3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

This course explores the development of US intelligence system and the ways in which it has influenced (and been influenced by) world events. The goal is to understand how an intelligence system evolves as a result of changes in national strategy, technology, and legal & policy factors. By investigating the US intelligence system, students will develop their analytical skills and increase their understanding of the workings of foreign and security policies. The approach will be historical and topical. The history of US intelligence offers a surprising number of illustrative cases and themes—many of which can now be examined in detail using official records and contrarian views, and can even be compared with analogues across nations and time periods. More-recent events are not as well documented in the public, official record, of course, but an understanding of earlier patterns and activities can provide valid insights on contemporary trends.