Courses
Students who complete the four-year program take classes once a week as freshmen and sophomores and twice a week as juniors and seniors. Students who enter the program as sophomores or juniors, attend the Leader's Training Course for 28 days at Fort Knox, Ky. in order to validate courses they would have taken during their freshman and sophomore years. They continue taking classes twice a week during their junior and senior years. Students considering the program as second semester juniors should contact us to determine eligibility.
Military science courses maximize hands-on practical exercises, allowing students to achieve training objectives through classroom experiences and experiential learning. The department uses the National Cadet Command curriculum as the basis for each military science and leadership course. Professors are first and foremost military officers themselves—a fact that makes an ROTC education all the more relevant to the real world.
Courses
MSCL
101 Foundations of Officership
Introduces students to fundamental components of service as an officer in the United States Army. These initial lessons form building blocks of progressive lessons in values, fitness, leadership, and officership. Additionally, the program of instruction addresses "life skills" including fitness, communications theory and practice (written and oral), and interpersonal relationships.
Prerequisite(s): First- or second-year class standing or permission of department chair.
Unit(s): .5
MSCL
102 Introduction to Leadership
Introduction to "life skills" of problem solving, decision making, and leadership designed to help students in the near term as leaders on campus. Also will help students be more effective leaders and managers in the long term, whether they serve in the military or as leaders in civilian life. This course is designed to introduce the student to fundamental officer skills such as map reading, land navigation, tactics, and leadership values/actions. Using these basic skills, students will build a rudimentary understanding of the core competencies necessary to become an Army officer and leader.
Prerequisite(s): First- or second-year class standing or permission of department chair.
Unit(s): .5
MSCL
201 Innovative Team Leadership
Explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership theories that form the basis of the Army leadership framework. Aspects of personal motivation and team building are practiced planning, executing, and assessing team exercises, and participating in leadership labs. The focus continues to build on developing knowledge of the leadership values and attributes through understanding Army rank, structure, and duties as well as broadening knowledge of land navigation and squad tactics. Case studies will provide a tangible context for learning the Soldier's Creed and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the contemporary operating environment.
Prerequisite(s): Military Science and Leadership 101 and 102 or permission of department chair.
Unit(s): .5
MSCL
202 Foundations of Tactical Leadership
Examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the complex contemporary operating environment (COE). Highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling and operations orders. Continued study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Provides a smooth transition to MSCL 301. Cadets develop greater self awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice communication and team-building skills. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios.
Prerequisite(s): Military Science and Leadership 201 or permission of department chair.
Unit(s): .5
MSCL
204 Leader's Training Course
An intensive 28-day training experience for college students unable to meet the basic course requirements (MSCL 100- and 200-level courses) on campus. Leader's Training Course is the Army's two-year ROTC Program entry point. Through the Leader's Training Course, students without ROTC experience can qualify for Advanced Course (MSCL 300- and 400-level course) entry. The Army observes these students and determines their officer potential in a leadership-oriented, challenging, and motivating 28-day training program. The camp philosophy is based on an action-oriented training plan. Emphasis is hands on, outdoor training with rapid, constructive feedback to the cadet. Above all else, Leader's Training Course is a leadership experience. The training program is designed to inspire students to become outstanding leaders with a sound understanding of traditional leadership values. At the Leader's Training Course, students are trained to lead and develop their officer leadership potential.
Prerequisite(s): Enrollment in the ROTC program, military service obligation and permission of department chair.
Unit(s): 1
MSCL
205 Foundations of American Military History
Major military engagements from the colonial period through the current operating environment and analysis of conflicts using the Principles of War and After Action Review lessons learned. Describes the military's role in society; examines the evolution of war and the progression of military professionalism; analyzes the major wars fought by the US Army, using the principles of war; discusses the role of the US military in joint operations; discusses the role of the US Army in humanitarian operations and nation-building at home and abroad and analyzes lessons learned from military history to the Contemporary Operating Environment. COE case studies give insight into the importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios.
Unit(s): .5
MSCL
301 Adaptive Team Leadership
Cadets study, practice, and evaluate adaptive team leadership skills as they prepare for the demands of the mandatory 32-day ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) at Fort Lewis, Wash. Challenging scenarios related to small-unit tactical operations are used to develop self awareness and critical thinking skills. The cadet will receive systematic and specific feedback on leadership abilities.
Prerequisite(s): Military Science and Leadership 202, 204, or permission of department chair.
Unit(s): 1
MSCL
302 Leadership in Changing Environments
Instruction and case studies that build upon leadership competencies and military skills attained in Military Science and Leadership 301 prepare students for future responsibilities as Army officers. Specific instruction is given in individual leader development, planning and execution of small-unit operations, individual and team development, and the Army as a career choice. Prepares cadets for the mandatory 32-day Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Wash.
Prerequisite(s): Military Science and Leadership 301 or permission of department chair.
Unit(s): 1
MSCL
390 Independent Study
Instruction, case studies, and book analysis that build upon leadership competencies and military skills attained in earlier Military Science and Leadership courses. Online instruction and assignments mirror the syllabus for a student's normal pre-commissioning course progression. This course is available for sophomores, fall semester juniors, and senior cadets. This course is taught by the professor of military science.
Prerequisite(s): Two semesters of military science and permission of department chair.
Unit(s): 1
MSCL
401 Developing Adaptive Leaders
Develops student proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing performance feedback to subordinates. Cadets are given situational and leadership opportunities to assess risk, make ethical decisions, and lead fellow ROTC cadets. Lessons on military justice and personnel processes prepare them to make the transition to becoming Army officers. Students will lead cadets at lower levels. Both classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed to prepare them for their first military unit of assignment. Identify responsibilities of key staff members, coordinate staff roles amongst six separate universities and colleges that make up the ROTC battalion, and use battalion field/garrison situations to teach, train, and develop subordinates.
Prerequisite(s): Military Science and Leadership 302 or permission of department chair.
Unit(s): 1
MSCL
402 Leadership in a Complex World
Continues to develop student proficiency in planning, executing, and assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and providing performance feedback to subordinates. Explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current military operations in the contemporary operating environment (COE). Students examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. Also explores aspects of interacting with non government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host-nation support. Students are given situational and leadership opportunities to assess risk, make ethical decisions, and lead fellow ROTC cadets. Designed to prepare for first military unit of assignment. Students will identify responsibilities of key staff members, coordinate staff roles amongst six separate universities and colleges that make up the ROTC battalion, and use battalion field/garrison situations to teach, train, and develop subordinates. The course uses case studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare students to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as a commissioned officer in the United States Army.
Prerequisite(s): Military Science and Leadership 302 or permission of department chair.
Unit(s): 1
