There are a selection of RIT offered courses that are run by RLI's Director, Molly McGowan, throughout the year that are for credit. These are listed directly below. RIT also offers numerous other courses that focus on leadership, and these too are listed further down on this page.
RLI Leadership Courses
0697-300 - The Leader In You
This course introduces students to the concept of personal leadership. Students will identify and evaluate frameworks for successful leadership and learn critical skills and strategies that will enable them to achieve success in their personal and professional lives no matter what their discipline. Focus areas include: personal goal setting through the creation of mission and vision statements, self analysis of values and decision making, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal communication techniques. Coursework will include readings enhanced by experiential activities, cases studies, written reports and reflections. This course is suitable for all students desiring to develop and learn about their leadership potential or by permission of instructor. Pre-requisite: None.
Credit: 2
0697-301 - Leading Others
In this course, students will learn the most effective strategies and skills needed to be successful at leading others and projects. Through a variety of experiential exercises, field work and an in depth look at a variety of leadership styles and theories, students will evaluate their strengths and weaknesses as a leader and develop a plan of action to improve skills. Areas of focus include: leadership theories and styles, teamwork and group dynamics, cultural communication and influence, and ethical decision making. This course is suitable for students with previous leadership experience or by permission of instructor and can be used to meet one of the free elective requirements in the new curriculum. Pre-requisite: None; Credit:
2
0697-305 - Experiential Leadership
This blended learning course is designed for students who are interested in applying critical leadership concepts to a current leadership experience. By integrating course concepts of leadership styles and theories with a leadership field experience, students will be able to assess their skills as a leader and create a plan for growth and development for future success. Each student will be required to create a leadership learning agenda and development plan at the beginning of the quarter based on their current leadership experience. The learning agenda will identify goals for achievement and strategies for assessing and improving upon their effectiveness as a leader. This course will be highly experiential and may require some weekend meetings scheduled by the faulty member and/or the student. Pre-requisite required; 0697-302, The Leader in You, or by permission of the instructor. Credit:
2
0697-462 - Empowered Leadership
This multidisciplinary course has a three-tier structure: a fundamental look at the theories and practices of leadership; a study of leadership styles and their impact on the work environment; and a reflection and self-analysis by the students of their leadership styles. Course work will include extensive readings, case studies, written reports and reflections. Much of the course will operate in a team manner. Credit:
4
RIT Offered Leadership Courses
Business Management
0102-225 - Effective Communications
Organization and structure of communications are discussed, with focus on oral presentations, meeting skills, listening strategies and summarization techniques. Research skills and library usage also are covered. Credit: 2
0102-490 - Entrepreneurship
Focus is the creation and growth of new ventures. Major topics include evaluating business opportunities, franchising, the role of small business and entrepreneurship in the economy, problems associated with family firms, sources of financing and the psychology of the entrepreneur. An integral part of the course is the development, writing and presentation of a business plan. (Junior status) Credit: 4
0102-460 - Leadership in Organizations
A comprehensive explanation of how managerial leadership guides employees toward attaining organizational goals. The personal attributes of leaders are described, along with the leader's contribution to teamwork, achieving cultural diversity, and knowledge management. Emphasis is placed on the development of leadership skills. (0102-430, junior status) Credit: 4
0102-430 - Organizational Behavior
An overview of human behavior in organizations with respect to enhancing individual and organizational effectiveness. Emphasizes individual differences, teamwork, work teams, motivation, communication, leadership, conflict resolution and organizational change. (Junior status) Credit: 4
CIAS
2080-404 - Dynamics of Personal Leadership in Printing
Prepare for more effective leadership and personal success in the printing industry. Provides guided opportunities for students to consider printing management principles in more practical, laboratory-type situations than can be provided in larger lecture-hall concept courses. The purpose is to facilitate applications of management theory in career-related situations. Helps students understand the nature of the printing industry and the personal skills, habits, etc., that will improve their effectiveness in an industry position. Credit: 4
2082-218 - Leadership & Interpersonal Communication
This course introduces the students to the skills and traits needed for successful leadership and managerial roles in the graphic media publishing industry. Dynamic change, driven by emerging new media and rapid technological displacement of old technology, coupled with evolving digital workflows, require future leaders to develop relations and critical thinking skills in order to cope with these challenges. The fundamental skills of mutual trust, developing vision, and communicating effectively will be emphasized during this course. Credit: 4
0684-330 - Leadership Skills & Quality
Analytical and behavioral strategies and techniques for providing leadership in quality management. Includes examination of problem-solving models and processes; personal values related to leadership; and behavioral, conceptual and communication skills for successful team building and team working, conferencing, negotiating, and assessing and promoting quality behavior. Case studies, interactive simulations and assessment of individual leadership characteristics. Credit: 4
2080-323 - Management Overview of the Graphic Communication Industry
Dramatic industry changes in technology, global competition, and economic restructuring are presenting today's managers with difficult challenges forcing them to adopt new skills and attitudes. The focus of this course will be providing students with an understanding of the critical management functions and behaviors necessary to lead our industry to sustained growth and profitability. The purpose will be to prepare students for interacting with all levels of management as they begin their career and to understand many of the dynamics of the management process to which they will be exposed. Credit: 3
