The history of intelligence in the United States is long and complex, beginning with the origins of the Republic through the modern era both before and after 9/11. Over this stretch of time, tensions have existed between balancing the need to collect information through clandestine and overt means to further US national security objectives, while at the same time ensuring that Constitutional protections regarding privacy, civil liberties, and free speech are upheld domestically and that international legal norms and principles are respected.
This course uses a dynamic and interactive format involving instructor lectures, writing assignments, group discussions, and student presentations to examine the different types of intelligence policy authorities that created new organizations, approved new collection methods and capabilities, or addressed intelligence abuses or failures that significantly impacted US national security. It will also provide an opportunity for students to develop an in-depth perspective on key US intelligence departments or agencies, and their historical and current roles.
I'd like to hold off on the winter 2025 semester version of the syllabus for now since I'm still working on a few things and plan on releasing it in Canvas after Christmas. At the same time, attached is last year's version.
