Courses in Educational Policy & Leadership
E EPL 120 (formerly E APS 120) Toleration (3)
Interdisciplinary study of the theory, practice, and problems of tolerance. Stressing the historical origins of, the theoretical justifications for, and the sociopolitical conditions conducive to tolerance as well as those factors impeding it.
E EPL 201 (formerly E APS 201) College: Past, Present, and Future (3)
This course introduces students to the study of higher education through various perspectives by examining higher education institutions and the effects of these institutions on individuals, groups, and communities. Through readings, lectures, interviews, presentations, and case studies, students will gain an understanding of the historical context, present implications, and future possibilities of higher education. Further, through self-reflection activities, students will gain a better understanding of the role of higher education in their academic, personal, familial, and economic lives.
E EPL 202 (formerly E APS 202) Leadership in Organizations (3)
This course is an introduction of foundational concepts and theories essential to understanding the role of leaders in organizational settings. It emphasizes the various definitions of leadership as well as key theories exploring how individuals lead organizations, facilitate team dynamics, and handle organizational conflict.
E EPL 300 (formerly E APS 300) Social Foundations of Education (3)
Inquiry into educational policies, purposes, and ideas based upon the resources and insights of the humanities and the social sciences. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing.
E EPL 301 (formerly E APS 301) Issues in American Higher Education (3)
Study of the structure and function of American higher education in the light of contemporary problems. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing.
E EPL 350 (= A GLO 350) (formerly E APS 350) Leadership in the International Arena (3)
This course introduces students to the emerging field of global leadership through theoretical and practice-based learning. Students will gain an understanding of the history and origins of global leadership, appreciate the role culture plays in global leadership, and examine established and emerging perspectives in complex modern contexts. Through discussions, reflections, vignettes/dialogues, case studies, individual assessments, and other applications, this course prepares students to do global work effectively in a multifaceted context with people from various cultures. Only one version may be taken for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing or permission of instructor.
E EPL 370 (formerly E APS 370) Leadership in Practice (3)
This course is designed for students to gain hands-on experience with a leadership lens. The goal of the course is to allow students the opportunity to reflect critically and constructively on leadership in various organizations. The course has two components. (1) Interviews with leaders in their field of interest as an exploration of leadership styles. (2) Complete online assignments and discussions that are related to leadership. Students will recognize different leadership styles in a practical setting, apply theories from prior coursework to their own experiences, identify their own leadership style/characteristics, critically examine leaders and organizations and identify sources of leadership research. Prerequisite(s): E APS 202, and R PAD/R POS 329 or E PSY 411.
E EPL 390 (formerly E APS 390) Undergraduate Internship in Higher Education (3)
This course is designed for students to gain hands-on experience in higher education. The goal is to allow students the opportunity to reflect critically and constructively on professions in higher education. The internship has two components. (1) Work experience in a department related to the student's interest in higher education. Students/Interns are required to spend 6-8 hours per week during the semester at their internship location and working with their direct supervisor. (2) Complete online assignments and in-class discussions that are related to current issues in higher education. Students will gain experience working in a higher education setting and will become familiar with the University's resources, policies and procedures as they pertain to their specific department. Students must be endorsed by their supervisor and have an approved learning agreement in order to enroll in the course. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior standing and permission of department.
E EPL 400 (formerly E APS 400) United States Educational Governance, Policy, and Administration (3)
Historical and current trends in educational governance, policymaking, and administration. Analyses of K-12 and higher education issues at the federal, state, and local levels. Special emphasis on education reform issues specific to New York State.
E EPL 450 (formerly E APS 450) Leading with Cultural Intelligence (1-4)
Using immersive and experiential learning techniques, students will develop: 1) their cultural intelligence (ability to cross boundaries and thrive in multiple cultures); 2) their leadership skills required to lead in situations where they have no formal authority; 3) their networks, locally and globally, with fellow students, contributors and regional employers; and 4) skills required to quickly understand and address complex issues. The course combines various methods of content delivery and interactive learning using visual media, articles, facilitated discussions, leadership exercises and anecdotes to facilitate structured reflection and group engagement. Emphasis is on development of leadership skills in an international context, diversity, innovation with regard to social change, and the development of collaborative relationships.
E EPL 456 (formerly E APS 456) Introduction to Peer Education (3)
Designed for students to support teaching, tutoring and mentoring of lower-division students in academic courses and support offices at UAlbany. Students assume roles of responsibility and leadership in supporting other students and to demonstrate high standards for academic accomplishment, knowledge of and respect for the University's resources, policies and procedures. Students should have a 3.30 GPA in the relevant academic area or prior course work (unless home department or office specifies otherwise), be in good standing, and must meet other criteria from their home department as deemed appropriate. Students must be endorsed by their home department and must have a peer educator placement in that home department while enrolled in the course. Students will gain experience working with peers in an educative manner and will become familiar with the field of instruction in a higher education setting. May not be taken for credit by students who completed the course under E APS 487. Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor. S/U graded.
E EPL 457 (formerly E APS 457) Advanced Peer Education (3)
Designed for successful Peer Educators to continue to support teaching, tutoring and mentoring of lower-division students in academic courses and support offices at UAlbany. Students assume roles of responsibility and leadership in supporting other students and to demonstrate high standards for academic accomplishment, knowledge of and respect for the University's resources, policies and procedures. Students should have a 3.30 GPA in the relevant academic area or prior course work (unless home department or office specifies otherwise), be in good standing, and must meet other criteria from their home department as deemed appropriate. Students must be endorsed by their home department and must have a peer educator placement in that home department while enrolled in the course. Building upon the skills attained in E EPL 456, students will gain experience working with peers in an educative manner and will advance their knowledge of academic instruction in higher education settings. May not be taken for credit by students who completed the courses under E EPL 487. Prerequisite(s): E EPL 456 and permission of instructor. S/U graded.
E EPL 461 Introduction to Mindfulness: The Art and the Science (3)
Using a mind-body approach, this course introduces mindfulness and mind-body practices as ways of improving self-regulation, stress-reduction, and flourishing. The course explores the relations between emotion and reason and considers how mindfulness can help gain present-moment awareness, develop resilience, find focus, and bounce back after setbacks in work and in life. Through key readings, discussion, and hands-on practice, it introduces students to mindfulness of thoughts, feelings, and bodily awareness to help improve well-being, (self)-leadership, and effectively dealing with stress. It also explores important practical implications to thriving in education, relationships, and athletics. The course will introduce key theories of mindfulness, its role in understanding and dealing with chronic stress, and explore the cultivation of relevant mind-body practices of meditation, yoga, and tai chi/qigong. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior or permission of instructor.
E EPL 470 (formerly E APS 470) Introduction to Law and Education (3)
Legal rights and responsibilities of professional personnel and students in K–12 American education, with an emphasis on constitutional principles. Topics include: public-private distinction, freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, academic freedom and tenure, and due process and equal protection guarantees.
E EPL 487 (formerly E APS 487) Institute in Education (1-9)
Special course, not part of the pattern of regular offerings, designed to meet particular nonrecurring needs. May be repeated for credit when content varies.
E EPL 497 (formerly E APS 497) Independent Study in Educational and Social Thought (3)
Independent reading, study, and research in educational and social thought. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite(s): junior or senior class standing, and consent of department.
