Leadership: Theory, History and Practice
About This Seminar
Leadership is one of the most widely discussed (and studied) characteristics of the human race. It has existed throughout history and across cultures. It has become more important than ever in the modern world – which is complex, fast-paced, and networked in ways unimaginable to previous generations.
A select group of Bucknell students will join Professor William R. Gruver for an examination of leadership in September 2025. This is not a leadership training course. Rather, it is a serious intellectual effort to understand leadership. As an immersive seminar, in addition to readings and discussions, students will have the chance to lead Q&A discussions with current leaders.
This seminar is designed to: (1) integrate perspectives by introducing students to theories of leadership from several disciplines, (2) encourage global thinking by acquainting students with successful leadership models from different periods of history and from different cultures, (3) provide a forum for students to meet, challenge, and be challenged by successful leaders from different fields and from diverse backgrounds, (4) give opportunities for students to develop their analytical, organizational, evidence-based thinking, and speaking skills in situations requiring leadership.
This seminar is hosted by the Open Discourse Coalition and endorsed by the Bucknell Program for American Leadership.
Prof. Gruver is Open Discourse Coalition's Winston S. Churchill Senior Fellow. He is Professor Emeritus at Bucknell University, where he previously occupied the Howard I. Scott Chair in Global Commerce, Strategy and Leadership. Teaching courses in investments, banking, strategy, international relations and leadership, Prof. Gruver received the university’s most prestigious teaching recognition, the Lindback Award, and the ECAC Award for contributions to NCAA athletics.
To read the commencement address from Prof. Gruver for the 2024 class click here.
What Past Students Are Saying
"Being able to take part in Open Discourse Coalition's Leadership Seminar challenged me to study leadership models and styles through various case studies, readings, and projects. I think the most important thing I learned from Professor Gruver was not only how to develop my own model of leadership but how to assess the capabilities of leaders I would want to follow."
- Evans Stephenson '22
"The Leadership Seminar was one of my biggest moments of growth in my professional life. I have used the theories we learned in that class in all of my campus positions, and have talked about my experience extensively in interviews. I feel as though this course solidified my understanding of what it means to be a leader, and the information I learned in the course gave me the confidence to convince others of my abilities."
- Kaia Rendo '23
Schedule
Classes will be held on all Saturdays and some Tuesday evenings in September 2025 at Open Discourse Coalition's headquarters (239 Market Street).
Saturday sessions will be structured with a three-hour morning, lunch, and a three-hour afternoon session. Tuesday nights are for guest leaders' visits and flex-time for contingencies. Tuesday sessions will begin at 6:00pm and conclude at 9:00 pm at ODC headquarters.
Award
The Leadership Seminar is an extracurricular activity and University credit cannot be offered. In lieu of credit, students will have the opportunity to earn a financial award upon successful completion of the seminar. Students may earn an additional financial award after attending a total of six mini seminars, speakers, or book discussions hosted by Open Discourse Coalition or the Bucknell Program for American Leadership throughout the academic year.
Syllabus
The syllabus for the 2024 Leadership Seminar can be viewed here. Please review the syllabus before applying for the program to ensure you have a full understanding of the typical course requirements.
Exclusive Opportunities
Graduates of this seminar will join an elite group of successful alumni leaders who have taken this seminar during their undergraduate years. Seminar graduates will have the option to join a mentorship program with distinguished Bucknell alumni and will be offered exclusive access to mini seminars and events with visiting scholars and speakers sponsored by Open Discourse Coalition.
Who Should Apply
Ideal candidates will be hard workers who are curious, open minded, and eager to learn.
The seminar is designed for rising juniors and seniors who are interested in learning in a real world, professional environment.
Students from all majors and of all political and philosophical preferences are welcome. An eagerness to explore diverse viewpoints and respect others with different views is a must.
Application Deadlines
Early decision applications for Fall 2025 are now open. The first early decision deadline is December 1, 2024. Spring application deadlines will be announced in early 2025 with a final deadline in April 2025. Apply here.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the course, application, or course requirements, please email hello@opendiscoursecoalition.org and a Leadership Seminar TA will be in touch.