What does it mean to be an effective leader? Are there particular skills/competencies one needs to be an effective leader? What does empirical research say about differences between women's and men's leadership, e.g., are there areas where women have greater strengths, are there areas where women have greater difficulty? Do people evaluate women's and men's leadership using different criteria? What challenges do women face in attempting to achieve leadership positions? How do these challenges differ across women with different backgrounds and/or in different leadership positions (e.g., across levels of organizational hierarchy, different types of organizations, etc.)? This course addresses each of these questions, and is designed to enable participants to gain a better understanding of issues and controversies associated with women as public service leaders. The course will examine non-gendered theories of leadership as well as theories and research related to women's leadership and why women's leadership matters. In addition to learning about women and leadership, there will also be an opportunity for participants to link theory and practice, and to develop their own leadership competencies. Over the course of the semester, we will focus on a variety of leadership competencies and, through case studies, role plays, and other experiential exercises, supplemented by small and large group discussions, participants will be able to practice their leadership skills in the safe environment of the classroom. Note: This course is one of three courses required for participants in the Fellowship on Women and Public Policy.