Aerospace Studies
Course Descriptions

Faculty | Course Descriptions | Other Departments

AERO 101   The Air Force Today I   1 Credit Hour
                     (First Semester—Fourth Class Year)

This course and its follow-on provide the student with an introductory survey of the United States Air Force. In the first semester, the course begins with a discussion of the development of the Air Force mission, functions, and organizations; corp values; and guiding principles. It continues with a discussion of the major commands, their missions, and current weapons systems in the Air Force inventory. Students are also given an introduction to leadership, followership, communicative skills, human relations, and officership.
Lecture: two hours.

AERO 102   The Air Force Today II    1 Credit Hour
                     (Second Semester—Fourth Class Year)

This course covers the Air Force's integration into our national strategy, as well as geopolitics and the instruments of national power. It also addresses the diverse roles of general purpose and aerospace support forces by examining their applications to the entire spectrum of conflict. U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and Commonwealth of Independent States' forces are also discussed, along with a continued emphasis on communicative skills
Lecture: two hours.

AERO 201   The Development of Air Power I    1 Credit Hour
                     (First Semester—Third Class Year)

This course explores two broad areas. First, the course examines the development of air power beginning with the first flights of the Wright brothers and ending with World War II. Second, it directs attention to the life of an Air Force officer, discussing such topics as professionalism, leadership, education, Air Force heritage, Air Force leaders, quality Air Force, ethics, values and advancement. Communication skills development continues.
Lecture: two hours.

AERO 202   The Development of Air Power II    1 Credit Hour
                     (Second Semester—Third Class Year)

As a follow-on to AERO 201, this course continues to examine the development of air power. It stresses a variety of events and elements in the history of air power, especially when these provide significant examples of the last 40 years, ending with an examination of the air operation in Desert Storm. Communication skills development continues.
Lecture: two hours.

AERO 301   Air Force Leadership and Management I    3 Credit Hours
                     (First Semester—Second Class Year)

This is an integrated leadership and quality management course emphasizing the individual as a leader. Emphasis is given to the individual's environment and job, the management process, and an in-depth look at the function of leadership, ethics, motivation, and individual and group behavior. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the basic principles, initatives, and leadership's role in implementing and sustaining a quality Air Force. Different styles of leadership and subordinate behavior are discussed. Included is a mini-course on individual communication skills. The student develops speaking, listening, and writing skills through oral and written presentations of military and current events.
Lecture: three hours

AERO 302   Air Force Leadership and Management II   3 Credit Hours
                     (Second Semester—Second Class Year)

This course deals with aspects of the military manager's work environment beyond the leadership aspect. Group dynamics, motivation, and personal values (ethics) are discussed within the context of the military organization. Cadets will use case study analysis to apply management and leadership principles to real life scenarios.
Lecture: three hours.

AERO 401   U.S. National Security Policy I    3 Credit Hours
                     (First Semester—First Class Year)

This course studies the policy and process of national security. Specifically, the course reviews the varying U.S. approaches to national policy, the actors and processes involved in the determination of that policy, contemporary issues which impact national security forces and key national security issues. An in-depth look at the defense community's involvement in national security policy making is stressed.
Lecture: three hours.

AERO 402   U.S. National Security Policy II    3 Credit Hours
                     (Second Semester—First Class Year)

During the second semester, the noncontract student continues the study of U.S. defense policy and focuses on future career objectives. The noncontract student will attend some classes while doing independent research culminating in a major writing project. For contract cadets, the course stresses the officer's role in the military profession, the changing and demanding role of officership and the military profession, and the impact of professionalism on security policy. Also addressed are various contemporary issues which impact national security policy, national security forces, and essential elements of commissioned service.
Lecture: three hours.