Courses

MSL – MILITARY SCIENCE LEADERSHIP

 

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 110 Exercises in Military Leadership (1) (CR/NC)

Hands-on instruction on the proper execution of small-unit military operations. Incorporation of the military decision-making process in the planning, execution and conducting of a wide variety of squad, platoon and company sized missions. Credit/No Credit grading only. 1 activity. Prerequisite: Enrollment in any MSL course or consent of department head.

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 112 The Army Physical Fitness Program (1)

The Army Physical Fitness Program and its proper execution. Physical training to the Army standard with the goal of successfully passing the Army Physical Fitness Test. 1 laboratory.

MSL 201 Foundations of Leadership I (2)

The development of individual leadership traits and capabilities using the Army officer as a model. The Army’s problem solving methods, written and oral communications, tactics and group leadership. Open to all students. 2 lectures.

MSL 202 Foundations of Leadership II (2)

The development of individual leadership traits and capabilities using the Army officer as a model. The Army’s problem solving methods, tactics and group leadership. Open to all students. 2 lectures.

MSL 203 Foundations of Leadership III (2)

The development of individual leadership traits and capabilities using the Army officer as a model. The Army’s problem solving methods, land navigation techniques, tactics and group leadership. 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. Five 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 240 American Military History and the Evolution of Western Warfare (4)

Comprehensive analysis of American military history from the early Anglo-French period to the end of the 20th Century. Examination of the strategies, operations and tactics of military warfare, and exploration of how social, economic, and technological factors produced the distinct patterns of war that characterize the struggles of the past two hundred plus years.  Open to all students. 4 lectures.

MSL 270 Selected Topics (1–4)

Directed group study of selected topics. The Schedule of Classes will list title selected. Total credit limited to 8 units. 1 to 4 lectures. Prerequisite: Open to undergraduate students and consent of instructor.

MSL 301 Tactical Leadership I (3)

Introduction to the life of a professional Army officer. Instruction in the operational art of small-unit leadership, and the roles and responsibilities of an Army 2nd Lieutenant in preparation for attendance at the Leader Development and Assessment Course. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: Completion of MSL 101, MSL 102, MSL 103, MSL 201, MSL 202, MSL 203, or completion of MSL 212, and consent of department head.

MSL 302 Tactical Leadership II (3)

Continuation of study of the life of a professional Army officer. Instruction in the operational art of small-unit leadership, and the roles and responsibilities of an Army 2nd Lieutenant in preparation for attendance at the Leader Development and Assessment Course. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MSL 301, and consent of instructor.

MSL 303 Applied Leadership (3)

Demonstration of proficiency in leading small units. Emphasis on clear and concise oral communications, land navigation, weapons skills, and timely decision-making. Completion of training for the Leader Development and Assessment Course and preparation for attendance at the course. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MSL 301, MSL 302, and consent of instructor.

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

Five 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 provided by the U.S. Army. Held at Fort Lewis, Washington. Credit/No Credit grading only. Prerequisite: MSL 301, MSL 302, MSL 303, and consent of instructor.

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 Developmental Leadership I (3)

In-depth study and analysis of the duties and responsibilities of an ethical Army officer. Emphasis on honing skills required at follow-on training. Administrative actions and self and subordinate developmental processes utilized by an Army 2nd Lieutenant. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MSL 301, MSL 302, MSL 303 and consent of instructor.

MSL 402 Developmental Leadership II (3)

Continuation of MSL 401 with a focus on communications and personal development. Continuation of in-depth study and analysis of the duties and responsibilities of an ethical Army officer. Emphasis placed on honing skills required at follow-on training. Administrative actions and self and subordinate developmental processes utilized by an Army 2nd Lieutenant. 3 lectures. Prerequisite: MSL 401 and consent of instructor.

MSL 403 Adaptive Leadership (3)

Beginning of transition from student to commissioned officer. Emphasis on expectations of an Army 2nd Lieutenant. Cultural awareness, effective command climates, terrorism and force protection in the current operational environment, and individual officer 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. The Schedule of Classes will list title selected. Total credit limited to 8 units.  1-4 lectures. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.