2083-541 - New Media Project Management
This course covers the creation, tracking, and management of cross-media publishing production. Topics such as project planning, choosing a target audience, story-boarding, prototyping and testing and designing for delivery mediums will be discussed. In-depth exploration of media integration, project production and materials organization will be covered. Students will examine case studies, plan potential projects, work in groups, create one or more prototypes of projects, and do other related activities. (Senior status) Credit: 3
Communication
0535-420 - Argument & Discourse
Examines the process of oral argumentation encountered in the 'give-and-take' of formal and informal communication situations. Emphasizes development of research, speaking, organization, writing, oral cross examination, and critical listening abilities. Students are taught to develop the means to argue cogently in different interactive communication situations. (0535-501 or equivalent) (Offered Occasionally) Credit: 4
0535-501 - Effective Speaking
The development of formal public speaking techniques as an aid to self-confidence in modern social and business situations. Weekly practice talks with emphasis on organization, clarity, vocal expressions and poise. Required course for communication majors and may be taken to fulfill a communication concentration and a communication minor. Credit: 4
0535-480 - Human Communication
An overview of the field of communication, including the contexts of interpersonal, group, mass and public communication. Option for minors and concentration in communication. Also may be taken as an elective. Credit: 4
0535-210 - Interpersonal Communication
Analysis and application of the major theories of interpersonal communication in various situations. Focuses on perception of self and others, language use, nonverbal communication and symbolic interaction in the communication of shared meanings in face-to-face interpersonal relationships. Required course for communication majors. Credit: 4
0535-482 - Mass Communications
This course takes an 'institutions' perspective focusing on the history and development, laws and regulations, and theory and practice of mass communication. Additional topics will include the theoretical aspects, composition of audiences, how media effects and are effected by society, and future trends and career opportunities. Required course for the professional technical communication degree program. Part of the communication concentration and minor. (0504-225 and 0504-226) Credit: 4
0535-415 - Organizational Communication
Examines both interpersonal and small-group communication in organizational settings. Topics include information flow and networks, organizational theory, managerial decision making, interviewing, organizational development, corporate culture and conflict resolution. May be taken as a professional elective for communication majors, and is part of the communication minor. (Offered Occasionally) Credit: 4
0535-481 - Persuasion
An in-depth study of the theories, practices, effects and ethics of persuasion. Persuasion is defined as human communication designed to influence one's beliefs, values, attitudes and actions. Required course for communication majors and may be taken to fulfill a communication concentration and a communication minor. Credit: 4
0535-490 - Persuasion & Social Change
Reading and analysis of persuasive tactics for or against social change in the United States from the eighteenth century through contemporary advocacy. May be taken as a professional elective for professional technical communication majors and is part of the peace studies concentration and the communication minor. (0535-481) (Offered Occasionally) Credit: 4
0535-483 - Small Group Communication
Practice in analysis of a variety of small group discussion techniques focusing on processes of interaction, decision making, norms structure and development, membership and theory of group development. May be taken as a professional elective by communication majors and is part of the communication concentration and minor. May also be taken as an elective. Credit: 4
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
0697-434 - Change & Leadership Project
This course integrates the knowledge gained in the courses that make up the Organizational Change & Leadership Certificate and, therefore, cannot be taken until all the courses in the certificate have been completed. Students will be expected to identify an area within their studies of change and leadership that is of most interest to them. Once they have identified their area of interest, they will discuss this with the faculty member assigned to the course and begin the process of developing a proposal of the work to be accomplished. Well planned and fully thought-out proposals lead to the best projects and the ones that are most easily executed and completed. Upon acceptance of the proposal, the student will complete the project and write a paper reflecting their area of choice, integrating the knowledge gained from the courses in the certificate. Credit: 4
0697-462 - Empowered Leadership
This multidisciplinary course has a three-tier structure: a fundamental look at the theories and practices of leadership; a study of leadership styles and their impact on the work environment; and reflection and self-analysis by the students of their leadership styles. Course work will include extensive readings, case studies, written reports and reflections. Much of the course will operate in a team manner. Credit: 4
0697-448 - Managing Learning & Knowledge
The new workplace requires new solutions. In this environment, training that is well-planned, presented, and meets organization needs takes on a critical strategic role. This course is aimed at managers, team leaders, HR specialists, and those involved in the continuous, self-directed, formal and informal learning needed to help their organizations improve their business success. Core topics include: design and delivery of training, the needs assessment process, job and core competencies analysis, targeting learner populations and learner needs, training program design, and program development issues. Credit: 4
0697-432 - Managing Organizational Change
At a time when America is learning that change - and not stability - is at the heart of business and organizational vitality, this course offers students insight into theories of organizational dynamics and change as well as an introduction to skills for managing change and negotiating. Strategies include, but are not limited to, community building, managing corporate and individual change, and identifying resistance conflict. Credit: 4
0697-433 - Teams & Team Development
