James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2021

LB5994 - Rural Leadership in Practice

This subject is designed and available exclusively for graduates of the Australian Rural Leadership Programme (ARLP) who elect to pursue Pathway 2 of the JCU Postgraduate Certificate in Australian Rural Leadership.

Subject Description

This is an experientially based subject intended to enable students to reflect on their leadership experiences and practices since graduating from the ARLP, and thus improves their leadership capacity and professional practice. It develops from action research and experiential approaches to rural issues that underpinned teaching and learning on the ARLP. Students are assisted, through supervision and on-line LearnJCU resources to identify and critically evaluate the complex context, values and ethics encountered in issues they have faced in their professional practice. On-line study is complemented by a one-day workshop, which further facilitates reflective learning. The assessment strategy for the subject is integral to its learning aims and outcomes. Students will undertake a supervised project to identify rural leadership skills, capabilities and learning that have occurred since ARLP graduation. The project report consists of a critically reflective essay (5000 word length) examining practical issues they have faced (or are currently facing) in their leadership roles. Multi-media reports of equivalent scale and substance to an essay also be accepted for assessment purposes. Issues explored will be of relevance to rural, regional or remote Australia. The report should demonstrate a capacity for reflective self-understanding and demonstrate the student's ability to identify and evaluate salient aspects of their professional practice. It also assesses their ability to plan for future leadership development. Students also have to participate in the discussion forum which provides them with the opportunity to learn from one another through a workshop focusing on leadership in practice and leadership development. Students are required to discuss their leadership in practice and consider and discuss leadership styles and leadership options. The discussion will inform the development of the leadership skills development plan.

Learning Outcomes

• critically appraise socially responsible leadership-related knowledge and associated leadership practice relating to remote and rural issues regionally, nationally and internationally
• evaluate and appraise complex and diverse leadership practices in terms of underpinning interests, values and contextual knowledge and understandings
• critically analyse complex rural issues and associated socially responsible leadership practices using appropriate concepts and make recommendations based on a synthesis of theory and contextual evidence
• demonstrate a capacity for reflection and personal self-development to reflect on leadership issues, theories and practice

Subject Assessment

• Written > Field report - (40%) - Individual
• Written Report - (60%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Inadmissible Subject Combinations:  LB5991 LB5992

Availabilities