Course Syllabus

 

HFT 3795: Leading in the Entertainment Industry

University of Central Florida

Rosen College of Hospitality Management

Department of Tourism, Events & Attractions

 

Instructor:	Sean J. Bliznik, Ph.D.	Term:	Spring 2022
Office:	Rosen College	Class Meeting Days:	Tuesdays
Office Phone:	407-903-8072	Class Meeting Hours:	10:30am-1:15pm
Mobile Phone:	---	Class Location:	RCHM 106
E-Mail:	Sean.Bliznik@ucf.edu	Credit Hours:	3
Website:	UCF WebCourses	Class Section:	0061
Office Hours:	Tuesdays 8:00am-1:00pm by appointment	Class Code:	13835

 

Course Description:

The course challenges students to develop a personal leadership framework that can function successfully in the entertainment industry. (3 credits; Core; Fall, Spring)

 

Course Goals:

This course considers the role of leading in a creative environment by building upon current leadership theory and literature and funneling that through the lens of the entertainment industry. Students identity their own leadership values and personal vision which enables the construction of an actionable leadership framework. This framework explores the communication, operationalization, and sustainment of these values and vision. The course enables students to not only identify their leadership values and vision but also develop an understanding of how these qualities may influence group behavior in an entertainment production. The course assists students in creative decision making that enables the development of team environments. Students learn to collaborate and compromise to reach business goals in the entertainment industry.

 

Prerequisites:

HFT 2071: Introduction to the Entertainment Industry

 

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Survey leadership approaches and styles through the lens of the creative environment industry
• Compare and contrast the differences between management and leadership in the entertainment industry
• Identify management and leadership concepts and techniques utilized in the entertainment industry
• Analyze personal leadership competencies in the entertainment industry
• Identify and evaluate best leadership practices in the entertainment industry
• Develop a personal leadership vision statement based on personal leadership competencies
• Apply leadership concepts to leading in a creative environment
• Execute managerial decisions and build collaborative teams
• Demonstrate effective communication and decision-making in team scenarios in entertainment organizations

Format: 

• Face-to-Face with in-class review of assignments, projects, discussion, student presentations and additional application of textbook and course readings, guest speakers, and in-field experiences. The course is offered face-to-face.

 

Course Textbooks: (all required – all are available in paperback, electronic formats and in WebCourses)

• Catmull, Ed. Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Inspiration.  Random House. 
• Duhigg, Charles. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business.  Random House. 
• Grant, Adam.  Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World. Viking Press. 2016.
• Pink, Daniel. A Whole New Mind.  Penguin Books. 
• Additional readings and films as assigned.

 

Instructor Communication:

• Preferred communication outside of class time is email through WebCourses. Please allow 24 hours for a response.  You can also use UCF Knights email as well, but I will see and respond to WebCourses email more quickly. All assignments will receive feedback through WebCourses.

 

Assessments & Grading Procedures:

May include the following activities:

• Written assignments (personal value statement, reading responses, and case study analysis)
• Graded experiential discussions
• Scenario analyses
• Presentations demonstrating ability to analyze and communicate key data
• Quizzes & Tests

 

Assignment	Percentage of Grade
Activities (Personal Value Statement)	5%
Reading Responses	60%
Leadership Manifesto (Mid-term)	10%
Leadership Experienced / Leadership Observed Journal	10%
Final Leadership Model Presentations	15%
Total	100%

Letter Grade	Points
A	93 – 100
A-	90 – 92
B+	87 – 89
B	83 – 86
B-	80 – 82
C+	77 – 79
C	73 – 76
C-	70 – 72
D+	67 – 69
D	63 – 66
D-	60 – 62
F	59 and below

