Students in this course examine major concepts and theories of influence and persuasion. Understanding the psychology of influence and persuasion, and recognizing how we use it in daily interactions—or how we experience it used by others—is a vital component of making positive decisions about relationships and careers, as well as everyday challenges and opportunities in our lives. Students will apply specific theories to common situations to analyze and evaluate the impact of influence and persuasion on their own and others' attitudes, beliefs, and behavior. Particular areas of study include influence and persuasion in daily communication; cultural considerations; media and consumer behavior; and politics and leader influence. Throughout the course, students also apply self-reflection strategies to case studies and their personal experiences and also assess the ethical aspects of influence and persuasion.

Are leaders made or born? This question has been debated for decades. Building on requisite comprehension of psychology, such as understanding development and behavior, mental processes, and how people interact, students apply this knowledge in consideration of what makes a leader. They examine theories and principles of leadership and leader development. Students engage in coursework focused on leadership styles, characteristics and qualities of effective leaders, cultural issues, empowerment and development, ethics and values, and global leadership. They apply leadership concepts and principles to personal experiences to contextualize theory and further examine the leadership role.

In this course, students have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the concepts of human and organizational functioning, while focusing on the managerial problems and solutions in both domestic and transnational settings. Students examine individual perception and learning, differences in personality, career development, employee motivation, and effective decision making. They explore the ethical issues faced by domestic and transnational organizations and managers, social responsibility, communications, motivation, and leadership. Students examine the impact national culture has on leadership and management as well as the day-to-day operational issues, such as the management of diversity in the workplace. Through a diagnostic approach employing text readings, individual and case analyses, application exercises, and a final individual organizational plan, students learn course concepts and contextualize theoretical content. Ideally, this course is suited to individuals either currently operating in an international environment or contemplating doing so.

Students will be introduced to the field of industrial organizational psychology where the principles of psychology are applied within the workplace. Key topics will illustrate how the tenets of industrial organizational psychology apply at three levels: the individual, group, and organizational levels. Students will also explore each side of the field: industrial and organizational sides. On the industrial side, students will examine job analysis, selection, training, and performance measurement. Focusing on the organizational psychology side, students will explore motivation, teams, communication, and leadership in organizations. Lastly, ethics, culture, and legal implications will be integrated throughout the course.

In a society influenced by technological innovation and virtual spread of information, we can use technology to rekindle friendships with grade-school acquaintances, and we can instantaneously follow every action of our favorite entertainers. But it is also our responsibility to know how to use these same social networking techniques and other more traditional means of communication as catalysts for positive social change. In this course, students learn how to use modern communication tools to promote positive social change and mobilize communities. They analyze the use of electronic tools for public and nonprofit sector organizations. Students also examine the key elements of a communication strategy—message development, target audience identification, selection of communication tools, and obtaining feedback—and apply these to current social issues.