20% - Online Participation (1,500 words) (Learning Outcomes 1-5)

20% - Reflective Portfolio (1,500 words) (Learning Outcomes 1-5)

60% - Essay (3,500 words) (Learning Outcomes 1-5)

The course highlights what is widely regarded as being a 'missing dimension' of history in the twentieth century, the role of intelligence agencies and particularly their impact upon the decisions of international actors. This module defines the main aspects of theoretical debate (the intelligence cycle, the Kent/Kendall debate and Hinsley's discussion regarding efficacy) before taking an episodic look at the role of secret intelligence in the twentieth century and its use by a variety of governments. The module uses case studies to communicate examples of success and failure of modern intelligence agencies and asks the students to consider the relevance of both historic and present day-examples. Beginning with the origins of British Intelligence in 1909, the course looks at aspects of intelligence in the first and second world wars, in counter subversion and counter insurgency, in the Cold War and in the 'War on Terror'. The module includes a range of international examples aspects of the use of intelligence by the Soviet Union, Nazi Germany, and Israel, as well as the use of intelligence and counter intelligence by sub-state and terrorist groups such as the Provisional IRA.

1. DEMONSTRATE AN IN-DEPTH AND CRITICAL AWARENESS OF HOW INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES HAVE INFLUENCED THE DECISIONS OF GOVERNMENTS IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. UNDERSTAND THE HISTORIC CAPABILITY OF ESPIONAGE AND COUNTERESPIONAGE.
Learning

3. ANALYSE, COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE DIFFERENT ROLES OF INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES WITHIN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT.
Learning
Analysis

4. ANALYSE KEY EVENTS OF THE PAST 100 YEARS, CRITICALLY EXAMINING THE ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESSES IN BRITAIN AND THE UNITED STATES.
Analysis

5. PROVIDE WELL RESEARCHED PIECES OF WORK IN AN APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC STYLE.
Communication

This module will be taught by Distance Learning using Blackboard. The module will include written lectures, assigned readings (text-book and online), an online documentary video watching list and podcasts produced both internally and externally.

• Students’ own textbooks; supplied course packs of readings; e-books; e-journals; relevant websites.
• Blackboard VLE
• Computer with internet access

Aldrich, R., Andrew, C., Wark, W. (Eds.), 2016. Secret Intelligence: A Reader 2nd Ed. Routledge, Abingdon.
Jeffreys-Jones, R., 2015. In Spies We Trust. Oxford University Press.
Gill, P., Phythian, M., 2013. Intelligence in an insecure world. Polity, London.
Dover, R., Goodman, M., (Eds.), 2011 Learning from the Secret Past: Cases in British Intelligence History. Georgetown University Press.