Description of Courses
Note: Six of the eight Military Science credits count toward the 120 credits needed for graduation. The remaining two credits will appear on the student's official transcripts.
Basic Courses
The following Military Science Basic Courses are designed for freshmen and sophomores: MLSC 101, 102, 201 and 202. The Basic Courses introduce freshmen and sophomores to the fundamentals of leadership and management while they learn about the opportunities and prospects of ROTC and commissioned service. Students complete these courses without service obligation (except Army scholarship students) while qualifying for the Advanced Program. All students must participate in the Leadership Laboratory (MLSC 103 and 203) in the Basic Courses.
101. Leadership and Personal Development
Fall (1) Staff.
Introduces students to issues and
competencies that are central to a commissioned officer's
responsibilities. These initial lessons establish a framework for
understanding officership, leadership, and Army values. Additionally,
the semester addresses "life skills" including fitness and time
management. The MLSC 101 course is designed to support recruiting and
retention of Cadets by giving them accurate insight into the Army
Profession and the officer's role in the Army.
102. Introduction to Tactical Leadership
Spring (1) Staff.
MLSC 102 overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction,
problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and
using effective writing skills. You will explore dimensions of
leadership values, attributes, skills, and actions in the context of
practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises.
103. MS I Leadership Laboratory
Fall/Spring. Staff.
Taken with Military Science 101 and 102. Presents basic leadership
skills in practical situations. Introduces standard Army equipment,
marksmanship, orienteering, and small unit tactics, and functioning as
a member of a team or squad.
201. Innovative Team Leadership
Fall (2) Staff.
This course 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.
202. Foundations of Tactical Leadership
Spring (1) Staff.
This course examines the challenges of leading tactical teams
in the complex contemporary operating environment (COE).
This course highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling,
and operation orders. Continued study of the theoretical basis
of the Army leadership framework explores the dynamics of
adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. MLSC
202 provides a smooth transition into MLSC 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.
203. MS II Leadership Laboratory
Fall/Spring. Staff.
Taken with Military Science 201 and 202. Develops intermediate
leadership skills by placing Cadets in small unit leadership roles in
practical situations. Emphasizes acquisition of intermediate individual
soldier skills and tactical theory.
Advanced Courses
These courses are designed to prepare juniors and seniors who have agreed to seek a commission as officers in the United States Army. Freshmen and sophomores may not take the Advanced Courses.
301. Adaptive Team Leadership
Fall (0,0) Staff. Prerequisites: MLSC 101, MLSC 102, MLSC 201, MLSC 202 or equivalent, and contract status in ROTC.
You
are challenged to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive team
leadership skills as you are presented with the demands of the ROTC
Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC). Challenging scenarios
related to small unit tactical operations are used to develop self
awareness and critical thinking skills. You will receive systematic and
specific feedback on their leadership abilities.
302. Leadership in Changing Environments
Spring (0,0) Staff. Prerequisites: MLSC 301 or consent of department and contract status in ROTC.
You will be challenged to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive
leadership skills as you are presented with the demands of the ROTC
Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC). Challenging scenarios
related to small unit tactical operations are used to develop self
awareness and critical thinking skills. You will receive systematic and
specific feedback on your leadership abilities. Leadership Lab
concentrates on general military subjects directed toward the
reinforcement of military skills and the development of new skills
required for the ROTC Leader Development Assessment Course (LDAC).
303. MS III Leadership Laboratory
Fall, Spring (0) Staff.
Taken with Military Science 301 and 302. Develops advanced leadership
skills by requiring Cadets to train and lead units of 10 to 40 fellow Cadets. Includes intensive study of Army equipment, techniques and
operational doctrine to achieve advanced proficiency and preparation
for attending the Leader Development and Assessment Course.
401. Developing Adaptive Leaders
Fall (2) Staff. Prerequisite: MLSC 302.
MLSC 401 develops student proficiency in planning, executing, and
assessing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and
providing performance feedback to subordinates. You are given
situational opportunities to assess risk, make ethical decisions, and
lead fellow ROTC Cadets. Lessons on military justice and personnel
processes prepare you to make the transition to becoming an Army
officer. During your MSL IV year, you will lead Cadets at lower levels.
Both your classroom and battalion leadership experiences are designed
to prepare you for your first unit of assignment. You will identify
responsibilities of key staff, coordinate staff roles, and use
battalion operations situations to each, train, and develop
subordinates.
402. Leadership in a Complex World
Spring (1) Staff. Prerequisite: MLSC 302.
MLSC 402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of
current military operations in the contemporary operating environment
(COE). You will examine differences in customs and courtesies, military
law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of
international terrorism. You also explore aspects of interacting with
non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host
nation support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing you
for BOLC II and III, and your first unit of assignment. It uses case
studies, scenarios, and "What Now, Lieutenant?" exercises to prepare
you to face the complex ethical and practical demands of leading as a
commissioned officer in the United States Army. This semester you will:
- Explore Military Professional Ethics and ethical decision making facing an Officer
- Gain practical experience in Cadets Battalion Leadership roles
- Demonstrate personal skills in operations and communications
- Evaluate and develop MSL III small unit leaders and examine issues of force protection in the COE
- Prepare for the transition to a career as an Army Officer.
403. MS IV Leadership Laboratory
Fall, Spring. Staff.
Taken with Military Science 401 and
402. Develops advanced leadership and management expertise in the
evaluation of subordinates, performance counseling, mentoring and
development of programs of training for units of 100 or more members.
404. Independent Study in Military Science
Fall or Spring (1) Staff.
This course provides ROTC Cadets who have completed their Advance
Course program the opportunity to conduct detailed research and
independent study on a current problem or topic associated with the
military. Program of study will be arranged individually with a faculty
advisor. Admission by consent of the chair of the department. This
course may be repeated if there is no duplication of topic.
