OAIN 2005 - Introduction To Intelligence

***UPDATED for 2026/27***

Intelligence is a much discussed, but often little understood aspect of government and politics. This course seeks to de-mystify intelligence, by explaining in simple terms what it is, why it is needed, how it is used, and the problems of collecting it and managing it, both generically, and especially in a democratic society. The main emphasis is on the use of intelligence as an aid to policymaking and implementation, especially in foreign and security policy. Intelligence organisations are discussed as an element of government, and a part of different political systems around the world. Throughout, the emphasis is on practical issues and problems, and historical and contemporary case studies, deliberately including a large number from outside the Anglo-Saxon world. The course asks a number of questions about the universality, or otherwise, of common assumptions about intelligence. The course includes a realistic exercise in the application of intelligence to the management of a crisis. The course is taught by a former British government defence official with long experience of security policy questions in countries around the world.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Develop a coherent and informed understanding of the nature, collection, value and limitations of intelligence, and be able to apply this understanding to contemporary events.
• Understand the common ethical, legal and political issues surrounding intelligence and how they affect its collection and use in practice.
• Understand the political context of intelligence, how it fits into the process of government more widely, and misunderstandings of the nature and capabilities of intelligence in the media and popular culture.
• Develop an understanding of some of the professional skills used in intelligence analysis through practical exercises.

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

• Teamwork
• Written Communication
• Investigation and research.
• Analysis
• Critical Thinking

Students should have a genuine interest in the subject of intelligence, and a willingness to discuss practical, often morally and intellectually complex, issues, and to take part with enthusiasm in practical exercises. The course is not intended as professional training for intelligence, although those interested in such a career will no doubt find it of value, nor is it an exhaustive survey of intelligence organisations around the world.

Feedback will be provided individually on written work, with marks, and collectively in class in the form of general conclusions.

• There will be two formal written assignments with a choice between two subjects on each occasion. There will also be one research and writing task, and two analytical exercises applying skills learned to contemporary events.
• The two formal assignments will be handed out at the 6- and 12-week points, for completion and return within 7 days. They will account for 50% of the marks between them. The research and writing task will be due at the end of the course, but students are encouraged to reflect and research from the beginning of the course, when the subject will be given. It will be worth 10% of the marks. The analytical exercises will be done over a 72-hour period on two occasions during the course, and will account for 20% of the marks each.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours per semester
• Online learning activities: 10 hours per semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 24 hours per semester
• Research and Preparation for Group Work: 12 hours per semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 40 hours a semester