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assignments

• Please note: All assignments are due as listed in the course schedule. No late assignments are accepted.
• Attendance
  • I expect you to be both physically and mentally present at all classes, always. As the course meets once a week, you may miss ONE class with no grade penalty.  Every unexcused absence beyond the first one will result in a full letter grade deduction from the final course grade.
• In-Class Participation
  • While your level of participation will fluctuate from class to class, it should never be non-existent. Your participation will be crucial to building your own personal leadership framework and then applying that framework to a career in the entertainment industry.
• Activities
  • Personal Value Statement
    • In a paragraph (5-8 sentences), write your personal desired outcome for this course. That is, what do you hope to accomplish, learn, or achieve as a result of taking the course?  This statement will assist you in creating your leadership vision and values.
  • Reading / Viewing Responses (10 total)
    • Each assigned reading and viewing will be accompanied by a response worksheet. This will help you build your journal, leadership manifesto, and final presentation.
  • Leadership Experienced / Leadership Observed Journal
    • This journal is capturing leadership you observe in action. This could take place anywhere and happen at any time.  For example, while shopping in your favorite retail location or overhearing a conversation at a coffee shop.  Consider and answer the following for each entry:
      • What did you observe?  (e.g. “While ordering a beverage at Starbucks, I witnessed a manager loudly coach another employee for making the wrong drink in front of Guests”).
      • How did this observation make you consider the role of leadership? Be sure to comment how the situation could have been handled differently if applicable.  (e.g. “While the coaching was probably necessary, doing it on stage and in front of other Guests was not an appropriate way to speak to a co-worker even if you are the manager.  The manager could have helped the employee remake the beverage and then asked to speak to him when it was not so busy and in a more private setting as to not embarrass this individual”).
    • You will complete a total of 12 entries for the semester.
  • Leadership Manifesto (mid-term)
    • Your leadership aesthetic will change and grow over the course of your career. This will be the kernel that you will develop during the course and share multiple times (twice - mid-term and final).  You will be provided with both a sample manifesto and a grading rubric for how to create your own.
  • Leadership Model Final Presentations
    • You will create a functional leadership model that is directly aligned to your personal vision and values as a leader. Every class and each assignment will have a role in building and completing this assignment.  Following your presentation, you will submit a written reflection.
    • Part 1: Presentation
    • The presentation will be composed of the following elements and will be delivered in a 3-5 minute recorded presentation (e.g. video, narrated Prezi or narrated Powerpoint).
      • Choose a leadership position within the entertainment industry.
      • Create a vision as the leader for that project, department, team, etc.
      • Develop (or refine) 3-5 values which support the vision and would work to align the team.
      • Create a plan for how to operationalize your vision and values.
      • Create a plan for how to sustain your vision and values once operationalized.
    • Part 2: Reflection Narrative
      • After completing your presentation, you will submit a written reflection about your experience in the course and your journey to self-awareness.
      • The reflection should take the form of a 1-page (500-750 words) reflection.
      • To help guide you in this reflection, consider the following questions:
        1. What do I understand about what I value now that I did not understand at the beginning of the semester?
        2. What do I truly value?
        3. How will my values inform both decisions I make personally about my career as well as the interactions I have with both co-workers and friends alike?
        4. What will I need to do in order to achieve my leadership goals?
        5. How can I ensure that I am modeling my values for all to see?
      • Be sure to check the Course Schedule for deadlines.

UNIVERSITY SERVICES AND RESOURCES

Academic Services and Resources: A list of available academic support and learning services is available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Academic Support and Learning Services" on the right-hand side to filter.  

Non-Academic Services and Resources: A list of non-academic support and services is also available at UCF Student Services. Click on "Support" on the right-hand side to filter.

COURSE POLICIES: (listed in alphabetical order)

 

Academic Dishonesty, Plagiarism, or Cheating: Students should also familiarize themselves with the procedures for academic misconduct in UCF’s student handbook, The Golden Rule. UCF faculty members have a responsibility for students’ education and the value of a UCF degree, and so seek to prevent unethical behavior and when necessary respond to academic misconduct. Penalties can include a failing grade in an assignment or in the course, suspension or expulsion from the university, and/or a “Z Designation” on a student’s official transcript indicating academic dishonesty, where the final grade for this course will be preceded by the letter Z. For more information about the Z Designation, see http://goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu/zgrade.

 

Academic Integrity: Students should familiarize themselves with UCF’s Rules of Conduct. According to Section 1, “Academic Misconduct,” students are prohibited from engaging in:

• Unauthorized assistance: Using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information or study aids in any academic exercise unless specifically authorized by the instructor of record. The unauthorized possession of examination or course-related material also constitutes cheating.
• Communication to another through written, visual, electronic, or oral means: The presentation of material which has not been studied or learned, but rather was obtained through someone else’s efforts and used as part of an examination, course assignment, or project.
• Commercial Use of Academic Material: Selling of course material to another person, student, and/or uploading course material to a third-party vendor without authorization or without the express written permission of the university and the instructor. Course materials include but are not limited to class notes, Instructor’s PowerPoints, course syllabi, tests, quizzes, labs, instruction sheets, homework, study guides, handouts, etc.
• Falsifying or misrepresenting the student’s own academic work.
• Plagiarism: Using or appropriating another’s work without any indication of the source, thereby attempting to convey the impression that such work is the student’s own.
• Multiple Submissions: Submitting the same academic work for credit more than once without the express written permission of the instructor.
• Helping another violate academic behavior standards.

