Case Studies in Leadership Through Literature and Film -

Today's business leaders must possess so many qualities and deal with such challenging situations that no group of academic studies can account for them all. This course is based on the premise that case studies using the creative vehicles of literature and film can help managers understand the modern complexities of leadership. It focuses on the qualities, subtleties, ambiguities, and dilemmas of leadership as they appear in in the eyes of some of the keenest observers of human nature, namely, creative artists. Students are asked to share their personal management experiences as they relate to the readings. When appropriate, references to academic studies and theories of leadership are also made. Included on the reading list are films dealing with Howard Hughes (The Aviator) and Gandhi (Gandhi), and the following works of literature: Antigone (Sophocles), Julius Caesar (Shakespeare), Billy Budd (Melville), The Guest (Camus), A Doll's House (Ibsen), and Death of a Salesman (Miller). (4 credits)

Prerequisite(s): An interest in literature and the flexibility to apply concepts gleaned from the readings to practical situations faced by managers. Proof of English proficiency is required of students whose native language is not English.