Course Syllabus - DIR 3500, Directed Studies

Course Description

This course combines the Alan Brunacini Fire-Rescue Leadership Institute with an investigation of research in leadership and ethics in the fire service. The Institute introduces the Chief Officer to an array of case studies and personal experiences by some of our nation’s fire service leaders. Roundtable discussions and presentations led by America’s most renowned Fire Chief, Alan Brunacini, are designed to prepare individuals for their journey through fire and rescue leadership. Individuals in Chief or Company Officer positions will benefit greatly from the years of experience through Chief Brunacini and his team.

Course Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Discuss implications of research findings in the field of fire service leadership and ethics.
2. Investigate ethical leadership practices of fire service professionals.
3. Summarize research in the field of leadership and ethics in the fire service.
4. Analyze fire service leadership research.
5. Synthesis personal leadership experience and research in the fire service.

Course Textbook

Brunacini, A., & Brunacini, N. (2005). The Anatomy and Physiology of Leadership. Peoria, AZ: Uptown Graphics and Design.

Credits

Upon Successful completion of this course, students will earn three (3) hours of college credit.

Grading Policy

Your grade for the course will be determined by your performance on the following assignments weighted as follows:

Brunacini Fire-Rescue Leadership Institute 35%
Discussion Boards (5) 10%
Annotated References (10 - submitted in 5 pairs of 2) 15%
Research Paper 40%
Total 100%

Course Components

1. Discussion Board Assignments
   • The Discussion Boards have two (2) parts for each assignment. During the weeks that have Discussion Boards, you will respond to the question and comment to another student’s response. Please feel free to participate in the Discussion Boards beyond course requirements. By doing so, you will help create a dynamic experience for yourself and your classmates.
   • Submit your Discussion Board Assignments in Unit / Weeks 1,3,5,7, and 9.
2. Annotated References
   • After choosing a research paper topic within the area of "Leadership and Ethics in the Fire Service," begin exploring references in the field to include articles, journals publications, etc. After finding a reference, read and summarize your reference in a 4-6 sentence paragraph answering the following questions:
     • What are the key points?
     • How would you explain it to a friend?
     • What is the author trying to say?
   • An Annotated Reference is your summary of a particular reference or source. For example, you find an article on "Unethical Practices of Fire Chiefs in Midwest career departments." Read the article, type the reference citation and a paragraph that summarizes the article.
   • These steps provide a head start on writing your research paper!
   • Submit your Annotated References in Unit / Weeks 2,4,6,8 and 10.
3. Research Paper
   • Select a topic about “Leadership and Ethics in the Fire Service,” on which you may develop a 15 page research paper.
   • You must have at least 10 references (the same ones you will use for your Annotated References) to support your paper, which may include internet sources, books, and professional journals or resources related to the profession.
   • The research paper title page and reference page are not included in the required paper length. CSU requires that students use the APA format in writing course papers. Therefore, the APA rules for formatting, quoting, paraphrasing, citing, and listing of sources are to be followed. (a document titled "APA Guidelines Summary" is available within the myCSU Student Portal for help, as well as writing services through the Student Success Center)
   • Submit your Research Paper in Unit / Week 10.

Due Dates

This is a 10-week course.

Discussion Board Assignments (Weeks 1,3,5,7,9)

(2 parts for each assignment)

1. Respond to (answer) the question.
2. Comment on another student's post.

Annotated References (Weeks 2,4,6,8,10)

1. Submit 2 Annotated References for each Assignment in 1 (one) Word document.

Research Paper (Week 10)

1. Submit Research Paper

 Have a question? Please contact fireleadership@columbiasouthern.edu