For more information about Academic Integrity, students may consult The Center for Academic Integrity.

For more information about plagiarism and misuse of sources, see “Defining and Avoiding Plagiarism: The WPA Statement on Best Practices”. 

Attendance & Participation: As this course is mixed-mode, attendance is mandatory for scheduled meetings as outlined in the course schedule. An excused absence, per the undergraduate catalog, may include “illness, serious family emergencies, special curricular requirements (e.g. judging trips, field trips, professional conferences), military obligations, severe weather conditions, and religious holidays.” If possible, please communicate an absence to the instructor prior to the beginning of class.

Campus Safety Statement: Emergencies on campus are rare, but if one should arise during class, everyone needs to work together. Students should be aware of their surroundings and familiar with some basic safety and security concepts.

• In case of an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.
• Every UCF classroom contains an emergency procedure guide posted on a wall near the door. Students should make a note of the guide’s physical location and review the online version at http://emergency.ucf.edu/emergency_guide.html.
• Students should know the evacuation routes from each of their classrooms and have a plan for finding safety in case of an emergency.
• If there is a medical emergency during class, students may need to access a first-aid kit or AED (Automated External Defibrillator). To learn where those are located, see the AED Locations Page.
• To stay informed about emergency situations, students can sign up to receive UCF text alerts by going to https://my.ucf.edu and logging in. Click on “Student Self Service” located on the left side of the screen in the toolbar, scroll down to the blue “Personal Information” heading on the Student Center screen, click on “UCF Alert”, fill out the information, including e-mail address, cell phone number, and cell phone provider, click “Apply” to save the changes, and then click “OK.”
• Students with special needs related to emergency situations should speak with their instructors outside of class.
• To learn about how to manage an active-shooter situation on campus or elsewhere, consider viewing this video You CAN Survive an Active Shooter

Conduct: Cases of academic impropriety of any type will be dealt with in accordance with the Rules of Conduct and the Disciplinary Process for the University of Central Florida, as described in the latest edition of the UCF Golden Rule (goldenrule.sdes.ucf.edu). Students are encouraged to obtain and read the UCF Golden Rule. It is assumed by the instructor that the student is familiar with this document. This booklet will serve as the guide to the administrative aspects of the course. Unacceptable conduct may result in a Z Designation on the student’s transcript.

Controversial Content: Since we will be studying entertainment content, there may be times when some of this material may include foul language, blood and gore, racial stereotypes, and sexist overtones.

Copyright: This course may contain copyright protected materials such as audio or video clips, images, text materials, etc. These items are being used with regard to the Fair Use doctrine in order to enhance the learning environment. Please do not copy, duplicate, download or distribute these items. The use of these materials is strictly reserved for this online classroom environment and your use only. All copyright materials are credited to the copyright holder.

Course Accessibility Statement: The University of Central Florida is committed to providing access and inclusion for all persons with disabilities. Students with disabilities who need disability-related access in this course should contact the professor as soon as possible. Students should also connect with Student Accessibility Services (Ferrell Commons 185, sas@ucf.edu, phone (407) 823-2371). Through Student Accessibility Services, a Course Accessibility Letter may be created and sent to professors, which informs faculty of potential access and accommodations that might be reasonable. Determining reasonable access and accommodations requires consideration of the course design, course learning objectives and the individual academic and course barriers experienced by the student.

COVID-19: To protect members of our community, everyone is required to wear a facial covering inside all common spaces including classrooms. Students who choose not to wear facial coverings will be asked to leave the classroom by the instructor. If they refuse to leave the classroom or put on a facial covering, they may be considered disruptive (please see the Golden Rule for student behavior expectations). Faculty have the right to cancel class if the safety and well-being of class members are in jeopardy. Students will be responsible for the material that would have been covered in class as provided by the instructor.  

Depending on the course of the pandemic during the semester, the university may make changes to the way classes are offered. If that happens, please look for announcements or messages in Webcourses@UCF or Knights email about changes specific to this course.

