Fall 2024 - 60175 - PA 387W- Thinking, Writing, and Briefing for National Security

Course Description Thinking, Writing and Briefing for Intelligence FACULTY: J. Paul Pope, Professor of Practice and Senior Fellow in UT-Austin’s Intelligence Studies Program COURSE: PA 388 Thinking, Writing and Briefing Seminar participants develop professional analytic, writing, and briefing skills and deepen their understanding of a regional or global topic by serving on an intelligence team providing analytic support to policy makers. Course objectives are to: • Employ research skills to acquire deeper understanding of a specific issue in international affairs and national security. • Sharpen critical thinking and analytic skills. • Polish professional writing skills. • Practice professional briefings. • Develop skills as a peer reviewer/editor. • Practice teamwork in a context of mutual dependence. Within this semester-long simulation, students will propose an “account” for the professor’s assistance and approval. (Previous "accounts" have included issues such as North Korea's nuclear program, China's build-up in the South China Sea, factors driving Central American immigration, upcoming elections in a significant allied country, Chinese foreign policy and activity in Africa, Japanese defense policy, etc.) Students will deepen their understanding of their chosen issue to produce and deliver updates characterizing developments and their implications for the United States. “Intelligence” will be presented via written assessments and briefings. Students produce three current papers on their chosen “account,” which are briefed by that week's briefer and one deeper assessment, which the authors brief themselves. Students rotate as weekly briefers/editors. Papers are intended to support policymakers but not be policy prescriptive. Grading is based on the following requirements: two one-to-two-page products (15% each or 30% total), performance as primary briefer (15%), performance on an individual “deep dive” paper (20%), “deep dive” briefing (20%) and participation, attendance and teamwork—defined as regular attendance, meeting deadlines for teammates, and positive participation in all aspects of their team (15%). Course readings will be provided on Canvas. Auditors are not permitted in the seminar.