OLCU 150 Introduction to Organizational Communication
A thorough and practical introduction to the skills of effective communication in organizational and professional settings. Based on current theory and research, the course emphasizes acquiring skills and applying theory to organizational communication challenges. 3 credits.
OLCU 200 Methods of Critical Inquiry
(Acceptable equivalent: SOCU 201, PSYU 201) Students examine knowledge and research as they pertain to leadership and organizational studies. Analysis of empirical/scientific method, logic and interpretation and their influence on the study and practice of leadership. Development of research, writing, and presentation skills. 3 credits.
OLCU 300 Organizational Behavior
Deepens understanding of human behavior in organizations, and how structural conditions shape and constrain individual choices. Topics may include bureaucracy power and politics, culture, ethics, motivation, diversity, leadership. Course may use Space Shuttle Challenger as case study. 3 credits.
OLCU 301 Supervision and Leadership
An overview of the theory and application of supervision required for front-line administrators, covering principles, techniques, and steps in the management process. Topics may include delegating, planning, hiring, staffing, running meetings, conducting reviews, coaching, negotiating, monitoring, and motivating. 3 credits.
OLCU 303 Organization Development & Change
A review and analysis of organization development and change. Students will develop an understanding and use of organizational development and change theory from the perspective of systems theory and its constructs. Introduces organization change concepts, principles, values, theories and models. 3 credits.
OLCU 305 Survey of Leadership
An overview of essential leadership principles and practices through classical readings drawn from the humanities and supplemented by contemporary case studies, film, discussion, self-assessments, and exercises. Modeled after Phi Theta Kappa's comprehensive Leadership Development Program, topics include: philosophy of leadership, vision, goal-setting, decision-making, team-building, ethics, empowerment, change, conflict, and servant-leadership. 3 credits.
OLCU 312 Economics of Social Issues
(Same as SOCU 312) An introduction to the basic tools and logic of economics are applied to social issues. A study of how people as individuals or in groups make decisions and choices, the impact of opportunity cost and constrained maximization on those choices and decisions, and how we as a society and an economy respond to the perpetual condition of scarcity. 3 credits.
OLCU 315 Organizational Information Systems
(Same as CSCU 315) Students explore the role of information systems in the operation of an organization. Course introduces the use of information technologies for the access and retrieval of information from internal information systems and from systems on the Information Superhighway. 3 credits.
OLCU 320 Selected Topics in Organizational Leadership
(Formerly OL 420) Covers special topics related to leadership and/or organization studies. Experimental courses are developed subject to emerging student and/or employer demands. Topics vary. Courses that examine different topics may be repeated for up to nine credits. 1-3 credits.
OLCU 325 Leadership Skills Development Lab
Through the use of simulations, experiential activities, self-assessments, student facilitations and presentations, this course aims to improve and enhance key leadership competencies in order to prepare students to succeed in leadership positions, and to help them learn to develop leadership in others. Specific topics may include: developing personal influence, collaboration and group dynamics; communication; followership; conflict management; and images of leadership in popular culture (e.g., in film, music, or literature). Lab fee may be assessed. 3 credits
OLCU 350 Leadership and Professional Ethics
Examines frameworks for ethical judgment as well as contemporary dilemmas and moral issues in organizations, with a special focus on the role of professional ethics and the responsibilities inherent in the commitment to serve others. Topics include servant leadership, responsibilities of professionals, the obligations of corporations concerning the environment product safety, the rights of employees, honesty in advertising. 3 credits.
OLCU 355 Servant Leadership
In all types of organizations (profit, non-profit, private and public), a significant shift in the way in which we approach work and the philosophy with which we lead is underway. These organizations and the people in them are experiencing a paradigm shift which embraces the understanding that the organization's work must be integrated with the personal and spiritual growth of all of the organization's members. The new paradigm recognizes that effective leadership begins with service to others. The great leader is seen as a servant first and true leadership is bestowed on those who are by nature a servant. OLCU 355 is a course in the study, application, and practice of Servant Leadership. 3 credits.
OLCU 400 Theory and Practice of Leadership
Prerequisite: OLCU 300. This course examines the leadership process from both theoretical and practical perspectives. It utilizes the three-factor framework as a heuristic device to analyze leadership theories and organize leadership research. it explores strategies and skills which contribute to creating organizations, systems and structures in which people can develop and apply their full potential as leaders. 3 credits.
OLCU 414 Team Building
Team-based organizations have been created to supplement the traditional, often rigid hierarchical structure within organizations to enhance leader effectiveness. Teams offer a more cooperative, collective philosophy. They outperform individuals; create more diverse, stimulating challenges; boost morale; and yield new skills for employees. This class will help students learn how to develop and participate in teams. Topics may include team development, conflict resolution, communication, decision-making, and reward systems. The course may include an adventure-based retreat activity (lab fee). 3 credits.
