The Art of Being a Leader Field of study: International Studies in Political Science and Diplomacy
Programme code: W3-S1MS21.2024

Module name: The Art of Being a Leader
Module code: W3-MS-S1-ABL
Programme code: W3-S1MS21.2024
Semester: winter semester 2025/2026
Language of instruction: English
Form of verification: course work
ECTS credits: 3
Purpose and description of the content of education:
The aim of this course is to exemplify the theme of risk and reward in decision-making, and thus, is meant to introduce students to the study of leadership. The overarching theme is the principle of the so-called “skin in the game,” which refers to situations when decision-makers in various social and political settings expose themselves to risks associated with their decisions. Conversely, leaders who make decisions without using such principles expose themselves and others to potentially huge negative consequences. The problems which will be discussed in this course are rooted in different political and cultural settings, while the analytical focus of this course will be interdisciplinary, with examples from the following fields: economics, philosophy, ethics, probability theory, religion, and history. The global focus of this course will allow the participants to explore many different social phenomena, such as competition between religions in different parts of the world, trade practices under distinct economic systems, and the global problem of criminal organizations, all of which will also demonstrate the importance of the “skin in the game” principle and its application to the art of good leadership.
List of modules that must be completed before starting this module (if necessary): not applicable
Learning outcome of the module Codes of the learning outcomes of the programme to which the learning outcome of the module is related [level of competence: scale 1-5]
can critically evaluate leadership situations in which the lack of the "skin in the game" principle may negatively affect decision-makers and the environment [ABL_K01]
 MS_1_K01 [3/5] MS_1_K04 [1/5]
can analyze and interpret examples from economics, philosophy, ethics, probability theory, religion, and history, illustrating the application of the "skin in the game" principle [ABL_U01]
 MS_1_U01 [4/5]
can apply an interdisciplinary approach to analyzing leadership problems, considering various political and cultural perspectives [ABL_U02]
 MS_1_U01 [4/5] MS_1_U06 [3/5]
knows the principle of "skin in the game" and its impact on decision-making in various political and social contexts [ABL_W01]
 MS_1_W06 [3/5] MS_1_W09 [2/5] MS_1_W10 [2/5]
understands global social phenomena, such as competition between religions, trade practices in different economic systems, and criminal organizations, in the context of leadership and decision-making [ABL_W02]
 MS_1_W02 [4/5] MS_1_W04 [3/5]
Form of teaching Number of hours Methods of conducting classes Assessment of the learning outcomes Learning outcomes
practical classes [W3-MS-S1-ABL_C] 30 Description [a03] 
Explanation/clarification [a05] 
Activating method – discussion / debate [b04] 
Activating methods: a case study [b07] 
SWOT analysis [b10]  		course work ABL_K01 ABL_U01 ABL_U02 ABL_W01 ABL_W02
The student's work, apart from participation in classes, includes in particular:
Name Category Description
Search for materials and review activities necessary for class participation [a01] Preparation for classes
reviewing literature, documentation, tools and materials as well as the specifics of the syllabus and the range of activities indicated in it as required for full participation in classes
Literature reading / analysis of source materials [a02] Preparation for classes
reading the literature indicated in the syllabus; reviewing, organizing, analyzing and selecting source materials to be used in class
Developing practical skills [a03] Preparation for classes
activities involving the repetition, refinement and consolidation of practical skills, including those developed during previous classes or new skills necessary for the implementation of subsequent elements of the curriculum (as preparation for class participation)
Consulting materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus [a04] Preparation for classes
agreeing on materials complementary to those indicated in the syllabus, supporting the implementation of tasks resulting from or necessary for class participation
Getting acquainted with the syllabus content [b01] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
reading through the syllabus and getting acquainted with its content
Verification / adjustment / discussion of syllabus provisions [b02] Consulting the curriculum and the organization of classes
consulting the content of the syllabus, possibly in the presence of the year tutor or members of the class group, and, if necessary, reassessing the provisions concerning special conditions for class participation, e.g., space and time requirements, technical and other requirements, including conditions for participation in classes outside the walls of the university, classes organized in blocks, organized online, etc.
Attachments
Module description (PDF)
Information concerning module syllabuses might be changed during studies.
Syllabuses (USOSweb)
Semester Module Language of instruction
(no information given)