NJROTC SYLLABUS

                 Pamlico County High School        

601 Main Street

Bayboro, NC 28515

252-745-3151

NJROTC Course Syllabus

COURSE TITLE:  Naval Science (NJROTC) 1-4

Teachers:  Captain Jesse Rodriguez  and Master Chief Petty Officer Dave Matthews

E-mail address: jesserodriguez@pamlicoschools.org  (Captain Jesse Rodriguez) and davematthews@pamlicoschools.org  (Master Chief Dave Matthews)

Telephone Extension:  543 (Captain Rodriguez) and 539 (Master Chief Matthews)

Rooms:  306 and 308

Books:  Cadet Field Manual, Cadet Reference Manual, Naval Science 1 (NJROTC Introduction to the Navy), Naval Science 2 (Maritime History and Nautical Sciences), Naval Science 3 (Naval Knowledge and Skills), and Naval Science 4 (Leadership and College and Career Ready) 

I.  DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY:

Naval Science is a program of academic studies which is patterned after the NROTC College Scholarship Program.  It is offered as an elective course, with the primary objective of developing the students, called Cadets, into more informed, responsible, and productive citizens.  The course includes instruction on oceanography, meteorology, naval orientation and sea power, navigation, behavioral management, leadership, discipline, health education, and current events.  Military drill, physical fitness training, and military formations and ceremonies supplement classroom instruction. Extra-curricular activities include field trips to military bases, shipboard cruises, competitions with other schools in professional areas, performances by the cadets in local parades and similar public ceremonies, as well as participation in school events as guides, escorts, and ushers. Cadets are heavily involved in community service projects and enjoy a healthy social program that includes picnics, trips to theme parks, and an annual military ball.  Uniforms, textbooks, and associated training equipment are furnished at no cost.  Enrollment in NJROTC incurs no present or future obligation to serve in the Armed Services.

II.  COURSE CONTENT AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

1.  The student will gain insight into ethical values and principles that underlie good citizenship including integrity, responsibility, and respect for constituted authority. 

2.  The student will develop leadership skills to live and work productively and cooperatively with others.

3.   The student will develop self-discipline, self-esteem, and a sense of responsibility and accountability for oneself. 

4.   The student will develop a greater desire to pursue academic excellence in all subject matters. 

5.   The student will learn about the educational and vocational opportunities afforded by the Armed Forces. 

6.   The student will become familiar with world history and geography, the influence of sea power on western civilization, and the purpose and structure of the national defense establishment with emphasis on the Naval Service. 

7.   The student will refine skills in logical thinking, and effective communications, both oral and written.

III.  EXPECTED STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Complex Thinkers.  The Cadets administer most aspects of the NJROTC Unit and therefore will have opportunities to solve a variety of real world problems on a daily basis.  Representative situations include: setting mission goals, developing strategies for attaining goals, organizing, training and leading teams of students to professional excellence, and record-keeping. These opportunities supplement normal classroom academic challenges that include tests, homework assignments, and projects. 

Effective Communicators. Effective communication is an integral part of the NJROTC course with frequent opportunities for Cadets to express themselves in oral and written form, both in and out of the classroom. Students will discuss problems and work situations in large and small groups, take notes in the classroom, and make presentations on the subject matter. Students will also present command briefs to visiting dignitaries, represent the high school at assemblies, and address service clubs and civic groups.  Documents will include tests, essays, notebooks, minutes of discussion groups, and command briefs.

Healthy Lifestyle Advocates. Cadets will be taught the importance of exercising freedom and initiative within the boundaries of classroom rules.  Conflict management with students and adults will be practiced.  Students will be instructed in the special role they play as NJROTC Cadets in the school and community and the need to lead by example, conforming to the dress and behavior regulations of the school and the NJROTC Unit. Instruction will also be given on the principles of health education and the importance of physical fitness training and a drug-free lifestyle to maintaining good health.  Documentation includes classroom notes, tests, and citizenship award certificates. 

Involved Citizens. Cadets will have many opportunities to interact with other cadets through the use of small, specialized teams.  Instruction will also address cultural links, the importance of democratic institutions, the development of the United States into a superpower, and the contributions of individual citizens toward that endeavor. The students will be heavily involved in a variety of community services projects, such as presenting the Colors at civic and community functions, marching in parades, feeding the homeless, and conducting food/clothing drives. Documentation might include group notes, logs and reports of projects, and work completed as groups.

Planning for Life after school.  All cadets are required to develop a plan for life after high school.  What that looks like is dependent upon the individual Cadet goals.  To help them in this endeavor they will be given the opportunity to attend college tours and receive briefs from local recruiters and businesses, receive guidance from the Naval Science Instructors, the high school College Advisor, and guidance counselors. 

Responsible Self-Directed Learners and Workers. The cadets will have opportunities to set personal and professional goals, develop timelines for completing course work, and achieve NJROTC objectives.  Teamwork and individual work will be required by all students during the course of the year.  Documentation might include finished projects, Standard Operating Procedures, computer printouts, and briefing documents. 

