The Department focuses its foundational knowledge base on the following leadership knowledge domains. Leadership - Leadership is a relationship between leaders and followers who work together toward common goals to effect change in an ethical way. Leaders continually organize to ensure that goals are accomplished. Leaders must develop their own minds in systems terms and see their organizations holistically, so they may transfer knowledge from one setting to another. They must develop skills and a capacity to envision the future and be able to find opportunities within and without their organizations.
Learners develop an understanding of the history of adult, community, and continuing education.
Finally, an examination of philosophical approaches to adult education and their roots in learning theory prepares learners to develop a philosophical base for their own research and practice. Adult Learning and Development - Learners will become grounded in the psychological, social, cultural, and physiological aspects of adult learning and development. Learners will examine theory-building and social, political, and ethical issues in adult education, arriving at implications for research and practice. Organization and Administration of Adult Programs - Adults and community educators must be prepared to organize and administer the diversity of programs within our society which serve adult learners. By reflecting on approaches to administrative theory, practice and the contexts in which they have been found to be effective, learners develop a foundation for their own administrative practice.