Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - EDUC 818 G031

Leadership Studies (3)

Class Number: 4311

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Wed, 4:30–7:50 p.m.
    Surrey

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course examines three interrelated aspects of educational leadership studies of conceptual and theoretical foundations, with a particular emphasis on ethics of leadership; current research in the field, including feminist and cultural critiques; and topical issues and problems of leadership practice. Considerations of leadership character and role, power and authority in organizational relationships, and organizational goal achievement are central to the course.

COURSE DETAILS:

Meeting Dates:

Wednesdays, Sept 9 – Dec 2

(*online asynchronous class Sept 30)

Meeting Times:

4:30-7:30 PM (4:30 soft start; 4:45 formal start)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

Students in this course will

  • explore conceptions of leadership with a focus on key features and practices of Indigenous understanding of leadership
  • examine leadership issues, practices and priorities at the K-12 level
  • identify leadership theories and practices that support equity, diversity, and inclusion
  • investigate the imagination’s roles in leadership processes and practices
  • deepen understanding of imaginative practices that support un/learning and engagement
  • critically examine personal leadership experiences, beliefs, and values
  • articulate personal leadership identity, approaches, and preferences
  • lead colleagues in deepening their understanding of a key leadership issue/topic
  • write a scholarly literature review on a key leadership issue/topic

Grading

  • Collaborative weekly learning 10%
  • Leading Learning: Seminars 20%
  • Starting Place: Critical Analysis and Self-Reflection on Leadership / Leadership Identity 30%
  • Inquiry project + Literature Review on Leadership Priorities 40%

NOTES:

Details provided in class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Core Text

MacKinnon, K. (Ed.) (2024). Transformative change through educational leadership: stories, models and wonderings. Canadian Scholars. ISBN: 9781773384245 * Available for purchase through online vendors. Text will also be on reserve at SFU Surrey library.

Additional Texts (selected chapters):

Kenny, C., & Fraser, T. N. (Eds.) (2012). Living indigenous leadership: native narratives on building strong communities. UBC Press. ISBN: 9780774823463 *Available online through SFU library.

Judson, G. & Dougherty, M. (Eds.) (2023). Cultivating imagination in school leadership: transforming schools and communities. Teachers College Press. ISBN: 9780807768044  *Available for purchase through online vendors. Text will also be on reserve at SFU Surrey library. (Note: this text will also be used for EDUC 823 / term 3)

+ Additional readings assigned in class


RECOMMENDED READING:

To be discussed in class

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.