This module introduces students to the role of intelligence in foreign policy and international practice, and the historical evolution and role of intelligence agencies in the twenty-first century world. Using British, US and worldwide examples, this module looks at the establishment and development of intelligence agencies since the beginning of the century and critically analyses the use of intelligence since the Second World War. Students will become familiar with contemporary debates regarding the relationship between intelligence, intelligence agencies and governments. Importantly students will consider the ways in which governments have grown increasingly dependent on secret intelligence despite the increasing liberalisation of the societies they operate from. The module examines and students will research and discuss the various 'types' of intelligence gathered, and the ways in which this is assessed, processed, analysed and distributed in the national and international community. The module studies both the successes as well as the controversies surrounding the use of intelligence agencies and their specific (and often controversial) methods. Finally, the module discusses future trends in intelligence matters in international relations; from increased international cooperation and advances in technology, to the impact of international law on the (increasingly accountable) intelligence services themselves.

The participation grade encourages engaged and consistent learning. This builds up subject-knowledge as well as enhancing communication and analysis skills. You are expected to post a 500-word answer to the week’s set question. The participation grade is worked out on the number of these you do each week and how well you engage with the posts of others. The word-length for this assessment therefore depends on how much you engage. Three posts are required for a pass. Full marks can be achieved from a good 500 word post each week in addition to regular informed engagement with the posts of others. [Learning Outcomes 1 and 5]

1 X 1500 word critical review (30%). The Critical Review requires students to read, review and analyze an academic journal article or chapter. It is is designed to develop analysis, enquiry and communication skills (LOs 2,3,4&5).

1 x 3500 word essay (60%) is designed to enhance practical research skills (problem-solving and application). It will also require an in-depth study of an area of intelligence studies (enquiry; knowledge and understanding and research, analysis, application, communication) (LOs 1-5) .

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.

1. DEMONSTRATE A SYSTEMATIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND DEBATES REGARDING INTELLIGENCE AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SPECIFICALLY WITH REGARD TO THE EVOLUTION DEVELOPMENTOF INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY.

Knowledge & Understanding

2. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL AWARENESS AND EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF INTELLIGENCE AND INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES IN GOVERNMENT POLICY AND DECISION MAKING.

Analysis, Enquiry

3. DEMONSTRATE AN APPRECIATION OF THE PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS OF INTELLIGENCE GATHERING AND ANALYSIS.

Analysis, Problem Solving, Research

4. DEMONSTRATE A CRITICAL ENGAGEMENT IN AND AWARENESS OF CONTEMPORARY DEBATES RELATING TO THE ROLE OF ETHICS IN INTELLIGENCE.

Analysis, Application, Enquiry

5. DEMONSTRATE AN ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS USING HISTORICAL EXAMPLES.

Communication

Students will need a computer and regular internet in order to access Blackboard, the electronic reading list and the e-resources of the University Library.

Aldrich R., Andrew C., Wark W. (2019): Secret Intelligence: A Reader. 2nd ed. Routledge, London
Andrew C. (2018): The Secret World: A History of Intelligence. Penguin, London
Gerald Hughes R., Jackson P., Scott L. (eds) (2008): Exploring Intelligence Archives: Enquiries into the Secret State. Routledge, London
Herman M. (1996): Intelligence Power in Peace and War. CUP Cambridge
Omand D. (2010): Securing the State. Columbia, New York
Johnson L. (ed) (2012): The Oxford Handbook of National Security Intelligence. OUP, Oxford.