Requirements

There are two primary processes for the class, one which is focused on a student’s individual learning and portfolio development, and one focused on group engagement.

Group performances

Beginning the first week, the class will be divided into five groups. That week we will focus on orientation and introductions, but after that first week and for each week following, each group will work with the questions and exercises posted in the weekly schedule.

For the first few days of the week (Mon-Wed) students will work in their small groups on the questions, and by Wednesday they will post a summary to the class large group discussion of their thinking to date — and particularly noting any questions they’d like to continue to pursue. By Friday everyone in the class should have read those summaries, and posted a substantial comment in response somewhere in the large group discussion.

Personal performances

By the end of the class students need to have taken the two book quizzes and passed them, completed a personal reflection essay, begun an [educational leadership portfolio][8] (which includes a thorough self-assessment) and completed a mapping/evaluation of learning exercise in their specific congregational context.

To reiterate:

• Read/view the assigned weekly readings and my presentations
• Take the book quizzes successfully
• Complete the two writing assignments (one personal reflection essay due Nov. 16th, and a contextual mapping/evaluation assignment due December 17th
• As part of your small group, respond to the central question/exercise each week and post a summary of your group’s insights for the whole class
• Read the summaries in the full class discussion from your classmates
• Participate in the full class discussion
• Begin [your portfolio][8] (including the necessary pieces as specified)

Special needs:

If you have a condition or disability that makes any of these requirements difficult for you, or if there are specific accommodations that are appropriate, please let me know as soon as possible.

Plagiarism:

Please note that plagiarism is any act that represents someone else’s work as your own. It is an offense against academic honesty, and as such, subject to disciplinary action. Various steps may be taken in response, and these are detailed in both the student handbook and the catalog. If you have any questions at all about how to handle a particular resource, please simply ask me. I’m happy to work with you on ensuring that your work has academic integrity.