MSL 101, Leadership and Personal Development
COURSE SYLLABUS - MSL 101, Leadership and Personal Development
INSTRUCTORS
Primary:
Captain Kristopher Pyette
Schreiber Gym, Room 118
Office Phone: 406-243-2769
Cell:
E-mail:
COURSE DESCRIPTION
MSL 101 provides students with a basic understanding of the significant impact the US military had in the
establishment and development of America as a nation and a society. This class will provide an overview
of American and European Military culture, beginning with the foundation of military customs and
courtesies. The course additionally provides a broad foundation into American military society by
examining long-held traditions, the bases of Officership and the shared values and creeds of the Army
profession. The course will cover the history of American military combat spanning a wide geographical
region. In addition, a variety of skills and tasks to improve goal setting, time and stress management will
be taught. Students will also learn and demonstrate proficiency of a variety of Soldier skills focused on
improving their confidence.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The key objective of this semester is to introduce you to the Army’s leadership philosophies and integrate
them into your own personal development experiences. MSL 101 is divided into six primary components,
as follows:
Society and Culture



Explain the significance of European society in shaping the US military
Describe the relationship between US military and the development of the nation as the
forefront of Western civilization and democracy
Analyze how the US military evolved to meet the societal and resource needs of the
developing nation
Values and Ethics
•
•
•
•
Compare and contrast military ethics and values with broader American society
Idenify unique elements of the Army profession and military culture
Explain the Warrior Ethos
List and define the Seven Army Values
Leadership
•
Understand the importance of leadership and personal challenge
Personal Development
•
•
•
Explain the importance of goal setting and time management
Define the basic elements of stress and stress management
Identify benefits of healthy nutrition and diet in a personal fitness program
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MSL 101, Leadership and Personal Development
•
Develop short & long-term goals for a personal health and fitness program
Officership
•
•
•
•
Explain the importance of being a model citizen as an Army officer
React to passing colors, National music, and approaching officers
Identify Army customs, courtesies, and Cadet rank structure
Understand the impact of different cultures on leader development
Tactics and Techniques
•
•
Work effectively in teams with fellow students
Demonstrate proficiency in selected warrior tasks and Soldier skills
COURSE STRUCTURE
Course Design
This class will be conducted in an interactive manner. Success in this course will be HEAVILY
dependent upon class participation. Not only will classes be very hands on but exams will also consist of
a practical/hands on portion to test student’s ability to apply material covered in class. Everyone will be
responsible for contributing to the success of the learning experience. Lectures will be brief and
interactive. You will have extensive small group discussions and exercises scattered throughout the
class. Time will be given in class to discuss and work on projects and papers.
Collaboration
You are encouraged to work together with the instructor in raising questions for discussion and offering
suggestions for additional topics to be covered in class.
Below is a layout of the course:
Class:
Subject:
Aug 26/27
Course Intro/Rank and Structure
28/29
Time Management/Stress Management
Sep 2/3
Labor Day- No Class
4/5
US Army Customs and Courtesies/Officership and the Army Profession
9/10
EPW Handling/EPW Team
11/12
Intro to TLPs
16/17
First Aid/Aid and Litter Teams
18/19
First Aid/Aid and Litter Teams
23/24
Intro to Map Reading
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MSL 101, Leadership and Personal Development
25/26
Land Navigation
Sep 30/Oct 1
Land Navigation
2/3
Military History: Revolutionary War
7/8
Military History: Revolutionary War/War of 1812
9/10
Midterm Review
14/15
Midterm Exam
16/17
M16 PMI
21/22
Camo Self and Equipment
23/24
Goal Setting/Health and Human Fitness
28/29
Military History: WWII
30/31
Use of Hand Grenades and Claymore Mines
Nov 4/5
Intro Warrior Ethos/Intro to Cultural Awareness
6/7
Military History: Somolia
11/12
Veteran’s Day: No Class
13/14
Tactics I: Team/Squad Composition/IMT
18/19
Tactics II: Movement Formations/Techniques
20/21
Military History: Iraq
25/26
Class Presentations
27-29
Thanksgiving- No Class
Dec 2/3
Final Review
4/5
Final Exam
STANDARDS AND PARTICIPATION
Class Attendance and Participation: Students are expected to participate actively in learning through
critical reflection, inquiry, dialogue, and group interactions. This includes participating in class discussion,
sharing personal perspectives and experiences related to principles discussed in class or reading, and
working with fellow students to engage in class and lab exercises. Attendance is mandatory. If unable to
attend class, leadership labs or physical fitness sessions, call or text at least 8hrs beforehand AND leave
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a message. Each student will be authorized two unexcused class absences each semester anything
more will result in a letter grade reduction to your class GPA.
