UW-River Falls

Course Descriptions

Basic Courses

MSL 101 - Foundation of Officership (2 Credits Fall / Spring)

Introduction to the Army profession and military leadership. Exploration of the seven Army values and 16 Army leadership dimensions, as well as some core competencies critical to effective leadership (i.e. management, problem-solving, decision- making). Off campus weekend leadership orientation in a military environment with outdoor physical activities, including pugil stick, obstacle course, land navigation/orienteering, basic rifle marksmanship, and confidence course training.

MSL 102 - Basic Leadership (2 Credits Fall / Spring)

Establishes foundation of basic leadership fundamentals such as problem solving, communication, goal setting, and techniques for improving listening and speaking skills. Life skills are reinforced as well as an introduction to counseling and operations orders. Lab provides instruction on squad movement techniques, map reading, physical fitness and marching techniques.

MSL 201 - Individual Leadership Studies (3 Credits Fall / Spring)

Identification of successful leadership characteristics through the observation of others and self through experiential learning exercises. Students record observed traits (both good and bad) in a dimensional leadership journal and discuss observations in small group settings. The lab applies basic leadership theory and decision making during practical exercises in a field environment. Instructor's consent required. Prerequisite: take MSL-101.

MSL 202 - Leadership and Teamwork (3 Credits Fall / Spring)

Examines building successful teams, methods for influencing action, effective communication in setting and achieving goals, the importance of timing the decision, creativity in the problem-solving process, and obtaining team cohesion through immediate feedback. The lab applies basic leadership theory and decision making during practical exercises in a field environment. Prerequisites: take MSL-102.

Advanced Courses

MSL 301 - Adaptive Team Leadership (4 Credits Fall / Spring)

Students conduct self-assessment of leadership style, develop personal fitness regimen, and learn to plan and conduct individual/small-unit tactical training while testing reasoning and problem-solving techniques. Students receive direct feedback on leadership abilities. The lab reinforces small-unit tactical training while employing the troop-leading procedure to accomplish planning and decision making. Instructor's consent required.

MSL 302 - Leadership Under Fire (4 Credits Fall / Spring)

The role of communication, value, and ethics in effective leadership. Ethical decision making, diversity, spirituality, and survey of Army leadership doctrine. Emphasis on improving oral and written communication abilities. Lab reinforces small-unit tactical training while employing troop-leading procedure to accomplish complex planning and decision making. Instructor's consent required.

MSL 401 - Developing Adaptive Leaders (4 Credits Fall / Spring)

Develop student proficiency in planning and executing complex operations, functioning as a member of a staff, and mentoring subordinates. Students explore training management, methods of effective staff collaboration, and developmental counseling techniques. The lab hones the students' leadership skills, attributes and abilities as they operate as cadet officers. Instructor's consent required.

MSL 402 - Leadership in A Complex World (4 Credits Fall / Spring)

Study includes a case study analysis of military law and practical exercises on establishing an ethical command climate. Students must complete a semester- long Senior Leadership Project that requires them to plan, organize, collaborate, analyze, and demonstrate their leadership skills. The lab continues to sharpen the students' leadership skills. Instructor's consent required.