IR3205 Intelligence and International Relations in the 20th Century and Beyond

Academic year

2024 to 2025 Semester 1

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Key module information

SCOTCAT credits

30

The Scottish Credit Accumulation and Transfer (SCOTCAT) system allows credits gained in Scotland to be transferred between institutions. The number of credits associated with a module gives an indication of the amount of learning effort required by the learner. European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits are half the value of SCOTCAT credits.

SCQF level

SCQF level 9

The Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) provides an indication of the complexity of award qualifications and associated learning and operates on an ascending numeric scale from Levels 1-12 with SCQF Level 10 equating to a Scottish undergraduate Honours degree.

Planned timetable

Friday 10am - 12 noon and Friday 2pm - 4pm

This information is given as indicative. Timetable may change at short notice depending on room availability.

Module Staff

Dr Mathilde von Bulow

This information is given as indicative. Staff involved in a module may change at short notice depending on availability and circumstances.

Module description

This module explores the interplay between secret intelligence and international relations during the 20th century and beyond. It will do so by examining a series of historical case studies ranging from the two World Wars through the Cold War to the 'War on Terror'. In addition to an historical approach, the module will engage with the growing theoretical literature that underpins the study of secret intelligence. History, in other words, will serve as a window through which to explore aspects about the nature of secret intelligence - as forms of knowledge, as organisation, and as activity - as well as more specialist questions involving problems of intelligence collection, analysis, and oversight, the controversial question of ethics, as well as the oft complex relationship between so-called producers and consumers of intelligence.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisites

BEFORE TAKING THIS MODULE YOU MUST PASS IR2005 AND PASS IR2006

Assessment pattern

70% coursework and 30% written examination

Re-assessment

100% written examination

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact

2h seminar (x10 weeks)

Intended learning outcomes

  • Understand and account for the growth and institutionalisation of secret intelligence during the 20th century and beyond
  • Identify and engage critically with the core theories that underpin the study of secret intelligence
  • Discern and explain key differences underpinning the intelligence cultures of key great powers
  • Think critically and imaginatively about the subject matter and construct coherent and independent arguments of their own, both orally and in writing
  • Compare and contrast explanations provided by the literature
  • Manage and engage with large and disparate bodies of information