CAS 1543 – (Ethical and Intercultural Leadership)

Ethical and Intercultural Leadership is a course offered at University of Oklahoma that explores how effective leadership is grounded in ethics, personal values, and cultural awareness.

Throughout the course, students examine various leadership philosophies, ethical frameworks, and cultural perspectives while reflecting on their own beliefs, identities, and leadership styles.

The course emphasizes self-awareness, moral decision-making, intercultural competence, and integrity, culminating in the development of a personal leadership philosophy supported by course concepts and real-world examples.

Below is weekly breakdown of the content offered and assignments for the same. Click on each week to access the material;

CAS-1543 (Ethical and Intercultural Leadership) – Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introductions, Definitions & Course Expectations

• Introduction to the course and classmates.
• Review course objectives, expectations, and leadership terminology.
• Become familiar with course readings and class structure.

Week 2: Leadership Paradigms

• Examine different beliefs and theories about leadership.
• Reflect on personal assumptions about leaders and leadership.
• Complete a discussion on which leadership paradigm best aligns with your values.

Week 3: Personal Moral Codes & Cultural Heritage

• Explore the development of personal ethics and moral values.
• Write a Personal Moral Code essay explaining the origins and limitations of your guiding principles.
• Conduct a family interview and write a Cultural Heritage reflection exploring traditions, values, and identity.

Week 4: Ancient & Indigenous Worldviews

• Compare Indigenous and Western perspectives on leadership.
• Analyze how different cultures define leadership, decision-making, and community values.
• Apply these concepts to a leader, organization, or fictional group.

Week 5: Virtue Ethics & the Role of Values

• Learn about virtue ethics and character strengths.
• Complete the VIA Character Strengths Survey.
• Reflect on the values that contribute to effective and ethical leadership.

Week 6: Eastern Ethics

• Study major Eastern ethical philosophies.
• Compare ethical principles across different Eastern traditions.
• Discuss which ethical approach is most meaningful and applicable to leadership.

Week 7: Understanding Cultural Identity

• Examine the meaning of cultural identity.
• Reflect on how family, ethnicity, nationality, religion, and social roles shape identity.
• Discuss how cultural identity influences communication and relationships.

Week 8: Exam I

• Review leadership theories, ethics, values, and cultural concepts covered during the first half of the course.
• Complete the first course examination.

Week 9: Communicating Cultures Through Challenges

• Explore how culture changes over time.
• Reflect on cross-cultural interactions, hidden cultural norms, and childhood experiences that shape cultural values.
• Complete one reflective discussion prompt.

Week 10: Leadership Strategies Part I – Why Lead?

• Examine the purpose and motivation behind leadership.
• Read and analyze Leading with Integrity.
• Explore why integrity is fundamental to effective leadership.

Week 11: Leadership Strategies Part II – Competencies & Modeling

• Apply ethical leadership principles to challenging situations.
• Reflect on experiences requiring integrity amid competing values and cultural expectations.
• Participate in a discussion on leading with integrity.

Week 12: Leadership Strategies Part III – Decisions & Checkpoints

• Examine the influence of leadership role models.
• Reflect on the qualities admired in a role model.
• Evaluate your own influence and leadership potential.

Week 13: Professional Development

• Develop a professional elevator speech.
• Practice introducing yourself, highlighting your strengths, and communicating career goals.
• Provide constructive feedback to classmates.

Week 14: Exam II

• Review leadership strategies, integrity, professional development, and intercultural leadership concepts.
• Complete the second course examination.

Week 15: Final Leadership Philosophy Paper – Draft & Peer Review

• Submit a detailed outline or first draft of the final paper.
• Incorporate course concepts, personal experiences, and scholarly sources.
• Complete two anonymous peer reviews and provide constructive feedback.

Week 16: Course Wrap-Up & Final Leadership Philosophy Paper

• Submit the final APA-formatted leadership philosophy paper.
• Present a personal philosophy of ethical and intercultural leadership.
• Synthesize course concepts, leadership theories, cultural competence, and personal reflections into a comprehensive final project.