MILS514 - The Making of Strategy

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

CO-1: Analyze perspectives on strategic thought

CO-2: Assess the process of making strategy at the national and alliance level.

CO-3: Examine the historical and current use of strategy

CO-4: Evaluate patterns, inconsistencies and recurring themes related to the making of strategy

CO-5 Generate new ideas related to strategy and its formulation

The course grade is based on the following assessments:

Discussion Forums – 20 percent

Each week, a discussion question is provided and posts should reflect an assimilation of the readings. Students are required to provide a substantive initial post by Thursday at 11:55 pm ET and respond to 2 or more classmates by Sunday 11:55 pm ET. Forum posts are graded on timeliness, relevance, knowledge of the weekly readings, and the quality of original ideas.

Research Question, Purpose Statement, and Literature Review Exercise – 15 percent

The components of this assignment include a research question, a purpose statement, and a literature view of at least 6 sources, two of which must be peer-reviewed. The specific research question should relate to a general topic in the course. 6-8 pages.

Research Paper – 35 percent

Adding to the 6-8 page assignment in Week Two, the research paper should be at least 10 additional pages of analysis of your topic, not including the cover page, the reference list, and any appendices.

Final Assignment – 30 percent

This assignment is a take-home essay assignment requiring an analysis of a campaign to test knowledge and assimilation of the course objectives (8-9 pages max). The exclusive use of required texts and readings from this course is mandatory.

Required Readings

• External websites and other assigned readings are found in the Lessons area of the classroom.

• Weekly Lesson Notes and videos or audio files are found in the Lessons area of the classroom.