Military & Homeland Security Studies, Minor
Course Offerings
MS 100 Introduction to Military Studies (3)
This course explores the use of the armed forces as an instrument of national power. Students will develop an understanding of the doctrinal principles of war, fundamentals of the offense and defense, just war doctrine, rules of engagement, and how nations organize and execute military operations in pursuit of national objectives and vital interests. The course also examines the doctrine of Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW), focusing on the use of the military during peacetime. Historical case studies and examinations of current events are presented as they relate to the course objectives.
MS 110 Fundamentals of Military Leadership (3)
This course is oriented toward the college graduate entering the workforce in any profession. Fundamental leadership principles developed by the United States military and Department of Defense are presented, including leadership traits, principles, styles, values, and disciplinary strategies. Foundation for the course begins with individual self-evaluation, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and other personal tendency tests, and progresses through selected group dynamics exercises, and in-depth case study analyses of historically effective leadership examples. The primary focus of the course causes students to become familiar with individual preferences and personality traits in order to form an effective personal leadership style.
MS 120 History of The American Military (3)
Historical presentation of the evolution of the American military from colonial period through the present. A survey of those aspects of organization, training and employment of military forces developed over time—either created in response to particular need or borrowed from other international military examples—and presented as a means of providing foundation for an evolving military legacy.
MS 210 A Soldier's Story (3)
A view of warfare from the bottom up, using the individual soldier’s perspective as a means of de-emphasizing national strategy in favor of the social, psychological and emotional impact experienced by those engaged in close armed combat. Individual experiences reported from news accounts, personal diaries, journals, letters, and autobiographies are used as the primary source materials for the course.
MS 215 America at War (3)
Exploration of United States participation in the major wars experienced through its history, with special emphasis on the World Wars. Presentation is made on a broad perspective, to include national interests, mobilization of the home front, and the effect of wars on American society, economy and government.
MS 301 Great Battle Campaigns (3)
Examines the conduct of war through in-depth analysis of a particular battle or campaign shown to be pivotal to the prosecution of a war. Students are allowed to select the battle/campaign of their choice, with advisement, and proceed with customized research. Prerequisite: Undergraduate-junior standing or permission.
MS 320 National Security Policy (3)
Study of the institutions, actors and processes that formulate and execute national security policy in the United States. Traces the historical and contemporary roles of governmental branches, administrative agencies, civilian consultants and contractors, and non-governmental organizations in the development and implementation of policy. Also incorporates the development of intelligence analysis in the formulation of policy, to include the evolution of intelligence assets.
MS 322 Terrorism (3)
Course provides an overview of terrorism with emphasis on assisting students to understand foreign and domestic terrorism and counter-terrorism efforts. Prerequisite: None.
MS 330 International Conflict (3)
Examination of contemporary international conflict. Issues addressed include the evolution of warfare within and between nation states, the interplay between conflict and international diplomacy, economic interdependence, and foundational conflict theory.
MS 335 Elite Forces and Special Operations (3)
This course examines the history, organization, and functioning of modern elite military forces. Analyzes the counter-terrorist forces of the United States and other countries, including the U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces, Navy Sea-Air-Land (SEALs), Air Force Task Force 160 (Night Stalkers), and Marine Corps Reconnaissance (RECON) units. Also exposes students to foreign elite military forces, to include the British Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Squadron (SBS), French Foreign Legion, Israeli Sayeret (Reconnaissance) units. Uses historical case studies illustrating the use of elite forces in special operations, and follows current special operations in the war on terror.
MS 336 Hollywood Goes to War (3)
Examines of the dual role of filmmakers, the cinema, and the motion picture industry to both entertain and inform. Special emphasis placed on how cinematography can shape popular perceptions and attitudes about warfare in general, as well as particular conflicts. Course makes extensive use of film library materials in making thoughtful analysis.
MS 352 Homeland Security (3)
This course will provide an introduction and general overview of homeland security in the United States. The course will focus on helping students understand the key elements of homeland security strategies and operational policies. The role and purpose of homeland security strategy will be evaluated in regard to its implementation in a contemporary democratic society. Prerequisite: None.
MS 360 Independent Study (1-3)
A research project of extensive reading in aspects of the disciplines or engagement in a field experience. May be carried on in absentia. Students are required to prepare and gain approval of the department chair (Criminal Justice) and the supervising professor of a comprehensive learning contract. Students must complete a project prospective that is approved by supervising professor prior to enrollment. Prerequisite: Consent of the Department Chair.
MS 390 Special Topics (1-3)
Course titles and topics will vary from semester to semester, and will present current trends of interest in the organization, equipment, training, and employment of military forces. May be taken more than once under different topical areas, and may be offered for variable credit depending upon the scope, amount of material, or course length.
MS 400 Strategic Leadership (3)
Analysis and assessment of skills, knowledge, attributes, and competencies of senior and strategic leaders. Examines the characteristics, values and responsibilities of military and civilian professionals. Provides and appreciation of leadership characteristics of historical figures.
MS 420 Combat Journalism (3)
Explores war reporting by the media in both historical and political contexts, and demonstrates the balance between open, fair reporting and the security required for military operations. Also presents the role of news accounts in shaping popular opinion. Prerequisite: Undergraduate-junior standing or permission.
MS 425 Military Justice and The Law of War (3)
Traces the development of modern international rules pertaining to the conduct of war, and presents the various treaties and conventions that govern the conduct of military operations. Course comprises a serious literature review within the context of actual war crime investigations and trials to present the geopolitical consequences of war conduct. Prerequisite: Undergraduate-junior standing or permission.
MS 432 Hitler, WWII, and Holocaust (3)
Course is designed to provide in-depth overview of the rise of National Socialism in Germany and subsequent 13 year Third Reich. A component of the course gives emphasis to WWII, changes in the face of Eastern and Western Europe, and evaluating Hitler as a military leader. Prerequisite: None.
MS 450 Military Intelligence (3)
Comprehensive analysis of military intelligence operations from tactical to strategic. Studies aspects of collection, analysis and dissemination of intelligence information, to include the use of national intelligence assets and strategic planning. Prerequisite: Undergraduate-junior standing or permission.
MS 462 Military Operations/Tactics (3)
Course provides doctrine that frames counterinsurgency within the context of the range of military operations. A major component of the course is dedicated to understanding how commanders synchronize their efforts to achieve end states. Also, overview of Army and Marine Corps military tactics. Prerequisite: None.
MS 470 Insurgency & Guerilla War (3)
Overview of insurgent campaigns and guerilla warfare throughout history. Emphasis on popular political movements, opposition to recognized and existing governments, and transition of guerilla leadership into legitimate government. Presents topical coverage of significant historical examples of both successes and failures in revolution and revolt. Prerequisite: Undergraduate-junior standing or permission.
MS 475 Directed Readings (1-3)
Students pursuing the minor in Military Studies may enroll in an independent research project if approved by faculty in consultation with the Department Chair. Independent Study courses must meet equivalencies to Federal definition of a credit hour. Prerequisites: 3 hours of MS course work.
MS 480 Military Operations Other Than War (3)
Explores the emerging role of military forces in non-standard missions such as peacekeeping, humanitarian relief, non-combatant evacuation operations, and support to host nation military training. Also examines the relationship between and cooperation with non-governmental agencies and organizations through the use of case studies.
MS 490 Special Topics (1-3)
Topics vary each semester & are announced in advance. May be taken for more than one semester for variable credit.