MSL-MILITARY SCIENCE LEADERSHIP – 2005-07 Catalog
Military Science Department

MSL 101  Foundations of Officership I (1)

Introduction to issues and competencies of the Army officer profession. Emphasis on stereotypes about the military, the role of the Army officer, customs and traditions within the military, and personal and physical development. Open to all freshmen and sophomores. 1 lecture.

MSL 102  Foundations of Officership II (1)

The role of leadership within a large organization. Emphasis on the  definition of leadership, leadership framework, individual and organizational core values, and the moral responsibility of leadership. 1 lecture.

MSL 103  Basic Leadership (1)

The foundation of basic leadership fundamentals such as problem solving, communications, briefings and effective writing, techniques for improving listening and speaking skills, and an introduction to counseling. 1 lecture.

MSL 111  Orienteering (2)

Principles of orienteering, basic map reading and compass skills; course running techniques applied in field orienteering events. Open to all freshmen and sophomores. 1 lecture, 1 activity.

MSL 201  Individual Leadership Studies  (2)

Identification of successful leadership traits through observation of others and self through experiential learning exercises. Recording of observed traits in a dimensional leadership journal, and discussion of observations in small groups. Open to all students. 2 lectures.

MSL 202  Leadership and Teamwork (2)

Application of leadership principles. Emphasis on understanding how to build teams, problem solving, building trust, and working with small groups. Identification of successful leadership traits through experiential learning exercises. Open to all students. 2 lectures.

MSL 203  Leadership Studies and Personal Development (2)

Focus on building character. Emphasis on personal development (reasoning and problem solving), making self-assessments, improving communication skills, improving physical well being, and diversity training (values and ethics). Open to all students. 2 lectures.

MSL 212  Leader’s Training Course (1–7)

One to seven units of credit may be granted depending upon successful completion of training. Six weeks of training, Fort Knox, Kentucky. Travel pay and salary provided through the Military Science Department. No obligation. LTC graduates eligible to enroll in ROTC Advanced Program.

MSL 229  Ranger Challenge (2) (CR/NC)

Selection and preparation of the Ranger Challenge Team which will represent Cal Poly in military tactical skills competition. Includes rope bridging, orienteering, weapons knowledge, hand grenade accuracy, 10K road march with equipment, first aid, marksmanship, physical fitness and tactics. Credit/No Credit grading only. 2 activities.

MSL 301  Leadership and Problem Solving (3)

Introduction to principles of physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle fundamental to a military professional. Application of the Leadership Development Program, a formalized interactive process used to evaluate leadership performance and provide developmental counseling feedback in areas such as communication (verbal and nonverbal) and time management. Preparation, performance and evaluation of individual and small unit training. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of MSL 101, MSL 102, MSL 103, MSL 201, MSL 202, MSL 203, or completion of MSL 212, or consent of department head.

MSL 302  Leadership, Problem Solving, and Effective Communication (3)

Study of reasoning skills and communication skills. Emphasis on the use of these skills and their specific application in the form of the Army’s troop leading procedures. Detailed examination of officership and officership case studies. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MSL 301 and consent of instructor.

MSL 303  Leadership and Ethics (3)

Examination of the role communications, values, and ethics play in effective leadership. Topics include ethical decision-making, value of diversity, spirituality in the military, and examination of the Army leadership doctrine. Emphasis on improving oral and written communication. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MSL 301, MSL 302, and consent of instructor.

MSL 314  Leadership Development and Assessment Course (6) (CR/NC)

Six week summer training program required to achieve an Army commission. Testing and training as functional Army officers and determination of potential for service. Travel pay, room and board, and salary are provided by the U.S. Army. Held at Fort Lewis, Washington. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: MSC 311, MSL 301, MSC 312, MSL 302, MSC 313, MSL 303, and consent of instructor. (Corrected 9/19/05)

MSL 400  Special Problems for Advanced Undergraduates (1–2)

Individual investigation, research, studies, or surveys of selected problems. Total credit limited to 4 units, with a maximum of 2 units per quarter. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

MSL 401  Leadership and Management I (3)

Developing proficiency in planning and executing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and mentoring subordinates. Emphasis on training management, methods of effective staff collaboration, and developmental counseling techniques. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MSL 301, MSL 302, MSL 303 and consent of instructor.

MSL 402  Leadership and Management II (3)

Continuation of MSL 401 with a focus on communications and personal development. Study includes in-depth analysis of organizational culture and the dynamics of change, physical well-being, and practical exercises on establishing an ethical command climate. Series of leadership simulations. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MSL 401 and consent of instructor.

MSL 403  Officership (3)

Case study analysis of military law, and practical exercises on establishing an ethical command climate. Completion of a quarter-long senior leadership project that requires planning, organizing, collaboration, analysis and demonstration of leadership skills. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MSL 401, MSL 402 and consent of instructor.

MSL 470  Selected Advanced Topics (1–4)

Directed group study of selected topics for advanced students. Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1–4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.