ROTC

Air Science Courses

AERO 1001 Heritage and Values of the US Air Force I: 2 semester hours

This course introduces students to contemporary military issues and overall Air Force structure. Contracting with AFROTC is not required for this course.

AERO 1002 Heritage and Values of the US Air Force II: 2 semester hours

This course introduces students to military concepts such as strategic offensive and defense forces, general purpose forces, aerospace support forces, and the Air Force relationship with U.S. Army forces. Contracting with AFROTC is not required for this course.

AERO 1500 Leadership Laboratory: 0 semester hours

Prerequisites: Students must be enrolled in an AERO course. Instruction is conducted within the framework of an organized cadet corps with a progression of experiences designed to develop each student's leadership potential. Course work includes a study of Air Force customs and courtesies, drill and ceremonies, career opportunities in the Air Force, and the life and work of an Air Force junior officer. Students develop their leadership potential in a practical, supervised laboratory, which typically includes field trips to Air Force installations throughout the United States. This course is generally taught at St. Louis University. It is required for all AF ROTC students.

AERO 2001 Team Leadership Fundamentals I: 2 semester hours

This course lays the foundation for teams and leadership. The topics include skills that will allow cadets to improve their leadership on a personal level and within a team. The course will prepare cadets for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. The purpose is to instill a leadership mindset and to motivate sophomore students to transition from AFROTC cadet to AFROTC officer candidate.

AERO 2002 Team Leadership Fundamentals II: 2 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 2001 or consent of instructor. This course lays the foundation for Air Force leadership and prepares AFROTC students for their field training experience where they will be able to put the concepts learned into practice. Contracting with AFROTC is not required for this course.

AERO 3001 Leading People and Effective Communications I: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 2002 or consent of the instructor. This course focuses on training students to be effective managers in Air Force context. Professional concepts that will be emphasized include the use of managerial processes involving decision-making and the use of analytic aids to support planning, organizing, and controlling systems in a changing environment.

AERO 3002 Leading People and Effective Communications II: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 3001 or consent of instructor. This course continues the management training from AERO 3001. Using actual Air Force cases, students focus on the management of forces in change and managerial strategy within the context of the military organization.

AERO 4001 Air Force in National Security Affairs I: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 3002 or consent of instructor. This course explores the role of the armed forces as an integral element of American society, including civil-military relations, defense policy, and Air Force responsibilities in national defense. It is part of the final educational experience for AF ROTC Cadets before commissioning.

AERO 4002 Air Force in National Security Affairs II: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: AERO 4001 or consent of instructor. This course explores the importance of maintaining adequate national security forces and teaches students how to effectively design and implement Air Force-focused national security policies. It is part of the final educational experience for AF ROTC Cadets before commissioning.

Military Science Courses

MIL SCI 1101 Introduction to Leadership I: 3 semester hours

Examine the challenges and competencies that are critical for effective leadership. You will learn how the personal development of life skills such as cultural understanding, goal setting, time management, mental/physical resiliency, and stress management relate to leadership, officership, and the Army profession. Enrollment in MIL SCI 1101 does not require a commitment to join the US Army, (FALL ONLY).

MIL SCI 1102 Introduction to Leadership II: 3 semester hours

Investigate leadership fundamentals such as problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using effective writing skills. You will explore dimensions of leadership attributes and core leader competencies in the context of practical, hands-on, and interactive exercises. Learn fundamental military concepts and explore the Army's leadership philosophy. Enrollment in MIL SCI 1102 does not require a commitment to join the US Army. (SPRING ONLY).

MIL SCI 1500 Leadership Laboratory: 0 semester hours

Prerequisites: Must be currently enrolled in a MIL SCI course. Leadership Laboratory provides basic and advanced leadership experience in military courtesy, drill and ceremonies and practical application of classroom-taught subjects. Functions and responsibilities of leadership positions are developed through student-led staff planning actions and command positions. This course normally meets at Washington University. Note: All military science scholarship and advanced course students must register for MIL SCI 1500.

MIL SCI 2201 Innovative Team Leadership: 3 semester hours

Explore the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and leadership theories. The focus continues to build on developing knowledge of leadership attributes and core leader competencies through the understanding of Army rank, structure, and duties as well as broadening knowledge of land navigation and squad tactics. Enrollment in MIL SCI 2201 does not require a commitment to join the US Army. (FALL ONLY).

MIL SCI 2202 Foundations of Tactical Leadership: 3 semester hours

Develop greater self-awareness as you assess your own leadership styles and practice communication and team building skills. Examine the challenges of leading teams in the complex operational environment. Study dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders. Explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military operations. Enrollment in MIL SCI 2202 does not require a commitment to join the US Army. (SPRING ONLY).

MIL SCI 3301 Adaptive Team Leadership: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 2202 or consent of instructor. In this course, students will study, practice, and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics, and small unit tactics. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be capable of planning, coordinating, navigating, motivating and leading a team or squad in the execution of a tactical mission during a classroom practical exercise (PE), a leadership lab, or during a situational training exercise (STX) in a field environment. (FALL ONLY).

MIL SCI 3302 Applied Team Leadership: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 3301. Through this course, students continue to learn and apply the fundamentals of Army leadership, officership, Army values and ethics as they hone leadership abilities in a variety of tactical environments and the classroom. The course focuses on leadership attributes and the development of value and core leader competencies. Successful completion of this course will help prepare students for success at the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course (LDAC) which they may attend the summer following this course. It is only offered in the Spring.

