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Dr. Stephen Northam, a University of North Georgia (UNG) senior lecturer of political science and international affairs (PSIA), has published an eCore textbook for the University System of Georgia (USG) with faculty members from two other USG institutions.

"Principles of Leadership" will be required reading material for the eMajor course "Profiles of Leaders." The eMajor degrees are offered fully online through USG institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. In addition to attracting traditional students who wish to take advantage of online courses, the eMajor degrees also are ideal for working professionals, military members and transfer students.

Northam said the book is a leadership primer.

"It was written with individuals in mind who are new to the question of what leadership is and what it takes to be a leader," he said. "It is not a theoretical approach to leadership but a practical approach covering topics like addressing the question of what is leadership, styles of leadership, leadership skill sets such as building team visions, organization inclusion, as well as conflict resolution skills and ethical considerations leaders must address."

This textbook was created through an initiative by the USG Board of Regents, which requested that eMajor students have access to open-source textbooks. Open-source textbooks have an open copyright license and are available for free. As such, anyone will have the right to access, download, revise, or customize the content. Due to the malleable nature of this work, the writers are not listed as "authors" but rather "faculty facilitators."

Northam teaches in both the undergraduate PSIA and Master of Public Administration programs at UNG.