Writing Assessment: There will be one major writing assignment this semester. This assignment will be
worth10% of your grade.
Class Presentation: Each student will give a 5-10 minute brief on one of the Army Officer branches. Each
student is required to notify the instructor on what branch they choose to ensure duplications are held to a
minimum.
Homework Assignments: Homework assignments will be assigned throughout the semester.
Quizzes: Occasionally, unannounced quizzes will be administered by the instructor. No make-up quizzes
will be allowed
LATE ASSIGNMENTS: Unless student has discussed with Instructor, at least 48hrs prior to due date, that
they will not be able to complete an assignment on time and the Instructor determines the reason to be
valid, then any late assignments will be docked one letter grade for each day pass the due date the
assignment is not turned in.
Mid-term and Final Exam: A comprehensive mid-term and final exam will be given.
Physical Training (PT): All Contracted Cadets are required to attend all PT sessions which are held every
Monday-Friday from 0600-0730hrs. Students that are not contracted do not have to participate but are
welcome to attend. Contracted Cadets are allowed to miss two PT sessions during the semester. Beyond
the first two absences, 5 points will be deducted for each missed PT session. An Army Physical Fitness Test
will be administered at the beginning, middle, and the end of the Semester. Prospects/Cadets who receive
an APFT score of 90 points or higher in each of the three events will receive the Army Physical Readiness
Patch, a day off from PT each month, and 50 bonus points.
Field Training Exercise (FTX): There will be one FTX (Field Training Exercise) on 20-21 April 2013.
Attendance is mandatory for contracted Cadets and prospective Cadets are encouraged to participate.
Extra Curricular Activities: The battalion will hold a number of extra curricular activities during the semester,
such as color guard, social functions etc. If the battalion commander makes an event a "mandatory training
event”, and a contracted Cadet misses it without first clearing it with the commander, he/she will loose fifty
points toward the final grade.
Activities: Students are strongly encouraged to participate in extra curricular activities. It is essential to
building cohesive and effective teams and enhances the entire college experience.
Special Accommodations: Any student requiring accommodations or services due to a disability must
contact Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in room 181 of the Student Service Center. SSD can
also arrange to provide course materials (including a syllabus) in alternative formats if necessary.
Uniform and Appearance: The Army Combat Uniform (ACU) will be worn by all contracted cadets to
class, lab, field training exercises, and other selected events. Cadets can choose to change out of the
uniform when not in ROTC Class. The Class A or Class B uniform requirements will be announced during
the semester. All uniforms will be clean and pressed (Class A); shoes/boots will be clean and highly
shined (Class A) if necessary. Further information on proper wear and appearance of uniforms can be
found in the University of Montana ROTC Uniform SOP located on the ROTC blackboard web site under
GIRZZLY BATTALION then under documents.
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Counseling: Counseling sessions will be conducted following the mid-term and final exam periods. These
one on one sessions are essential for your leadership development and attendances at these sessions
are part of your grade.
Values: The Army is a values based institution. Future Officers adherence to basic values (respect, honor
and integrity) is paramount in all walks of life, including while in college. Work presented by a student as
their own, will be their own. To do otherwise results in an unfair advantage and is inconsistent with
professional ethics and integrity.
Volunteering: Each cadet will participate in at least two volunteer activities during the semester or recruit
one student into an ROTC class during the semester. The instructor will give you a list of available
activities. Students must earn at least 30 recruiting points during the semester which will count towards
your participation and self development points with no limit on how many points you may earn. This is the
easiest way to earn extra credit in the class.
EVALUATION PROCEDURES
You will receive a letter grade that summarizes how well you met course objectives. Letter grades will be
awarded as follows:
-A to A+: 90% to 100%
B- to B+: 80% to 89%
C- to C+: 70% to 79%
D- to D+: 60% to 69%
F: 59% to 0%
Participation and Self Development
Writing Assignments
Military Brief
Quizzes & Homework
Midterm
Final Exam
TOTAL
20%
10%
10%
20%
20%
20%
100%
TEXT
All text books will be available on Blackboard or provided. They include:
MSL I – Introduction to Leadership
FM 3-25.26 – Map Reading and Land Navigation
FM 3-21.8 – The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad
SH 21-76 – Ranger Handbook
FM 22-100 - Army Leadership Be, Know, Do
STP 21-1-SMCT – Soldier’s Manual of Common Task, Warrior Skills Level 1
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OFFICE HOURS AND APPOINTMENTS
Office Hours are 1000 – 1500 M-F. I will meet with any of you to discuss assignments, issues, or
concerns. My schedule is generally flexible and I will schedule a specific time to meet with you beyond
office hours, if necessary.
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