ACADEMICS - COURSES
MAL students choose from among the following courses. There are 11 courses to complete the program: 4 Core classes and 7 electives. For a complete description, contact the Graduate Admissions Office to request a catalog.
ML 510 *
Visions of Leadership: A Historical and Literary Journey
As an introduction to selected concepts of leadership, this course provides a historical and philosophical framework for the program.
ML 511
Creativity and the Problem-Solving Process
This course uses creativity as a method for solving problems in organizations, for enhancing innovation and for seeking an integrative world-view.
ML 513
Creating a Compelling Literature Review
As leadership scholars and practitioners, our work should be evidence–based. The purpose of this course is to explore the published literature to determine what credible evidence tells us about effective leadership practices. Students will learn how to read research critically, analyze and develop arguments, and recommend best practices.
ML 514 *
Research Methods
Evaluation and documentation of programs, projects and ideas as they relate to leadership theories and practice. Qualitative and quantitative tools will be discussed.
ML 520
Self–Identity, Values and Personal Growth
Exploration of the cultural context that shapes one’s values and self–identity, examination of the purpose and meaning of one’s life, and envisioning how best to fulfill one’s life purpose. Requirements include writing a life story based on one’s calling and creating a map for living authentically.
ML 525
Personality and Systems Theories
Study of leadership in the dual context of personality theory and systems theory. The theories are applied to the concrete realities of leadership in a variety of settings.
ML 527
Spirituality and Leadership in the Workplace
This course explores the dimensions of the spirituality movement in the workplace and its implications for leadership through a variety of sources and perspectives.
ML 530
Ethics in Communication
Through the investigation of a variety of ethical perspectives, this course focuses on the use and abuse of communication in politics, advertising, interpersonal relationships, and social and organizational settings.
ML 531
The Dynamics of Change
This course explores various perspectives of achieving well-being by leaders across public and private domains and cultures, including areas of conflict and opportunities for leadership in social and organizational change.
ML 535
Organizational Theory and Leadership
Examination of how institutions are organized and shape behavior. Activities involve applying organizational models to evaluate and improve work environments.
ML 539
Communicating a Self in the Modern Organization
Understanding the functions of communication in organizational settings with particular emphasis on the self-defining aspects of the social contract between the individual and the organization in a changing world.
ML 540
Political Leadership: Theory and Practice
Analysis of leadership perspectives with special focus on significant leadership theories and leaders, past and present.
ML 545
Decision Making and Leadership
Review of the decision-making process as it affects leaders and leadership. Analysis of arguments and explanations and of basic statistical concepts. Assessment of major social decisions, past and present.
ML 548
Coaching and Consulting
Development of mutual influence skills through the examination of coaching and consulting models and practice in coaching others to accomplish their goals.
ML 550
Communication, Decision Making, and Technology
Analysis of the role digitally-mediated communication play in our society and how communication, decision making, and leadership have been altered by these technologies.
ML 557
Language of Leadership
Students analyze language from a variety of rhetorical and sociolinguistic perspectives and learn to make judgments about rhetorical and stylistic strategies.
ML 558
Leadership and the Limits of Science
Explores the common methods of science - and the many limitations that science has encountered - that bear on the use of science by leaders in public and private sectors. Case studies in global warming and politics, psychology, and medicine are included.
ML 560
Developing a Multicultural Perspective
This course focuses on the ability to function and lead in culturally diverse contexts within the U.S.A. Goals include improved appreciation for the complexity of and awareness of key issues facing racial and ethnic groupings.
ML 562
Global Multiculturalism, World Religions, and Leadership
Religion understood as a cultural phenomenon is used to study the global meeting of cultures today, especially as it pertains to leadership. This course explores the nature of culture, cultural dissonance, and culture learning. It provides an examination of the cultures of the United States, the Middle East, India, China, Japan, looking at how their religious traditions shape their leadership ideas and practices.
ML 565
Women and Leadership
An interdisciplinary seminar exploring the theory and practice of women and leadership: entrepreneurial, political, and social.
ML 568
The Global Business Environment
Knowledge of the global business environment in the context of leadership studies is essential for modern, successful leaders and other professionals.
MAL 570
Negotiation: Theory and Practice
This course explores the major theories, styles, strategies, and tactics present in any negotiation. Students will be introduced to the disciplinary perspectives and ethical dilemmas faced in many negotiations. Students will be encouraged to discover their own negotiating style and to cultivate the theoretical knowledge and practical skills best suited to their style.
ML 574
Strategic Leadership
The course develops students’ ability to think strategically and lead organizations through planning and implementation; application of models and concepts to examples and cases from real–life practice. Case studies, exercises and readings cover practices in for–profit and non–profit organizations.
ML 577
Universal Responsibility and Leadership: A Nicaraguan Experience
The exploration of universal responsibility both conceptually and experientially. Course consists of a seminar in Minneapolis and approximately two weeks in Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan portion includes a home stay, meetings with leaders in various venues, and visits to multiple sites and organizations. Topics such as Nicaraguan history, politics, indigenous cultures, poverty, healthcare, literacy, the arts, business, foreign investment, and relations with the U.S. government and non-profit organizations are explored.
ML 580
Colloquium on Contemporary Theories of Leadership
Selected contemporary theories of leadership. Emphasis on critical thinking, discussion, written analysis. Prerequisite: One-year coursework in MAL program and ML 510.
ML 589
Comprehensive Exam Seminar
The final course taken in the program, this is an MAL completion option. Students prepare for the examination series—oral, written, and take-home—through discussion, readings, and critical analysis in the seminar.
ML 592
Thesis/LAP Consultation I
Independent research project supervised by an academic advisor.
ML 593
Thesis/LAP Consultation II
Completion of the thesis/LAP under the guidance of an academic advisor
ML 597
Non-Thesis Independent Project
Major written project to be completed in an area of the student’s choice, in consultation with an adviser and a reader. The research is presented in a colloquium in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Non-thesis option.
ML 598
Independent Study**
Provides directed independent study in an area of the student’s choice. Open to students who have completed at least three courses with a grade of at least 3.0.
ML 599
Special Topics
Study of selected topics in leadership that are not treated extensively through current course offerings. Specific topics will be published prior to registration.
*Required courses
**A student may count only one of the following for credit toward the MAL degree: ML 597 or ML 598, except with permission of the MAL program director.
