Fall 2026 – Introduction to Leadership Theory and Practice: The Discipline of Following and Leading

Course Information

This is a 3-credit course that carries the academic commitment, workload, and tuition associated with university-level study. Please review the course details and tuition information carefully before registering. If completed with a passing grade, the credits may be eligible towards a future degree or certificate program.

Course Description

This course introduces students to foundational leadership theories with a strong focus on followership as an active and ethical dimension of leadership. Students study transformational, servant, and followership models alongside Islamic approaches to consultation, mentorship, and moral responsibility. Emphasis is placed on humility, integrity, self-awareness, and the ability to lead from any position within an organization. Through theory, case studies, and discussion, students examine how leadership and followership function together in healthy teams and mission-driven institutions.

The course emphasizes ethical decision-making, relational leadership, and practical application. Students analyze real and simulated organizational cases, reflect on their own leadership and followership tendencies, and practice giving constructive support and challenge. Readings from leadership scholarship and Islamic perspectives guide students in developing intention-driven, values-based leadership practices. By the end of the course, students are equipped to apply leadership theory thoughtfully, contribute responsibly within organizations, and grow as principled leaders and followers committed to purpose, accountability, and service. 

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify and explain central leadership and followership theories, including transformational, servant, and followership models, and describe how they relate to consultative and mentoring practices.
• Analyze the interdependence of leading and following roles within effective organizations and teams.
• Demonstrate key competencies of effective followership—integrity, initiative, independent judgment, and constructive feedback—through discussion and applied exercises.
• Evaluate ethical responsibilities and decision-making processes from both leader and follower perspectives.
• Assess personal strengths, challenges, and tendencies in leadership and followership, and outline strategies for professional growth.
• Apply theoretical frameworks to real or simulated organizational contexts, using case studies and group projects to address practical leadership challenges.

Course Prerequisites

Course Materials

Students are responsible for purchasing all required textbooks before the start of class.
Ribāṭ textbooks are available at the Rabata Bookshop

Registration Information

Questions?
Contact registration@rabata.org

Attendance Policy

Students are expected to attend all scheduled class sessions and participate actively in their learning. Consistent attendance supports academic success and helps maintain a collaborative classroom environment. If an absence is unavoidable, students are responsible for communicating with their instructor, reviewing missed material, and completing any assigned work.

Technology Requirements

To ensure a successful online learning experience, all students must have regular access to a personal computer and reliable high-speed internet. Courses at Ribāṭ University are delivered through Canvas and may include video lectures, interactive discussions, digital readings, and multimedia assignments.
Students are responsible for maintaining the technology needed to participate fully.

Minimum Technical Requirements

Technology Skills

Additional Notes and Technical Support

• Students are expected to check course announcements and email regularly.
• Technical support is available for login issues, course access, and basic troubleshooting.