Penn State Access Account user ID and password, you will continue to be able to access the course materials for one year, starting from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered (with the exception of library reserves and other external resources that may have a shorter archival period). After one year, you might be able to access the course based on the policies of the program or department offering the course material, up to a maximum of three years from the end date of the academic semester in which the course was offered. For more information, please review the University Course Archival Policy.


Grading

ActivityPointsPercentage

Discussions (13 -- see below)

    Vision/Mission/Values discussions (12 @ 100 points)

    Putting it all together (1 @ 200 points)

140070%

Vision/Mission/Values Projects (3 -- see below)

    Outline (1 @ 100 points)

    Final Paper (1 @ 250 points)

    Final Presentation (1 @ 250 points

60030%
Total Course Points100%

Course Requirements

Each lesson will require reading at least one article or chapter, sometimes more. From lesson to lesson you will have three basic types of assignments; discussion, presentations, and a final paper.

Grading Scale
LetterPercent
Grading Scale
A93-100%
A-90-92.9%
B+87-89.9%
B83-86.9%
B-80-82.9%
C+77-79.9%
C70-76.9%
D60-69.9%
FBelow 59.9%
 

 

Please refer to the University Grading Policy for Undergraduate Courses for additional information about University grading policies. If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.

For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.


Academic Integrity

According to Penn State policy G-9: Academic Integrity , an academic integrity violation is “an intentional, unintentional, or attempted violation of course or assessment policies to gain an academic advantage or to advantage or disadvantage another student academically.” Unless your instructor tells you otherwise, you must complete all course work entirely on your own, using only sources that have been permitted by your instructor, and you may not assist other students with papers, quizzes, exams, or other assessments. If your instructor allows you to use ideas, images, or word phrases created by another person (e.g., from Course Hero or Chegg) or by generative technology, such as ChatGPT, you must identify their source. You may not submit false or fabricated information, use the same academic work for credit in multiple courses, or share instructional content. Students with questions about academic integrity should ask their instructor before submitting work.

Students facing allegations of academic misconduct may not drop/withdraw from the affected course unless they are cleared of wrongdoing (see G-9: Academic Integrity ). Attempted drops will be prevented or reversed, and students will be expected to complete course work and meet course deadlines. Students who are found responsible for academic integrity violations face academic outcomes, which can be severe, and put themselves at jeopardy for other outcomes which may include ineligibility for Dean’s List, pass/fail elections, and grade forgiveness. Students may also face consequences from their home/major program and/or The Schreyer Honors College.

How Academic Integrity Violations Are Handled
World Campus students are expected to act with civility and personal integrity; respect other students' dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their own efforts. An environment of academic integrity is requisite to respect for oneself and others, as well as a civil community.

In cases where academic integrity is questioned, the Policy on Academic Integrity indicates that procedure requires an instructor to inform the student of the allegation. Procedures allow a student to accept or contest a charge. If a student chooses to contest a charge, the case will then be managed by the respective college or campus Academic Integrity Committee. If that committee recommends an administrative sanction (Formal Warning, Conduct Probation, Suspension, Expulsion), the claim will be referred to the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response.

All Penn State colleges abide by this Penn State policy, but review procedures may vary by college when academic dishonesty is suspected. Information about Penn State's academic integrity policy and college review procedures is included in the information that students receive upon enrolling in a course. To obtain that information in advance of enrolling in a course, please contact us by going to the Contacts & Help page .


Course Policies

Late Policy

You are expected to submit all assignments before the deadline specified in the Course Schedule. This varies from course to course and may vary from assignment to assignment (In other words, not all deadlines are on Sunday evening). Please check due dates carefully and adhere to them. All deadlines are U.S. Eastern Time. If you miss a submission deadline, you will be penalized according to the rubric for that assignment. If there is no rubric please check with your instructor as to their individual late policy.

Document Submission

Students using MS Word 2007, including trial versions, must save and submit their documents in ".doc" format for this course. (At the bottom of the "Save As" dialogue box, choose ".doc" from the "Save as type" pull down menu.)

University Policies

  • Privacy Notice: Please note that course access is limited to those individuals who have direct responsibility for the quality of your educational experience. The course instructor and any teaching assistant(s), of course, have access to the course throughout the semester. Each course offered via the World Campus has several instructional design staff members assigned to assist in managing course content and delivery. These instructional design staff members have access to the course throughout the semester for this purpose. Also, World Campus technical staff may be given access in order to resolve technical support issues. In addition, mentor, department head, or program chair may be provided with course access in order to ensure optimal faculty availability and access. Each of these individuals will keep confidential all student course and academic information.

  • Accommodating Disabilities:

    Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational programs. Every Penn State campus has resources for students with disabilities. The Student Disability Resources (SDR) website provides contacts for disability services at every Penn State campus. For further information, please visit the SDR website.

    In order to apply for reasonable accommodations, you must contact the appropriate disability resources office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation based on the documentation guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus's disability resources office will provide you with an accommodation letter. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. You must follow this process for every semester that you request accommodations.


  • Additional Policies:

    For information about additional policies regarding Penn State Access Accounts; credit by examination; course tuition, fees, and refund schedules; and drops and withdrawals, please see the World Campus Student Center website.


  • Counseling and Psychological Services:

    If you have a crisis or safety concern, mental health services are available to you as a Penn State student. Crisis and emergency contacts are available, no matter where you are located:


  • Deferred Grades: If, for reasons beyond the student's control, a student is prevented from completing a course within the prescribed time, the grade in that course may be deferred with the concurrence of the instructor. The symbol DF appears on the student's transcript until the course has been completed. Non-emergency permission for filing a deferred grade must be requested by the student before the beginning of the final examination period. In an emergency situation, an instructor can approve a deferred grade after the final exam period has started. Under emergency conditions during which the instructor is unavailable, authorization is required from one of the following: the dean of the college in which the candidate is enrolled; the executive director of the Division of Undergraduate Studies if the student is enrolled in that division or is a provisional student; or the campus chancellor of the student's associated Penn State campus.

    For additional information please refer to the Deferring a Grade page.

  • Reporting Bias:

    Penn State takes great pride to foster a diverse and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and staff. Acts of intolerance, discrimination, or harassment due to age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender identity, national origin, race, religious belief, sexual orientation, or veteran status are not tolerated and can be reported through Educational Equity via the Report Bias webpage.


Disclaimer: Please note that the specifics of this Course Syllabus are subject to change, and you will be responsible for abiding by any such changes. Your instructor will notify you of any changes.



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