CLED 800 Theological Anthropology in Leadership & Education

This course examines the implications of the doctrine of the image of God in all persons as the central concept for the development of a philosophy, theory, and practice of leadership and education. Building upon this study of the imago dei (Image of God), this course further considers factors that define and distinguish a Christian view of leadership and educational practice that is consistent with a belief that all persons are created in the image of God.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

This course provides an anthropological foundation for the development of a distinctively Christian approach to leadership and to education. It will build on the CLED 700, CLED 720 sequence in biblical and theological foundations of leadership and education by further developing the theme of the image of God in all persons as well as the sin nature. As a fundamental value of Christian leadership and of Christian education, the imago dei sets Christian leadership and education apart from all other leadership and educational paradigms. The course examines the theological concept of the image of God and its implications for how leaders and educators conduct themselves in relationship to their follower and their students. The course provides a realistic and balanced perspective between the inherent worth and dignity of all persons and the reality of the sin nature.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

(CLO: A, B, C)

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview. 

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 400 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 200 words. (CLO: A, B, C)

Theological Essay Assignment

The student will write a 1,250–1,500-word essay of the doctrine of the image of God. The paper will summarize the major biblical, historical, and theological aspects of this doctrine. Further, the final page of this essay will assess how the doctrine of the image of God relates to education and leadership. The essay must be in current APA format. (CLO: A, B)

Research Paper Assignments (3)

The student will write a 3,000-word, research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on his/her topic, which will be selected from a provided list. The paper must follow current APA format and include at least 20 references in addition to the course textbooks and the Bible. This paper will be due in the following stages:

Proposal and Annotated Bibliography Assignment

This assignment will include a revised submission of the initial research topic, research questions, and thesis statement. Additionally, the student will create an annotated bibliography of at least 10 of the primary sources that will shape the argument.

Draft (Literature Review) Assignment

This assignment is intended to be the student’s best effort on a completed Research Paper. This draft will be developed exclusively as a literature review.

Final Submission Assignment

This assignment will include requested edits and other finishing touches (such as the title page, etc.). Additionally, the students will add their own insights, reflections, and conclusions.

(CLO: A, B, C)

Book Assessment Assignment

The student will write a 750–1,200-word book assessment in current APA format. This assessment will summarize the major contents of The Human Side of Enterprise. Half of the paper must be an assessment of the content of the book in light of theological anthropology. (CLO: A, B)