Public Leadership Curriculum
Citation Requirements for Public Leadership are published on College Park Scholars Advising and Registration website.
Public Leadership students take a set of courses ranging from one to three credits that are designed to lead students through explorations of self, society, and what it means to be a leader. Predominately discussion-based classes (typically of no more than 25 students) encourage students to think critically and examine their own values and beliefs while strengthening their ability to articulate these ideas verbally. Class presentations and group work build public speaking and team work skills, while writing assignments guide students through reflections on their experiences as well as critical analyses of texts ranging from current newspaper articles to biographies of "great leaders" to academic works on leadership and citizenship in a democratic society.
In addition to required courses, students participate in PL's Community-Based Learning program in which they engage with an organization in the wider community to design and implement a project of their choice on topics ranging from sustainable energy policy on the UMD campus and in DC, to adult literacy in Prince George's county, to international human rights and poverty. For more information on the Community-Based Learning program, please visit our activities page.
Finally, every student completes a capstone (which can be in the form of a research course, a special PL elective, or an internship) as well as a Personal Leadership Development Plan in which they are asked to complete in-depth self-assessments, draw up a plan of action for personal development, and articulate their personal vision and mission statement, among other things. The goal of the PLDP is to focus individual student attention on their own growth and potential and professional and personal direction.
Sample Syllabi
Morocco: Cultural and Human Rights - A Public Leadership Perspective (Winter Term Study Abroad)
Fall Colloquium for First Year Students
Fall Leadership for the Common Good Course for First Year Students
Spring Colloquium for First Year Students
Fall Course for Second Year Students
Spring Leadership and Social Change Course for Second Year Students