IV. TYPES OF ASSESSMENTS, TEACHING STRATEGIES, AND GRADE DETERMINATION:

Naval Science is a semester class (with semester finals) and progress reports that indicate the student’s progress to that point in the semester. Tests, quizzes, and other assessments will be graded on a percentage basis: 100-90%=A, 89-80=B, 79-70=C, 69-60=D, 59% or less =F.  Homework, class projects, and other assignments will be graded using the same scale as for tests. Students will be graded on all work that is completed in class, regardless of whether it is individual work or teamwork. 

Academics (Naval Science) Homework and Quizzes count for 30% of the course grade; Physical Training performance counts for 15%; Personnel Inspection (uniform) grades count for 30%.  The final 25% of  the grade is based on Professional Conduct i.e. individual conduct in and out of NJROTC, demonstrated leadership, followership and participation in unit activities and on unit special teams.

Citizenship grades are awarded to the Cadets based on their attendance, behavior, demeanor, and compliance with school and NJROTC rules and regulations.  Any instance of truancy earns a “U” (unsatisfactory) citizenship grade for the grading period.

V.  CLASSROOM POLICIES AND PRACTICES:

Absences.  It is the Cadet’s responsibility to complete missed assignments and to make requisite arrangements with the instructor.

Accountability.  Cadets are held accountable for these classroom rules and regulations governing attendance in school and participation in the NJROTC program.  Cadet leaders and NJROTC instructors shall take swift and effective action to deal with infractions.  Consequences of inappropriate behavior and performance shortcomings may include admonishment, counseling, extra instruction, extra duty, or adverse academic or citizenship grades.  

Books:  Pamlico County High School NJROTC offers both electronic and paper textbooks.   Links to the textbooks will be located within CANVAS, while the paperback textbooks are located in the appropriate Naval Science classroom.

CANVAS:  With the exception of essays and student created presentations, all classwork and quizzes will be located in CANVAS. 

Demeanor.  Cadets shall observe the rules of courtesy, respect for peers and authority, and reverence for the flag and country that shall be taught and practiced throughout the NJROTC course of instruction.  

Food and drink.  Cadets shall not consume food, drink, or gum during NJROTC instruction.  Hats and caps (other than the prescribed headgear) shall not be worn during NJROTC instruction.

Participation in instruction.  Cadets shall be attentive and participate fully in the instruction. On “academic days” Cadets shall bring charged computers, note taking paper, and writing instruments to class. On “PT days” Cadets shall wear comfortable attire appropriate to the task, including the standard Navy “T-Shirt” and NJROTC shorts. On “uniform days” (normally every Wednesday) Cadets shall wear their prescribed naval uniform all day.  Failure to do so shall result in an automatic grade of zero for the day. 

Powerschool.  All grades are recorded in Powerschool and both the Parent and the Cadet have access to those grades.  We highly encourage our parents to periodically check their child’s grades and to contact us if they have any questions or concerns.

Precept.  The Naval Science Department assumes that every Cadet comes to class to learn and diligently apply the personal effort, the time, and dedication required to meet the objectives of the NJROTC program. 

Teamwork.  At times Cadets will be assigned to a team for specific tasks and will be expected to work with the assigned team.  In such cases Cadets will earn grades that are based on how well members of the team work together.  

When the bell rings.  Cadets will be in their seats as directed. 

VI. OFFICE HOURS AND CONFERENCE PROCEDURES:

The NJROTC instructors are on campus daily from 7:15 to 4:30PM.  They can be reached by calling 252-745-3151 and the extension (543 for Captain Rodriguez and 539 for Master Chief Matthews)  Messages may also be left at the Main Office for the NJROTC instructors.  Phone calls and e-mails will be returned within 24 hours. NJROTC instructors are available for conferences and discussions with parents in the ROTC Spaces before and after school each day.  Communication by e-mail is highly encouraged.

VII. LIST OF TEXTBOOKS OR OTHER MATERIAL USED ON SPECIFIC DAYS:

Monday and Fridays:  Applicable NS Book, Cadet Field and Cadet Reference Manuals  in a 1 inch 3 ring binder,  and Navy PT T-shirt, NJROTC shorts, and footwear for physical training.

Tuesdays and Thursdays: Applicable NS Book, Cadet Field Manual, Cadet Reference Manual.  Comfortable walking shoes for Close Order Drill.

Wednesdays:  Uniform of the Day (all day) and the Cadet Field Manual and Cadet  Reference Manual. 

WHAT ABOUT THE CURRICULUM?
 Pamlico High School's Naval Science program is constructed to include four academic classroom sessions on Monday , Tuesday,Thursday and Friday.  Drill will be conducted the second half of the period on Tuesday and Thursday and Physical Training will be conducted at the second half of the period on Monday and Fridays. Uniform day is usually every Wednesday. Students will get inspected (practice attention to detail), learn small unit leadership and drill.  Additionally, during the last Wednesday of each month the unit will hold an awards and promotion ceremony for the cadets. 