Meets the increasing need to understand and participate in teams in the workplace. Students establish a strong framework of group theory through topics that include current group and team theory research, individual functions in a team and team leadership, mission and global development, evaluating team effectiveness, negotiating persuasion and conflict resolution. This course is highly interactive, with projects that require the student to use the theory in constructing and observing cross functional work teams, self directed teams and integrated work teams. Learning takes place through lectures, case studies, simulations and group projects that develop strong team skills and reinforce team theory. Credit: 4
0699-428 - Training Design & Delivery
The new workplace requires new solutions. In this environment, training that is well-planned, presented, and meets organization needs takes on a critical strategic role. This course is aimed at managers, team leaders, HR specialists, and those involved in the continuous, self-directed, formal and informal learning needed to help their organizations improve their business success. Core topics include design and delivery of training, the needs assessment process, job and core competencies analysis, targeting learner populations and learner needs, training program design and program development issues. Credit: 4
0697-428 - Training Design & Delivery
The new workplace requires new solutions. In this environment, training that is well planned, presented, and meets organization needs takes on a critical strategic role. This course is aimed at managers team leaders, HR specialists, and those involved in the continuous, self-directed, formal and informal learning needed to help their organizations improve their business success. Core topics include: design and delivery of training, the needs assessment process, job and core competencies analysis, targeting learner populations and learner needs, training program design and program development issues. Credit: 4
Psychology
0514-448 - Industrial & Organizational Psychology
Consideration of principles as well as application of current research in industrial psychology, with particular reference to personnel selection, training, motivation, morale, performance appraisal, leadership and communication. Required course for psychology majors. Part of the psychology concentration; the psychology minor; and also may be taken as an elective. (0514-210 or equivalent) Credit: 4
0514-210 - Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to the scope and methodology of psychology. Topics include aims and methods, neuroscience, sensation and perception, learning, memory, intelligence emotion, motivation, normal and abnormal personality, and social psychology. Required course for psychology majors. (Offered Quarterly) Credit: 4
0514-451 - Psychology of Motivation
Surveys basic motivational concepts and provides a fair representation of many different areas of motivational research, relating these to each other where possible. Professional elective for psychology majors. Part of the psychology concentration and also may be taken as an elective. (0514-210 or equivalent) (Offered Occasionally) Credit: 4
0514-446 - Psychology of Personality
Examines the strengths and weaknesses of the major psychological theories of personality. Methods of assessing personality, research and applications of theory to real-life situations are included in the evaluation of each theory. Required course for psychology majors. Part of the psychology concentration; the psychology minor; and also may be taken as an elective. (0514-210 or equivalent) Credit: 4
0514-444 - Social Psychology
Gives a general overview of those areas of social psychology currently under the most intensive investigation and likely to be of most interest to the student, including nonverbal communication, attraction, aggression and group effects. Required course for psychology majors. Part of the psychology concentration; the psychology minor; and also may be taken as an elective. (0514-210 or equivalent) Credit: 4
Technical Communication
0688-325 - Communicating in Business
Focuses on the development of those communication skills essential to functioning effectively in the business world. Students learn the process of analyzing communication situations and responding to them appropriately. Topics include reports, memos, letters, oral presentations and interpersonal skills. (0504-225 or equivalent) Credit: 4
0688-321 - Discussion Skills & Leadership
Students study the theory of leadership in small groups and the dynamics of group behavior. The major exercises of the course are leading and participating as members in conferences that stimulate those of civic, business and industrial settings. Peer critiquing and videotaping allow students to apply theory as they learn to recognize the elements of successful conferences. Credit: 4
0688-327 - Environmental Communication
Communication of environmental information and issues is critical for awareness, information, and action. Students develop skill in reporting and conveying environmental and scientific information as well as an understanding of the role of the media and public relations in the environmental communication process. Writing and speaking skills are sharpened for successful business and media communication. (0688-220 or 0502-220 or equivalent) Credit: 4
0688-322 - Interpersonal Communication for Customer Service
Examines key dimensions of interpersonal communication, focusing on effective message styles and listening strategies to improve customer satisfaction. Techniques and actions that lead to positive outcomes such as conflict resolution, problem solving and goal attainment are stressed. Organizational policy, management and ethical issues are considered. Through simulation and role playing, skills are developed that may be applied to a variety of work, social and other situations. Credit: 4
0688-320 - Professional Presentations
Focuses on the principles of preparing and delivering oral presentations. Students deliver a variety of speech types representative of those commonly occurring in business, industrial, community and social settings. Self, peer and instructor critiquing are used for evaluation of in-class and videotaped speeches. Credit: 4
0681-410 - Project Management
An overview of the fundamental concepts and traditional analytic tools used to plan, schedule and track complex projects. Topics include identifying objects, defining tasks and dependencies, making schedules, estimating resources, specifying constraints, estimating risks, establishing monitoring procedures and communicating results. Analytic tools such as Gantt charts, program evaluation and review technique (PERT), critical path method (CPM), net present value analysis, and various budgeting and resource allocation techniques will be presented. The computer software package Microsoft Project is used by the instructor to illustrate planning and scheduling procedures and by students to complete assignments. (0692-211, 0680-341 or equivalent or department approval) Credit: 4