MNS 250 - Leadership and Ethics

Course Description

This course is required of all Maritime Academy cadets who are midshipmen in the Strategic Sealift Midshipman Program and optional for all other Maritime Academy cadets. It introduces students to western moral traditions and ethical philosophy with a variety of topics, such as military leadership, core values, and professional ethics that will prepare them for their role and responsibilities as a leader in the U.S. Navy of the 21st century. Group 2 course.

Credit Hours

2

Contact Hours

2

Lecture Hours

2

Required Prerequisites

MNS 200 or instructor permission.

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:
  • Comprehend the basic elements of the Constitution of the United States.
  • Know the Navy Ethos.
  • Know the Navy's Charge of Command.
  • Know and recite the military officer's Oath of Office.
  • Know the International Law of Armed Conflict including Rules of Engagement (ROE), conduct.
  • of hostilities, rights of individuals, obligations of engaged parties, and the Code of Conduct for.
  • members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Application:
  • Demonstrate, by personal example, the professional attributes and behaviors of a Naval Officer.
  • Demonstrate the prioritization of Constitution, mission, service, command, shipmate and self.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of an officer’s ability to effectively lead in an organization to: properly use and obey authority, clearly and concisely convey Commander's Intent, foster loyalty up and down the chain of command, and promote good morale and esprit de corps.
  • Demonstrate effective oral and written communication.
  • Demonstrate adherence to the standards of conduct for military personnel.
Integration:
  • Synthesize course materials to make connections and uncover patterns.
  • Comprehend the relationship between authority, responsibility, and accountability.
  • Comprehend the relationship of integrity, moral courage, and ethical behavior to authority,.
  • responsibility, and accountability.
Human Dimension:
  • View themselves as civilian mariners and naval officers who hold an obligation to the U.S.
  • in time of need.
  • Recognize the importance of the chain of command and professional relationships.
  • Understand basic counseling skills.
  • Comprehend motivational techniques which may be useful in leadership situations.
  • Comprehend the significance of special trust and confidence vested in commissioned officers as members of the profession of arms.
Caring - Civic Learning:
  • Comprehend the professional, moral and ethical responsibilities of the Naval Officer.
  • Comprehend the relationship of the Oath of Office to Navy core values.
  • Comprehend the role of commissioned officers as members of the U.S. Armed Forces and know the obligations and responsibilities assumed by taking the oath of office and accepting a commission including the constitutional requirement for civilian control.
Learning How to Learn:
  • Read and understand classical and contemporary western ethical thinkers such as Aristotle, C. S. Lewis, Kant, and Shannon French.
  • Practice using a case study method to reflect and decide on ethical dilemmas.
  • Know the importance of continuing education, professional reading, and lifelong learning to.
  • professional and personal development as a leader and Naval Officer.
  • Know the availability and applicability of the CNO’s/CMC’s Professional Reading program to personal development.