Q: How does the Hart Leadership Program define “leadership”?

A: We believe how we define leadership is important, because it sets up expectations for how we engage in problem analysis and problem solving work. We see leadership as the activity of mobilizing people to do difficult work in groups, organizations and large institutions.  Although we use different approaches in our teaching, we focus on systemic change in groups, institutions and social systems. 

We are interested in a kind of leadership that builds a bigger “we,” and our starting point is to ask what kind of society we want to live in. When we investigate this question deeply, we come face to face with the pervasive reality of value differences and value conflicts, and then we confront the necessity of learning to work with these differences productively, so they can become resources rather than impediments for doing public work. We are interested in a tough-minded leadership development process that helps students develop political instincts and a sense of political efficacy. Therefore, one of the distinctive features of our program is an emphasis on political engagement.

Q: Do I have to be a public policy major to take HLP courses?

A: No. Our courses are open to all Duke undergraduates regardless of major. In fact, more than half the students taking classes in the Hart Leadership Program are not PPS majors, and many of our courses are cross-listed in other departments. Our students come from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences; many pursue graduate degrees in medicine, business and law, while others go to work in the public and private sectors.

No matter what your major is, our emphasis on public problem-solving work and leadership for public life will give you specific, practical contexts to explore what leadership is, and how it does or does not function in complex institutions. The real-world ambitions of our students, the practitioner profiles of our faculty, and the applied research patterns of the Sanford School of Public Policy have always been the drivers of our leadership programming.

Q: Are there other components to HLP besides academic courses?

A: Yes. We have a number of well-established programs such as Service Opportunities in Leadership (SOL), Hart Fellows Program, Entrepreneurial Leadership Initiative (ELI), and the Research Service Learning Pathway.

The Hart Leadership Program offers undergraduates two tracks that use distinct but complementary frameworks for community-based projects that are linked to courses-research service learning and social entrepreneurship. Research service-learning uses a two-course sequence that is wrapped around a community-based project in the summer. Social entrepreneurship uses classes to help students create real-world social enterprises.  They share a common end goal of helping students develop problem analysis and problem-solving skills, and a rich understanding of the demands and rewards of public leadership.

Q: What distinguishes HLP courses from other public policy classes?

A: While the centerpiece of HLP is its commitment to excellent undergraduate instruction, many of our regular courses incorporate community-based projects that enhance leadership development. This approach helps students take the initiative in formulating and solving problems, and fosters a deeper appreciation for the complexities and challenges of working with people from different cultural, economic and racial backgrounds.

Q: Are there certain themes that run throughout the Hart Leadership Program?

A: Our faculty members are engaged in a variety of topics, including ethical leadership, civic participation and community organization, women’s leadership and authority, and more. To get an idea of our scope, visit HLP’s individual programs or review the current course offerings.

Q: How many students participate in the HLP?

A: We usually offer 7-10 courses each semester, serving an average of 400 Duke undergraduate students a year. Around 100 students participate in our experiential-learning programs every year. 

Q: Where are you located?

 A: We are part of the Sanford School of Public Policy, on the corner of Towerview and Science Dr. on Duke’s West Campus (across from the Law School). For driving directions, click here.