Political leadership, which is part of the world politics programme, is specifically designed to introduce students to current thinking, research and practice in a number of areas of political leadership in both industrialised countries and Pacific Island states. In this course, our view of leadership is filtered through leadership theories, which will be used to explain the behaviour of leaders in contemporary society. In addition, students will come to understand how leaders operate within their governments, and will gain an appreciation of how leaders deal with patronage, responsibility, and accountability. Throughout the course students will be strongly encouraged to research leaders and leadership systems in the South Pacific region.