About this course
The sport of cycling provides many valuable lessons in leadership, strategy, and teamwork. As part of a cycling team, you learn to set directions and keep your team safely on track, communicate clearly, manage both individual and collective energy, mentor teammates through positive reinforcement and rejecting negativity, adapt to unforeseen challenges, and have fun along the way.
This course centers on building a cycling team, giving you the chance to practice leadership and teamwork skills while reflecting on these experiences in an academic context. A cycling team also connects people in a very concrete way, creating a unique sense of belonging – an especially positive and constructive experience for students studying abroad. Throughout the course, you will read and discuss selected articles on strategy, leadership, and organizational behavior, linking theory directly to your team experience.
Working within an organizational context, your team will develop a strategy, set goals, rotate as captain, and develop a strong understanding of group dynamics. You will also learn essential cycling skills – how to prepare for a ride, maintain your bike, repair a punctured tire, and bike safely – ensuring all students ride confidently and responsibly. Together, these elements combine the action of road cycling with leadership and organizational behavior theories to create a uniquely active learning experience.
Syllabus
Course note
To participate in this course, you must be comfortable riding an ordinary bike, willing to bike in all weather conditions, and learn the rules of the road.
Faculty
Henriette Rald
FacultyInternational Politics, University of Copenhagen, 1996. Owner & Director Rald & Co, Strategy Consulting Business, 2018-present. With DIS since 2022.
Alison Ryncarz
Senior Communications ManagerM.A. (Human Resources & Industrial Relations, University of Minnesota, 2022). B.A. (Strategic Communication, Elon University, 2015). DIS Cross-Cultural Communication Program, Spring 2014. DIS Marketing Assistant, 2015-2016. DIS Communications Specialist, 2017-2019. DIS Outreach Manager, 2019-2023. With DIS since 2015.