Leadership Manual
In the spirit of embodying praxis, students will create a personalized leadership manual that will serve as a reference for “doing the work of social justice.” This manual will define and elaborate on social justice topics discussed in class, as well as detail how an understanding of these topics can be applied in situations you may encounter throughout various leadership roles and future career. This should not be an assignment that is considered “another long, boring paper.” Instead, think of this as a guide or a cheat sheet to utilize once you encounter situations dealing with social (in)justice within your various leadership roles. As such, you have more creative freedom in how you design this manual for your future self (i.e., you could utilize bullet-points, visually emphasize concepts that are important to you, incorporate some images, and make your manual aesthetically appealing to your eye). Whether this is your first time hearing about these concepts or you are well-versed in social justice, encountering a situation is different than having a discussion in class. When conceptualizing this manual, tailor it to your current AND future roles (what are your career goals?).
Your Leadership Manual will be self-reflective, should analyze your learning and experiences in the dialogue, and should incorporate references to assigned readings/course resources (at minimum, no less than 4 resources should be included). In addition to assigned readings and videos, you are welcome to cite other course content, such as in-class discussions; however, these will not count toward your 4 resource minimum. Consultation in advance of the final full draft is available by email or in person.
Manual Requirements
Length: The Leadership Manual should be at minimum 6-8 pages long (NOT including the References page), double-spaced, using 12-point Times New Roman font and 1-inch margins all around. Note: Since creativity and personalization is encouraged, you will likely exceed the 6-8 page range depending on the level of creativity exercised; however, the written portion should be equivalent to at least 6 pages.
Inclusion of Readings and Course Material: Please use assigned readings/course resources to support, clarify, and contextualize your ideas. We want to see that you have not only read and understood assigned readings, but also thought about them in relation to your own experiences and learning in the course. An exemplary manual will incorporate at least 6 assigned readings/course resources (reminder: 4 is the minimum). Be sure to cite resources appropriately using APA 7th edition by naming the author either in the sentence or in parentheses following the sentence (A good source for APA info: Purdue OWL). You should include a reference page at the end of the manual.
Leadership Manual Content
Your manual should be comprised of the sections listed below. While you have flexibility for how it is structured, be sure to include discussions around:
Positionality (GE ELO: 1.3, 2.1, 2.2)
Who are you (in relation to social identities)?
How do these identities influence your worldview?
Social identity/ism (GE ELO: 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, 2.3)
Be able to explain each construct and include either (a) action steps to take when in addressing a situation with the ism/oppressive event or (b) points of consideration when thinking about an ism/oppressive encounter.
Race/racism
Gender/sexism
Sexual orientation/heterosexism
Transgender identities/cissexism & transphobia
Class/classism
Ability/ableism
National origin
Religion/religious oppression
Conclusion: “How do you plan to lead with a social justice lens in mind?” (GE ELO: 1.4, 2.1) Conclude your manual with a social justice-oriented leadership charge. You can utilize either approach listed below.
Inspirational quote – explain what the quote means to you and how it applies to you as a leader.
Manifesto/leadership philosophy – discuss how you will lead with a social justice lens. Include a personalized leadership philosophy or broad action-oriented guiding principles.
Please visit Carmen for more specifications on this project, as well as a grading rubric
View Rubric
Leadership Manual Rubric (1)
Leadership Manual Rubric (1)
Criteria Ratings Pts
Positionality
5 to >4 pts
Exemplary
Manual addresses the student’s social identities. The analysis of their influence is thorough and critical.
4 to >2 pts
Satisfactory
Manual addresses the student’s social identities. The analysis of their influence is hard to follow or fails to extend beyond a surface-level discussion.
2 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Manual fails to address the student’s social identities and how they influence worldview.
/ 5 pts
Social Identity & -ism
5 to >4 pts
Exemplary
Manual thoroughly defines social category and provides actions steps/points of consideration.
4 to >2 pts
Satisfactory
Manual either (1) defines the social category and fails to sufficiently address action steps/points of consideration (or vice versa) or (2) fails to extend beyond a surface-level analysis.
2 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Manual fails to sufficiently (1) define the social category and (2) provide action steps or points of consideration.
/ 5 pts
Conclusion
5 to >4 pts
Full Marks
Manual addresses all aspects of the social justice-oriented leadership charge.
4 to >2 pts
Satisfactory
Manual does not address all aspects of either option (quote or leadership philosophy).
2 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Manual fails to consider personal leadership style from social justice orientation.
/ 5 pts
Quality of Writing
5 to >4 pts
Full Marks
Paper has no grammar or spelling mistakes. The writing style is concise and communicates ideas in clear ways.
4 to >2 pts
Satisfactory
Paper has a small number of grammar and spelling mistakes. The reader can still make sense of ideas but struggles at times to understand the concepts.
2 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Paper has numerous grammar and spelling errors that makes it difficult to read and follow.
/ 5 pts
Use of Course Readings & Videos
5 to >4 pts
Full Marks
Paper successfully incorporates at least 6 course readings/videos in substantial ways and connects them to personal experiences/beliefs
4 to >2 pts
Satisfactory
Paper incorporates at 4-5 course readings/videos in substantial ways and connects them to personal experiences/beliefs.
2 to >0 pts
Needs Significant Improvement
Paper incorporates less than 4 readings/videos and does not an adequate job in connecting them to personal experiences/beliefs.
/ 5 pts
