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Navigating Ethical Dilemmas

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Full Course Title: 
Navigating Ethical Dilemmas: Preparing for Leadership

Every First Year Seminar course is designed by an individual faculty member on a topic of their choice that integrates the aforementioned course purpose. This course examines the critical role of ethical leadership, highlighting how a liberal arts education can equip students for success as scholars, citizens, and professionals. Through a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, students will develop the skills necessary to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, balance personal and professional ethics, and foster an ethical culture in their future leadership roles. This course also integrates service-learning, providing students with firsthand opportunities to apply ethical leadership principles in real-world settings, fostering a deeper connection between academic learning and societal impact. By exploring these diverse perspectives and real-world scenarios, students will be better prepared to make positive contributions to society and excel in their academic and professional pursuits.

Course Details
Prefix: 
UCO
Course Number: 
1200
Section Number(s) and Day/Times Taught: 
501: TR 9:30am- 10:45am
Term: 
Fall 2025
Categories: 
Global Issues
Civic Engagement
Instructor(s)

Robert Ritchie

Bob Ritchie

Bob Ritchie teaches the First-Year Seminar, Navigating Ethical Dilemmas: Preparing for Leadership, a course built on a simple idea: that the best leaders are those who are actively engaged in their communities.

His passion for civic engagement and experiential learning is rooted in a distinguished 25-year career in public service and investigations. This real-world experience provided him with invaluable skills in high-stakes problem-solving and adaptable leadership, which he now brings to the classroom. He believes that true education happens when we apply what we learn to the world around us. As a Civic Engagement Fellow and a member of the Civic Engagement Council, he is dedicated to helping students find their voice and make a difference. As a veteran, he also serves on the Military Affairs Committee, as service has always been a key component of his life.

Bob holds a B.S. in Law Enforcement Studies from Western New England University and an MFA in Creative Writing from Queens University of Charlotte. When he's not on campus, he enjoys writing, building model ships, and fishing, a nod to his upbringing on Cape Cod.