OLCU 425 Leadership in Diverse and Multicultural Organizations
Understanding and valuing cultural differences assumes greater significance as our world becomes increasingly interdependent. This course explores multicultural issues in organizations highlighting how misunderstandings arise and how they can be rectified or prevented. It focuses on diversity issues (gender, race, and class) in domestic and international contexts, particularly as they apply to leadership, communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving. Reading, writing, research, and discussion are supplemented with experiential exercises, role-plays and simulations. 3 credits.
OLCU 450 Organization Structure and Design
Reviews classical and contemporary organizational theories and explores concepts of organizational structure/design, life cycle of organizations, systems approach to organizations, organizational culture and ethical aspects of organizational theory. Examines how various approaches to organizational theory improve our ultimate understanding of organizations and their effectiveness and they can become effective tools for analysis and action in different organizational situations. 3 credits.
OLCU 486 Research Project I
The first term of the research project. An introduction to the principles and procedures involved in conducting organizational research. Students will examine knowledge and research as it relates to leadership and organizational studies. Analysis of empirical/scientific/method, logic and interpretation and their influence on the study and practice of leadership. Development of research, writing, and presentation skills. 3 credits.
OLCU 487 Research Project II
Prerequisite: OLCU 486. This course is the second term of the research project. Students will choose and develop a research topic on a leadership or organization problem. Students will conduct a thorough review of the literature, develop research questions and procedures for data gathering. A final written paper will involve the research proposal to include the introduction, literature review and methodology. 3 credits.
OLCU 488 Research Project III
Prerequisite: OLCU 486, OLCU 487. The third (elective) term of the research project. This course is specifically designed for students choosing to complete the data gathering and report portion of the research project. Students will complete development of the topic from OLCU 487, upon approval by instructor, will collect, analyze, and report the study. The course culminates in a written report that serves as senior project for the program. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval may be required for the project. 3 credits.
OLCU 490 Leadership Internship
Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Required of organizational leadership majors lacking full-time employment or leadership experience. Should be taken prior to or concurrent with OLCU 486/OLCU 487). Supervised experience in an approved organizational setting where student assesses a range of leadership constructs (e.g., vision, communication, motivation, empowerment.) Students develop an independent learning contract in conjunction with an on-site supervisor and a Chapman University College organizational leadership faculty advisor. Each unit of credit equals 40 hours of total effort (including work, preparation, study, meetings, journals, and papers). May be repeated if different internship opportunity. Graded on a Pass/No Pass basis. 1-3 credits.
OLCU 494 Action Research Project
(Formerly OL 498. For students in 2001 and prior catalogs only.) Should be completed toward the end of the student's program, or at earliest within 9 credits of completion of major requirements. Open to organizational leadership majors or minors only. Students conduct research on a particular leadership or organizational problem, culminating in a senior integrative paper; including literature review, history/impact, data collection, analysis, action alternatives, and recommendations. 3 credits.
OLCU 499 Independent Study in Organizational Leadership
Prerequisites: junior or senior level, minimum 3.0 GPA, and approval of instructor and Program Chair. Supervised independent study or research on a special problem or topic related to leadership and organization studies resulting in a major paper. May be repeated for up to 6 credits. 1-3 credits.
OLCU 515 Technology and Leadership
Provides experiential opportunities to develop an understanding of technology as it applies to leadership. Students will acquire knowledge in the following areas: history and future of information systems, database development and usage, technology transfer, technology innovations, and how information technologies are used for leadership decision-making. Students will develop competencies in the following areas: the Internet and World Wide Web, presentation software, e-mail, FTP, Groupware, and management software. 3 credits.
OLCU 600 Foundations of Organizational Leadership
Review of contemporary issues and perspectives on organizational leadership including multi-disciplinary perspectives and classic theory (trait, behavioral, and contingency models). Topics include servant leadership, ethics, diversity, followership, the distinction between leadership and management, vision, leadership practice and strategies. Emphasis on application of theoretical concepts to actual and diverse organizational situations, culminating in the articulation of a personal philosophy of leadership. 3 credits.
OLCU 601 Democracy, Ethics and Leadership
Exploration of how democratic values shape the concept and practice of leadership and policy-making in organizations, including the role of values in ethical decision-making and determining the moral obligations of leaders and followers. Examines the concepts of power and influence, including their uses and abuses. Emphasis on critical analysis and application of ethical principles to contemporary leadership dilemmas in organizations. 3 credits.
OLCU 602 Self, Systems and Leadership
Examines individuals and organizations as learning systems. Emphasizes structural influences on individual leadership and deep understanding of self as core resource for learning and leadership development. Focuses on role of systems thinking, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and personal mastery, stressing awareness of social and political tensions as a catalyst for individual and organizational learning and change. 3 credits.
OLCU 603 Servant-Leadership: Theory and Practice
This course will provide students with a thorough exploration of the principles of Servant-Leadership as a leadership philosophy way of being as a leader. It will allow students to become familiar with the writings of Robert Greenleaf, as well as those who have been influenced by Greenleaf, many of whom are leading thinkers in the field of organizational leadership. Particular attention is paid to application within a variety of organizational settings. May include attendance at a retreat and participation in community service. 3 credits.