MIL SCI 4401 Adaptive Leadership: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 3302 or consent of the instructor. This course focuses on practical application of adaptive leadership. Throughout the semester, students will attend weekly training meetings and fill the roles of Army staff officers. They will plan, execute and assess ROTC training and recruiting events. Study will also focus on the Army values, leader ethics and how they are applied in the Full Spectrum Operating Environment. The officer's role in the Uniform Code of Military Justice, counseling of subordinates, administrative actions and other aspects of everyday military life will also be discussed. (FALL ONLY).

MIL SCI 4402 Leaders in a Complex World: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 4401. Explore the dynamics of leading in the complex situation of current military operations in the contemporary operating environment. Examine differences in customs and courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the face of international terrorism. You will also explore aspects of interacting with non-government organizations, civilians on the battlefield and host nation support. Significant emphasis is placed on preparing you for your branch school and first unit of assignment. (SPRING ONLY).

MIL SCI 4411 Advanced Military Science Studies I: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MIL SCI 4401. This course is an in-depth study of the role of the Army officer in today's Army.

MIL SCI 4413 Military Medical Technologies Independent Study: 3 semester hours

This course explores how medical advances have improved soldiers' chances of surviving battlefield injuries from the Civil War to the Iraq War. Also explores how soldiers are now surviving more catastrophic injuries and what the implications are on long term health care for these soldiers both physically and mentally.

Military and Veterans Studies Courses

MVS 1100 Veterans Transition Seminar: 1 semester hour

This course is designed for the student veteran who is new to UMSL but not eligible for the First Year Experience class. It will survey essential life skills (time management, financial management, physical fitness) and tools for academic success (note-taking, writing, research, oral presentation). It will familiarize students with the relationship between their education and their career and personal goals. It will also expose students to campus and veteran-specific support services. Maybe most importantly, this course will provide a venue for veterans to connect with other veterans who are facing a similar transition.

MVS 2000 Selected Topics in Military or Veterans Studies: 1-3 semester hours

Selected topics in military or veterans studies. The topics will vary each semester. May be taken more than once for credit as long as the topic differs.

MVS 2021 War and Violence in Modern Times: 3 semester hours

Same as HIST 2021. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or consent of the instructor. This course examines the connections between warfare and resistance, gangs and poverty, and state and non-state officials as enactors of violence. It explores the effects of war and violence on the poor in Brazil and the United States, prisoners of war in Asia, and resistance fighters in Latin America and northern Africa. Students will watch films/short videos, read academic and newspaper articles, and listen to short podcasts to grapple with the issues underlying structures of violence.

MVS 2025 U.S. Foreign Relations and Military History: 3 semester hours

Same as HIST 2025. This course surveys the development of American land, sea, air, space, and cyber power from the start of the colonial era to the present, with an emphasis on the interrelationship between U.S. foreign and military policies and between diplomacy and force.

MVS 2100 Veterans in American Society: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 2801. Prerequisite: ENGL 1100. This survey course will focus on the American veteran experience and explore basic concepts, ideas and research into veterans and veteran institutions. In a multidisciplinary manner, students will examine military culture, the unique status of veterans in our society, and veteran institutions. Students will also study the successes, challenges and obligations our society faces related to its veteran community.

MVS 2130 Gender and the Military: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 2802 and GS 2130. This course investigates how the military treats gender difference, explores how military culture is defined, and how gender is a socially constructed concept. Topics may include military culture, gender construction, and how gender and sexuality issues affect military readiness and effectiveness.

MVS 3100 Current Issues in Military and Veterans Studies: 1-4 semester hours

Selected topics in military or veterans affairs with emphasis on current issues and trends. May be repeated as long as the topic is different for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

MVS 3300 Veteran Social Policy: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 3802. This course provides an overview of American public policy towards military veterans. Students will research, design, and propose policy changes using various written products and presentations.

MVS 3500 Internship in Veterans Studies: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisites: Junior Standing and consent of the department chair. Independent study involving regular on-site work with an appropriate public or private agency serving the veteran community. A written report reflecting on the experience is required. Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credit hours.

MVS 4100 Veterans Studies Capstone Seminar: 3 semester hours

Prerequisites: MVS 2100 and senior standing. Mentored by a faculty member, students in this course will apply insights gained from previous coursework into a substantial Veterans Studies project. Students will work with the instructor and the class to develop a topic, establish a research or project plan, then prepare a project or paper suitable for presentation to the public. Students should expect that their work will be published or presented at an end-of-the-year symposium. This is not an independent study.

MVS 4200 Independent Study in Military and Veterans Issues: 1-3 semester hours

Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Faculty mentored, independent study through readings, reports, or field research. No student may take more than a cumulative total of 6 hours of Independent Study.

MVS 4345 War Crimes, Genocide, and Justice in the 20th and 21st Centuries: 3 semester hours

Same as SOC 4345, POL SCI 4345, and CRIMIN 4345. Prerequisite: ENGL 3100. This course provides advanced undergraduate and Master’s level students a comprehensive overview of the subject of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and legal responses to these crimes in the modern era. The goal of this course is to engage students in sustained, critical thought about these issues and to foster a deeper understanding of both the causes and consequences—legal, social and human—of these egregious crimes.

Ray Kuderka
Professor of Military Science and Lt Col, US Army

Michael Cook
Professor of Aerospace Studies and Lt Col, USAF