Christian Values in National Security – NSEC 502

Course Description

This course examines ethics, character and worldview challenges in national security for individuals and organizations. Students will also analyze conflict, interventions, intelligence operations, and homeland security considering ethics, religious and moral doctrines (including from Christian scripture and teachings), relevant to national defense, intelligence operations, and homeland security.

Rationale

This course examines the need, importance and status of Judeo-Christian values, ethics and character in the American national security arena; it will also explore individual godly character and ethics as well as organizational ethics from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Gen Matthew Ridgway said it best: “Without character—particularly in the military [national security]--failure in peace, disaster in war, or, at best, mediocrity in both will result.” That makes this course’s subject matter foundational, and its importance an imperative to the national security program (NSEC).

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be 500 words 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 250 words.

Personal Philosophy and Vision Paper Assignment

The student will write a 5–7-page paper in current APA format that focuses on a personal character, virtues, ethics and worldview vision. The paper must include 5 references plus the Bible, and 2 outside scholarly references.

Ethical Scenario Paper Assignments (2)

The student will write a 5–7-page paper in a modified APA format that focuses on one or more ethical dilemmas. The paper must include at least 5 references plus the Bible (6 total).

Quizzes (2)

Each quiz will cover the Learn Section and Textbook material for the assigned module(s). Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 8 short answer, 4 short essay, with a 2 1/2 hour time limit.

Research Paper Assignments (3)

The student will write an 8–10-page research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on a key topic approved by the instructor. The paper must include at least 10 total references plus the Bible including 4 outside scholarly references.