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.

Participation

You will have an opportunity to upload a 300-word response to the posts of other students during the eight weeks when you are not writing a 500-word post. Assuming these responses meet basic academic standards (coherent argumentation, evidence-based reasoning, a bibliography and in-text referencing) they will contribute to the student’s participation grade. LO1 – LO4

Selected Posts

During three weeks of the module, you will post a 500-word answer to a set question onto a discussion board. The weeks will be determined by which group you are in. You will receive formative feedback on those posts and a grade. At the end of the module, for a specified deadline, you will submit your two best answers for formal assess. LO1 - LO4

Essay

You will be required to write a 3,000-word essay answering one of a number of set questions. Essays will be submitted and marked through Turnitin. LO1 - LO4

The main focus will be on self-instruction, within a tightly structured framework and relying largely (but not exclusively) on materials supplied. Week by week you will work through self-instructional course material, (delivered on Blackboard) which provides the framework and focus for reading key texts and papers and undertaking specific set tasks. This work will be undertaken on an individual basis, but at various points you will be expected to interact and share material with other students in your learning group and your tutor via a discussion board.

Module Learning Outcome

1. ¿DEVELOP AN IN-DEPTH AND CRITICAL AWARENESS OF HOW INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES HAVE INFLUENCED THE DECISIONS OF GOVERNMENTS IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.

University Learning Outcome:
Knowledge and Understanding

2. UNDERSTAND THE HISTORIC CAPABILITY AND FIELDCRAFT IN ESPIONAGE AND COUNTERESPIONAGE.

University Learning Outcome:
Learning

3. UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENT ROLES OF INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES BETWEEN COUNTRIES AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT.

University Learning Outcome:
Learning

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.

University Learning Outcome:
Analysis

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

University Learning Outcome:
Communication

A computer for accessing Blackboard, websites and electronic journals.¿
Course texts and module pack which will be delivered via the an electronic reading list for the course.

Williams, Paul., ed. (2023) Security Studies: An Introduction, Routledge.

Hite, Kristen, A. and Seitz, John L. (2021) Global Issues: An Introduction, 6th Edition, Wiley-Blackwell.

None

In this module you will examine a range of topical global issues that represent contemporary challenges for both policymakers and other actors. Indicative issues addressed include nuclear proliferation, the environment, humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect, and other key areas of global concern in the security domain. We will also examine the issue of global economic and trade management, as well as country cases such as China, the situation in Ukraine from a politico-historical perspective, and the Israel/Palestine conflict.