Spring 2003/Pasadena
CO520
DeMeester
CO520: INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS.
Erin M. DeMeester.
DESCRIPTION:
- This course focuses on the interpersonal communication of leaders
primarily in ministry settings. Students will explore several dimensions that
impact the effectiveness of interpersonal communication such as perception,
listening, and language; communication competencies; interpersonal processes;
channels; and communication networks. Biblical examples of interpersonal
communication will also be investigated. Students will study models of
effective leadership in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. These
dimensions, biblical examples, and models will be discussed in terms of how
they affect communication with those we minister to: superiors, peers, team
members, committees and congregations.
RELEVANCE FOR MINISTRY:
- Students who are most successful in this class will be expected to:
(1) define interpersonal communication, leadership and leadership
effectiveness, and explain their relationship; (2) frame messages from a
receptor-orientation/decenter; (3) demonstrate an ability to communicate
outside of one's own context; (4) identify personal strengths and weaknesses in
communicating interpersonally within organizational and ministry settings and
gain skills for on-going self-assessment; (5) research and assess the
interpersonal communication within an organizational or ministry setting, and
be able to execute future assessments; (6) demonstrate an awareness of the
relationship between interpersonal communication and conflict, negotiation,
creative thinking, facilitation, and organizational design/development; (7)
distinguish between interpersonal communication and other levels of
communication and discuss how these levels interact; (8) synthesize how the
information learned in this class personally impacts their leadership.
COURSE FORMAT:
- This highly interactive class meets weekly for three-hour sessions.
Time in class is spent listening to lectures, engaging in class discussion,
participating in experiential exercises, and delivering oral presentations.
Time outside of class is devoted to reading, applied research, and writing one
paper.
REQUIRED READING:
- Elmer, D. H. Cross-Cultural Conflict: Building Relationships for
Effective Ministry. InterVarsity Press, 1994.
- Greenleaf, R. K. Seeker and Servant: Reflections on Religious
Leadership. ed. Anne T. Fraker and Larry C. Spears. Jossey-Bass, 1996.
- Hackman, Michael Z. and Craig E. Johnson. Leadership: A Communication
Perspective. 3rd ed. Waveland Press, 2001.
- Matusak, Larraine R. Finding Your Voice: Learning to Lead... Anywhere
You Want to Make a Difference. Jossey Bass, 1997.
- Selected Readings.
ASSIGNMENTS:
- Regular attendance and class participation is mandatory. Complete
assigned readings for which students demonstrate comprehension of the material
through a variety of avenues. Synthesis of readings and lectures into a final
12-15 page discussion which includes an assessment of the current status of the
interpersonal communication within a church/organization and what this
assessment means for leadership. Students will present findings from the
assessment to the class.
PREREQUISITES: None.
RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Meets a leadership elective for the MACL.
FINAL EXAMINATION: Yes.