OLCU 613 Seminar in Organizational Dynamics
(Same as HAUU/HRCU 613) Students use theories of individual, group and organizational behavior to solve organizational problems. Students are taught the diagnostic method of problem-solving and gain experience applying these theories to organizational situations. 3 credits.
OLCU 614 Leadership and Team Development
Reviews theoretical and applied aspects of teamwork and shared leadership practices. Focus is on development of teams which share leadership responsibility in an interdependent effort to achieve a mutually defined goal. Self-assessment and group skill-building are emphasized. Where available and as able, students will participate in an experiential activity (e.g., Adventure-based Leadership, Project Adventure, Outward Bound, etc.). Lab fee may be assessed. 3 credits.
OLCU 615 Organization Development and Change
(Same as HAUU/HRCU 615) Prerequisite: HAUU/HRCU/OLCU 613 or instructor's approval. This course examines the history and overview of the field of organization development. It examines change as a focused activity to bring about specific conditions, to re-direct action, or to implement a particular process, product, or system. Students examine the human side of change, including "resistance" to change. Introduces basic organization development concepts, principles, values, theories, and models. There is particular emphasis on application of theoretical concepts to actual organizational situations. 3 credits.
OLCU 617 The Practice of Organization Development
Prerequisite: OLCU 602, 615. This course provides an overview of key consulting models emerging best practices in consulting. It focuses on the fundamental steps in the consulting process, including client and consultant roles and responsibilities. Students examine how consulting models can be applied to achieve high impact outcomes. Differences between internal and external consulting roles and analysis of the role of ethics and professionalism are included. A project proposal is created in preparations for the practicum (OLCU 688). 3 credits.
OLCU 620 Contemporary Issues in Organizational Leadership
An examination of contemporary issues and recent theoretical and practical advances related to organizational leadership. Topics vary. Courses that examine different themes may be repeated for up to six credits 1-3 credits.
OLCU 621 Frontiers of Public and Nonprofit Leadership
This course provides exposure to contemporary issues and dilemmas in leadership as applied to nonprofit, voluntary, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Topics include civil society and professional ethics, collaboration, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and technology and information. 3 credits.
OLCU 625 Developing Leadership Competencies
This course provides "hands-on" opportunities to explore and develop competencies essential to effective organizational leadership. Topics vary. Courses that examine different competencies may be repeated for up to six credits. 1-3 credits.
OLCU 626 Dynamics of Public and Nonprofit Leadership
Prerequisite: OLCU 621. This course exposes students to the fundamentals of leadership necessary for exceptional performance in nonprofit, voluntary, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Communications skills are developed in assessing constituency needs, interfacing with governmental and private organizations and other nonprofits, and negotiating the varying aims of stakeholders. Principled strategies for mobilizing volunteers are addressed. 3 credits.
OLCU 680 Organizational Research
(Same as HAUU/HRCU 680) This course provides students with an understanding of the critical role of research, systematic assessment, and evaluation to identify and solve management problems and to improve organization performance. The course examines the fundamental theoretical concepts; scientific research methods; the strengths and weaknesses of pre-experimental, quasi-experimental and experimental research designs; threats to internal and external validity; techniques for data collection and analysis; measurement issues, and professional report preparation and presentation. The primary focus is on the practical application of research methods to improving organizational programs, policies, and performance. 3 credits.
OLCU 681 Leadership Capstone Seminar
Prerequisite: completion of all core courses, OLCU 600, 601, 602, 613, 614, 615, 680. This course provides the student with an opportunity to apply and integrate previous learning by the completion and presentation of a major, integrative paper, which will reflect an assessment of student's learning as well as their ability to integrate and apply leadership concepts and theories learned in the MAOL program. Graded on a Pass/No Pass basis. 3 credits.
OLCU 688 Practicum in Organization Development
Prerequisites: completion of OLCU 602, and 617. Students carry out a supervised organization development project. The seminar-style course provides classroom analysis of the fieldwork practicum focusing on reflective, double-loop learning. This course serves as the capstone experience for students completing the Graduate Certificate in Organization Development. Graded on a Pass/No Pass basis. 3 credits.
OLCU 690 Leadership Internship Program
Prerequisites: one of the following courses: OLCU 600, 601, 602; and one of the following courses: OLCU 613, 614, 615, and compliance with university internship procedures. Provides students with an opportunity to apply the skills and concepts they have learned during their course of study to existing issues within organizations. A written contract is developed by the students, approved by the client organization, and supervised by a faculty member before work on the internship begins. Students may not receive credit for working at their current jobs. Each unit of credit equals 40 hours of total effort (including work, preparation, study, meetings, journals, and papers.) Graded on a Pass/No Pass basis. 1-3 credits.
OLCU 699 Independent Research in Organizational Leadership
Prerequisite: approval of instructor and Dean. Supervised independent study or research on a special topic related to organizational leadership. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. 1-3 credits.