Spring 2008

SOC 352M • Community Leadership (COURSE CANCELLED)

Course Description

Well-organized communities can accomplish more than is possible of the individual members alone. They can help society and contribute to our democracy, as do many voluntary organizations, or they can cause problems (e.g., neighborhood gangs). Organizing people around a common goal, especially one that does not have an immediate or concrete pay-off, depends on effective leadership. What compels people to invest in a community even when it may cost them more than they benefit from it? Leadership.

What makes a community leader effective? This small, seminar-style course will study essential elements of community leadership. Our society has many types of communities--for example, groups that aid underserved populations, arts and cultural groups, prison gangs, and effective schools, to name a few. After learning the principles of leadership, the class will study different types of communities in the Austin area. We will invite community leaders to the class to discuss leadership. In addition, each student will conduct a case study of a community group and its leader.

This course will be especially useful to students interested in social sciences, social services, or education, politics, or fields that involve effective leadership. Class participation and involvement will be essential.

Grading Policy

Attendance and class participation, short summary papers, case study final project.

Texts

Urban Sanctuaries: Neighborhood Organizations in the Lives and Futures of Inner City Youth, Milbrey W. McLaughlin, Merita A. Irby, Juliet Langman, 2001
Douglas Brinkley, Rosa Parks (2005)
Sanford D. Horwitt, Let Them Call Me Rebel: Saul Alinsky: His Life and Legacy, 1992

back