National Security Structure and Responsibilities – NSEC 501
CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024
Course Description
This course provides an in-depth look at the National Security Council and subordinate organizations like DoD, DHS, DOJ, DNI, and other related departments. Topics include areas of national security and military actions, the use and development of intelligence programs, homeland security basics, and the requirements of these agencies based on the 2001 Patriot Act and the 2004 Intelligence Reorganization and Terror Prevention Act. The course considers the elements of national power and their application to national security.
For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.
Rationale
The evaluation of concepts of leadership and management from the perspective of theories and applied biblical integration is important in making effective decisions. The most effective decisions that leaders can make are those that are biblically sound and therefore will have long-term benefits and broad ramifications. In a world of constant change, it is important that leaders have a character-based, principle-centered approach to developing themselves, their teams, and their organizations. The understanding of these truths and the ability to choose the best course of action with influence and synergy is critical for leaders to implement enduring, biblically-based strategies for sustainability and growth.
Course Assignment
Course Requirements Checklist
After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.
Discussions (2)
Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each discussion. Each thread must be at least 500 words, include at least 3 citations, and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 250 words and include at least 1 citation.
Short Paper: Government Relations Pre-Spanish American War Assignment
In this assignment, the student will understand the growth and development of executive leadership by looking at the dynamics between the president and Congress in the period from the founding to the Spanish-American War. In a 6–8 page paper, the student will focus on: 1) how presidents pursued international relations, 2) how presidents were able to project force, and 3) congressional restrictions on presidential actions. The student may write about the president of his/her choice.
Short Paper: Government Relations Post Spanish American War Assignment
In this assignment, the student will examine how the balance between the president and Congress shifted from the era before the Spanish-American War. In a 6-8 page paper, the student will discuss: 1) how President Roosevelt’s vision of America’s role in the international environment changed the presidential inclination to act, 2) evaluate congressional responses, 3) discuss how the growth in government—particularly in military forces—gave the president more options, and 4) provide new thoughts related to this topic.
Short Paper: NSC Structure Comparison Assignment
In this 8-10 page paper, the student will examine how different presidents have structured the National Security Council. Specifically, the student will discuss: 1) how the 2 modern NSC structures are similar, 2) how the 2 structures are different, 3) the strengths of each formation, 4) the weaknesses of each structure, and will 5) develop a proposed structure for the current POTUS.
Short Paper: Worldview Analysis Assignment
In this assignment the student will define a worldview, identify different types of worldviews and differentiate a Christian worldview from a non-Christian worldview.
Short Paper: IC Structure Changes Assignment
In this 8-10 page paper, the student will discuss major changes to the IC and how it affects its mission to support the POTUS. In this paper, the student will: 1) provide a short overview of the major changes the IC has undergone, 2) examine the impact to the IC mission to support the POTUS, and 3) discuss additional changes the student would recommend.
Short Paper: Worldviews and NSC Structures Assignment
In this 6–8-page paper, the student will discuss how a Christian worldview shapes his/her approach to the NSC. The student will: 1) discuss how advisors to Old Testament kings influenced events negatively or positively, 2) contrast Old Testament advisors and NSC advisors, and 3) articulate changes the student would advocate for based upon his/her assessment of how a Christian worldview would be enacted.
