Synthesis Paper Instructions
The purpose of the unit synthesis paper is to integrate the topics that have been covered in the unit and then synthesize that material content you have already learned in the courses listed on your MDS/Planned Program theme. For example, in this third unit, we have analyzed leadership concerns and strategies in light of uncertain historical moments, like a pandemic. Our focus on leadership began with Taleb’s concept of “Black Swans” and then moved into a number of different (and multidisciplinary) impacts that leadership must engage and address in a chaotic time. These considerations included communication concerns, political issues, economic impacts, climate change, and others. From your theme proposal (that you prepared with your academic advisor and that was approved by the college or Provost), follow these guidelines to prepare your Unit Paper/Theme Response:
Section 1. Summarize your “take-aways” from the third unit of the course, particularly in light of what you’ve learned about leadership. Your summary/take-aways should include what you learned in this unit and a basic description of the concept of leadership.
Section 2. From your theme proposal, discuss the content of at least three of the courses listed that you have already completed as part of your major coursework that have connections (in content, philosophy, or outcomes) to this unit’s topic(s),
Section 3. Discuss how the ideas or theories that you defined in Section 1 relate to the three courses you discussed in Section 2.
Section 4. In conclusion, discuss how this unit may impact your future vocation: what are the lessons from this second unit that you will want to remember as you enter the world of work?