EDAD 818 - Equity Focused Learning Organization

The practice of leadership in the 21st century takes place in a dynamic, global, interdependent world of great complexity. Our practice of leadership requires an awareness that is commensurate with the characteristics of this world within which we take action. Key to the development of this awareness is systems thinking. This course presents new theory and conceptual models for diagnosing and interpreting the dynamics within human systems and integrates many of the conceptual models learned in previous courses. The course applies specific systems models to the analysis of organizational problems rooted in learners’ practices. Within this lens, particular emphasis is placed on identifying the sources and consequences of inequity in organizations and building strategies for social change. Throughout the course and culminating in a final project, students examine an adaptive leadership challenge through a systems thinking lens and identify leverage points and opportunities for systemic change.

Course credits: 4