COVID-19 and Illness Notification: Students who believe they may have a COVID-19 diagnosis should contact UCF Student Health Services (407-823-2509) so proper contact tracing procedures can take place. Students should not come to campus if they are ill, are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive for COVID, or if anyone living in their residence has tested positive or is sick with COVID-19 symptoms. CDC guidance for COVID-19 symptoms is located here: (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html). Students should contact their instructor(s) as soon as possible if they miss class for any illness reason to discuss reasonable adjustments that might need to be made. When possible, students should contact their instructor(s) before missing class. If the instructor falls ill during the semester, there may be changes to this course, including having a backup instructor take over the course. Please look for announcements or mail in Webcourses@UCF or Knights email for any alterations to this course. Accommodations may need to be added or adjusted should this course shift from an on-campus to a remote format. Students registered with Student Accessibility Services should speak with their instructor and should contact sas@ucf.edu to discuss specific accommodations for this or other courses.

Deployed Active Duty Military Students: Students who are deployed active duty military and/or National Guard personnel and require accommodation should contact their instructors as soon as possible after the semester begins and/or after they receive notification of deployment to make related arrangements.

 

FERPA and Privacy: Students’ educational records are considered confidential. Under FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), student records are confidential and protected. Under most circumstances student records will not be released without their written and signed consent. However, some directory information may be released to third parties without students’ prior consent unless a written request to restrict this is on file. You can learn more about student rights to privacy at http://www.registrar.ucf.edu/ferpa/welcome.

 

Grades of “Incomplete”: The current university policy concerning incomplete grades will be followed in this course. Incomplete grades are given only in situations where unexpected emergencies prevent a student from completing the course and the remaining work can be completed the next semester. Your instructor is the final authority on whether you qualify for an incomplete. Incomplete work must be finished by the end of the subsequent semester or the “I” will automatically be recorded as an “F” on your transcript.

 

Knights E-Mail Address: UCF requires students to create and use a Knights E-Mail account for all university business. Only a Knights E-Mail address will be used for all university business, including class rosters, financial aid, advising, etc. There will be no other e-mail address available for university personnel to access. Thus, when your e-mail address is requested, please provide only your KM address: __@knights.ucf.edu.  

Make-up Exams and Assignments: Per university policy, you are allowed to submit make-up work (or an equivalent, alternate assignment) for authorized university-sponsored activities, religious observances, or legal obligations (such as jury duty). If this participation conflicts with your course assignments, I will offer a reasonable opportunity for you to complete missed assignments and/or exams. The make-up assignment and grading scale will be equivalent to the missed assignment and its grading scale. In the case of an authorized university activity, it is your responsibility to show me a signed copy of the Program Verification Form for which you will be absent, prior to the class in which the absence occurs. In any of these cases, please contact me ahead of time to notify me of upcoming needs.

Religious Observances: Students must notify their instructor in advance if they intend to miss class for a religious observance. For more information, see the UCF policy.

 

Team Work Policy: Though the majority of the course is built upon individual assignments and performance, team work is encouraged during the simulation exercises. It is common for Managers in the hospitality industry to work in teams (or clusters) wherein various members discuss, analyze, and create plans/strategies. As such, teamwork is encouraged, when allowed. Assignments that are turned in for grades must show evidence of the student’s contribution to the team.

 

Third-Party Software and FERPA: During this course you might have the opportunity to use public online services and/or software applications sometimes called third-party software such as a blog or wiki. While some of these could be required assignments, you need not make any personally identifying information on a public site. Do not post or provide any private information about yourself or your classmates. Where appropriate you may use a pseudonym or nickname. Some written assignments posted publicly may require personal reflection/comments, but the assignments will not require you to disclose any personally identity-sensitive information. If you have any concerns about this, please contact your instructor.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HFT 3795: Leading in the Entertainment Industry Course Schedule & Topics: (subject to change)

 

