This course provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between the social-psychology of group processes, effective leadership and social influence, optimal performance, and the dynamics of social change. This is designed for aspiring leaders, managers, and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the psychological factors underpinning successful leadership. Students will examine how individual and collective mindsets shape leadership processes, impact performance outcomes, and contribute to the successful implementation of social change initiatives. Through a combination of theoretical insights and empirical analyses, students will develop a nuanced understanding of the psychological intricacies of leading others. By the course’s conclusion, students will emerge with a heightened ability to navigate the complexities of leadership and social influence, enhance group performance, and drive positive social change through a grounded understanding of psychological principles.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand and evaluate the psychological principles underpinning the nature of leadership and social influence, and leaders' contributions to group performance and social change.
- Apply conceptual knowledge gained throughout the course by addressing practical, real-world scenarios that facilitate students’ abilities to integrate psychological principles into their leadership practices.
- Demonstrate competencies in the communication, evaluation and application of psychological principles in leadership and group dynamics.
Indicative Assessment
- Literature Review and Applied Proposal on Leadership Psychology (40) [LO 1,2]
- Role-Play and Feedback Session (invigilated) (40) [LO 3]
- Individual Reflective Journal (20) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- on-campus component that may consist of three hours of lecture/seminar discussion per week across the semester (36 total hours);
- approximately 94 hours of self-directed study that will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks, as well as engaging in deep learning of course material.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
The essential readings for this course are prescribed journal articles and book chapters that will be made available on the learning management system once students are enrolled.
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 4B
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4680 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $7080 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.