This course examines three interrelated aspects of educational leadership studies of conceptual and theoretical foundations, with a particular emphasis on ethics of leadership; current research in the field, including feminist and cultural critiques; and topical issues and problems of leadership practice. Considerations of leadership character and role, power and authority in organizational relationships, and organizational goal achievement are central to the course.

This course critically examines organizations in which educational leaders work from different theoretical perspectives and in light of research evidence. It also critiques several past and current reform initiatives, and explores specific topics in-depth. A central and pervasive question of the course concerns organizational purposes, especially with respect to learning, and how these purposes are served by organizational structures and processes.

Covers research methods, with special reference to research in Education Leadership. Fundamental theories, practices, and ethical issues of educational research are discussed. The course addresses some of the fundamental challenges and decisions in designing and using educational research.

This course examines three interrelated aspects of policy studies as a critical function of the educational leadership role: conceptual and theoretical foundations concerning policy, policy actors, and policy processes; current research in the field; and topical issues and problems. It also considers social, economic and political contexts (e.g. technologization, corporatization, pluralism) and how they affect education.

This course draws together key theories and ideas explored throughout the program. A focus of this course is to connect theory and its practical application in students' professional practice.

An action research or original research project dealing with a specific problem in education practice, leadership, administration, organizational theory, or policy. The study must result in the preparation of a formal paper and public presentation. Projects are evaluated per SFU Graduate General Regulation 1.9.1 and submitted to the library. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Students with credit for EDUC 881 may not take this course for further credit. Prerequisite: EDUC 719.