DATE	TOPIC	ASSIGNMENTS & DUE DATE
Week 1 – Mon. 1/10	Spring 2022 – Classes Begin
Week 1 – Tues. 1/11	Module 1: To Lead or To Manage?  Defining Leadership for the Creative Leader Course Overview	Introductions & Syllabus Review   DUE Friday, January 14 by 11:59pm   Personal Value Statement   Academic Activity & Syllabus Acknowledgement
Week 2 – Tues. 1/18	Module 2: The Foundations of Creative Leadership Building Leadership Values	DUE Tuesday, January 18 by 11:59pm   Creativity, Inc. Part 1: Chapters 1-4 (pps. 1-82) Part 2: Chapter 5-7 (83-144)   Reading Response 1
Week 3 – Tues. 1/25	Module 2: The Foundations of Creative Leadership   Building Leadership Values	DUE Tuesday, January 25 by 11:59pm   Creativity, Inc. Part 2: Chapters 8-9 (pps. 145-186) Part 3: Chapters 10-13 (pps. 187-296)   Reading Response 2
Week 4 – Tues. 2/1	Module 3: The Foundations of Creative Leadership   Designing & Implementing A Leader’s Vision	DUE Tuesday, February 1 by 11:59pm   Originals Chapters 1-4 (pps. 1-113)   Reading Response 3
Week 5 – Tues. 2/8	Module 3: Unpacking Interpreted & Real Leadership   Balancing Responsibility: Ethics, Conformity & Originality	DUE Tuesday, February 8 by 11:59pm   Originals Chapters 5-8 (pps. 114-243)   Reading Response 4
Week 6 – Tues. 2/15	Module 4: Bringing Your Vision and Values to Life: Leadership Manifestos	DUE Tuesday, February 15 by 11:59pm   NO Assignment Due NO Live Class Mid-Term Prep Session
Week 7 – Tues. 2/22	Module 4: Bringing Your Vision and Values to Life: Leadership Manifestos	DUE Tuesday, February 22 by 11:59pm   Leadership Manifesto Presentations (all) (Mid-Term)   Leadership Journal (6 entries)
Week 8 – Tues. 3/1	Module 5: Activating Creativity The (Right or Left) Thinking Leader	DUE Tuesday, March 1 by 11:59pm   A Whole New Mind, Part 1: Chapters 1-3 (pps. 1-61)   Reading Response 5
SPRING BREAK – No Classes Monday, March 7 – Friday, March 11, 2022
Week 9 – Tues. 3/15	Module 5: Activating Creativity The (Right or Left) Thinking Leader	DUE Tuesday, March 15 by 11:59pm   A Whole New Mind, Part 2: Chapters 4-9 (pps. 65-244)   Reading Response 6
Week 10 – Tues. 3/22	Module 6: Individual Leadership: Breaking the Mold & Creating Your Legacy	DUE Tuesday, March 22 by 11:59pm   The Power of Habit Part 1: Chapters 1-3 (pps. 3-93) Part 2: Chapter 7 (pps. 182-212) Appendix (pps. 287-298)   Reading Response 7
Week 11 – Tues. 3/29	Module 7: Creative Culture, Diversity, & Innovation in the Entertainment Industry   Viewing Response 1 YouTube Video: “2019 ILC HOSA – Steve Robbins” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zA8uwxGa_Qo	DUE Tuesday, March 29 by 11:59pm   Viewing Response 1   READ: P. McIntosh – “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack”
Week 12 – Tues. 4/5	Module 7: Creative Culture, Diversity, & Innovation in the Entertainment Industry   Viewing Response 2 YouTube Video: “The Danger of a Single Story” – Chmamanda Kgozi Adichie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Ihs241zeg     Viewing Response 3 YouTube Video: TEDx Seattle: “The Myth of Bringing Your Full, Authentic Self to Work” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqQJv4bvrPI	DUE Tuesday, April 5 by 11:59pm   Viewing Response 2 & Viewing Response 3
Week 13 – Tues. 4/12	Module 8: My Leadership Framework	Tuesday, April 12 by 11:59pm   GROUP 1 Leadership Presentations & Leadership Journal (6 entries)
Week 14 – Tues. 4/19	Module 8: My Leadership Framework	Tuesday, April 19 by 11:59pm   GROUP 2 Leadership Presentations & Leadership Journal (6 entries)
Week 15 – Mon. 4/25	UCF Last Day of Classes
Week 15 – Week 16	UCF FINAL EXAM PERIOD Wednesday, April 27 – Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Week 15 – Final: Wed. 4/27	Module 8: My Leadership Framework Final Exam – Reflection Narrative	Wednesday, April 27 by 11:59 pm Submitted through WebCourses   Final Reflection Paper
Week 16 – Fri. 5/6	ALL Grades Due