Leadership, Ethics, Law, and Psychology Courses

Ethics Course

Leadership Courses

NL302 Leadership: Theory and Application (2-0-2). Third year students continue to build on the concepts introduced in NL112, examining the leadership process by focusing on the dynamic interaction of "the leader, the followers, and the situation." The course uses readings by experts in the fields of military sociology, social psychology, organizational behavior and group dynamics in an application oriented and case study driven approach to bridging the experience gap between the students' roles as midshipmen and the challenges they will face as first tour naval leaders. Prereq: 2/C standing.[spring]

Law Course

Psychology Courses

NL211 Social Psychology (3-0-3). This course focuses on human behavior in the social context. How individuals influence and are influenced by groups, as well as the field of group dynamics will be examined.  Emphasis is placed on research-based findings in the areas of causal attribution, social perception, interpersonal attraction, attitudes and attitude change, group dynamics, prosocial behavior and aggression. Particular emphasis is given to application in the military setting. Prereq: NL112.

NL306 Personality (3-0-3). This course offers an exploration of major influences on the development of personality from both theoretical and clinical perspectives.  Theories covered include psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic and biopsycosocial. This course addresses contemporary research and practice relative to assessment and understanding of personality traits, styles and disorders.  Midshipmen will examine their own personality assets and liabilities and implications for leadership. Prereq: NL200.

NL311 Psychology of Leadership (3-0-3).  This is an intensive and experientially-focused course that emphasizes leader self-analysis and skill development. Areas covered include personnel management, team development and performance enhancement at both individual and group levels.  Research findings from industrial/organizational consultation, learning, motivation, social behavior, group dynamics, personality, counseling, social perception and interpersonal influence will provide the undergirding for developing knowledge, attitudes and skills which contribute to effective leadership. Prereq: NL200.

NL312 Abnormal Psychology (3-0-3). Explores the origins, symptoms, diagnosis and management of psychological disorders. Midshipmen gain an understanding of the root causes of psychological disturbance, including personality disorders. The cognitive, emotional, behavioral and cultural manifestations of these disorders are explored.  Strategies for effective prevention and management of psychopathology in operational environments are addressed. Midshipmen also learn techniques for rapid assessment and triage of psychiatric crises.

Philosophy Courses

NP232 Military Ethics: The Code of the Warrior (3-0-3).  Why do warriors fight? How do they fight?  What should bring a warrior honor?  What should bring them shame?  What is really worth dying for?  There have been special warrior cultures in countless societies across the globe, through every era in history.  Were these warriors just killers, or did they have their own unique codes of behavior?  This course explores several warrior traditions: the Ancient Greeks, the Vikings, the Romans, the Celts, Knights and Chivalry, African Tribesmen, Native American Warriors, Chinese Warrior Monks, Japanese Samurai, and 20th Century warriors, and applies the lessons of their experience and warrior philosophy to the task of creating the ideal code for warriors of the new millennium. [fall, spring]

NP336 Philosophy of Religion (3-0-3). This class provides a focused introduction to philosophical questions that arise about religion and in the pursuit of religious ideals. Whether you are a person of strong faith from any religious tradition or an agnostic or an atheist, you will enjoy investigating and debating questions and topics such as these: Arguments for the Existence of God, Do Miracles Occur?, What is the Source of Evil?, What Happens When We Die?, Faith and Reason, Faith and Scientific Knowledge, Religious Pluralism, and the Relationship Between Religion and Ethics. One way or another, these issues affect us all.Prereq: 1/C or 2/C only, or permission of chair. [fall, spring]

NP340 Philosophy of Science (3-0-3). (required of General Science majors) This course treats the historical development of science and the emergence of the modern scientific method, and examines some of the great challenges facing scientists at the close of the present century.  What drives dramatic paradigm shifts in scientific fields? Is scientific inquiry ever really objective and detached? How are scientific theories evaluated? Come explore the philosophies behind the formulas.  Prereq: 1/C or 2/C or permission of chair. [fall, spring]

Office of the Academic Dean & Provost Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Frederic I. Davis Comments to: fid@nadn.navy.mil

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