WHAT SUBJECTS ARE INCLUDED IN THE CURRICULUM?
 The Naval Education and Training Command routinely updates the curriculum to include new texts, instructional materials and lesson plans. The curriculum is developed and revised by civilian educators and the NJROTC instructors. The wide variety of subjects includes the following:

• DRILLS, COMMANDS, AND CEREMONIES -- Includes individual, squad, platoon, and company close order drill; rotation of command; personnel inspections; and parade in company review.

• ELECTRONICS -- An introduction to electronics as the basis for shipboard radar, sonar, communications, and guidance systems.

• LEADERSHIP -- An ongoing study of the principles and practical application of leadership with emphasis on providing opportunities for students to exercise and develop their own leadership abilities.

• HEALTH -- The cadets study health and fitness, which includes human anatomy, how the body is affected with illegal drugs, disease, proper dieting, first aid, muscle groups, and identify the advantages of nutrition and fitness.

• NAUTICAL ASTRONOMY -- A study of astronomy and its application to celestial navigation.

• NAVAL OPERATIONS/ORGANIZATION -- Familiarizes the student with national strategy and naval forces, daily military operations, training, exercises, drills, and shipboard organizations.

• NAVIGATION -- An introduction to piloting and celestial navigation.

• NAVAL ORIENTATION -- A basic introduction to the Navy -- customs, traditions, and way of life.

• OCEANOGRAPHY -- Provides information on the collection and dissemination of hydrographic and navigational data of the world's ocean systems.

• PHYSICAL FITNESS -- An ongoing instruction on how to exercise properly as well as the importance of exercise. Individual exercise skills as well as team building concepts are applied. 

• SEAMANSHIP -- An introduction to the general subjects of seamanship that include anchoring and mooring, ship handling, small boats, weather, ship construction, and steering and propulsion systems.

VIII.  NJROTC CURRICULUM DESCRIPTION:

NAVAL SCIENCE 1
PURPOSE: To introduce students to the meaning of citizenship, the elements of leadership, and the value of scholarship in attaining life goals; develop a sound appreciation for the heritage and traditions of America, with recognition that the historically significant role of sea power will be important in America's future; develop in each cadet a growing sense of pride in his/her organization, associates, and self. These elements are pursued at the fundamental level. COURSE CONTENT: Includes introduction to the NJROTC program; Introduction to Leadership, Naval Ships; The Navy's mission and Organization, The Nation, Navy and the People in American Democracy, Maritime Geography, Sea power and Challenge, Naval History through 1815, Introduction to Navigation and Time, Basic Seamanship, Oceanography, Health Education, including First Aid, Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco Abuse Prevention.

NAVAL SCIENCE 2
PURPOSE: Build on the general introduction provided in Naval Science 1, to further develop the traits of citizenship and leadership in cadets, introduce cadets to technical areas of naval science, and engender a deeper awareness of the vital importance of the world oceans to the continued well-being of the United States. COURSE CONTENT: Includes ongoing instruction in leadership theory, Naval Orientation and Career Planning, Citizenship in the U.S. and Other Countries, Naval History: 1815 through 1930, Naval Ships and Shipboard Evaluations, Naval Weapons: Gunnery, Guided Missiles and Mines, Navigation Fundamentals and Rules of the Road, Small Boat Seamanship, Meteorology and Weather, and Survival Training and Orienteering.

NAVAL SCIENCE 3
PURPOSE: Broaden the understanding of students in the operative principles of military leadership, the concept and significance of teamwork, the intrinsic value of good order and discipline in the accomplishment of objectives, the fundamentals of American democracy, and to expand their understanding of naval academic subjects. COURSE CONTENT: Includes ongoing instruction in leadership and discipline, Military Justice, Astronomy, International Law and the Sea, National Strategy, Sea Power and Naval Operations, Naval History: 1930 through the Nuclear Age, Naval Intelligence and National Security, Maneuvering Board, Challenges of Future Navy Research, and Electricity and Naval Electronics.

NAVAL SCIENCE 4
PURPOSE: This course is focused solely on practical leadership. The intent is to assist the senior in understanding leadership and improving their leadership skills by putting them in positions of leadership, under supervision, then helping them analyze the reasons for their varying degrees of success throughout the year.  Classroom activities include seminars, reading assignments, classroom presentations, and practical work with younger cadets. COURSE CONTENT: Includes instruction in theoretical and applied aspects of leadership, training, and evaluation of performance. Students will become aware of the techniques used to create motivation, develop goals and activities for a work group, and the proper ways to set a leadership example. Cadets will also apply these principles when dealing with younger cadets in the areas of military drill and inspections, athletic events, and in other school activities.