In this course, seminar participants deepen their understanding of global events and the US government’s organization for national security by serving as part of an intelligence team supporting US decision makers. Course objectives are aimed at sharpening analytic thinking and judgment and polishing professional writing and briefing skills by producing and delivering regular updates on current international issues via written assessments or briefings. In addition to writing three papers, students take turns as editor, primary briefer and “deep dive” briefer.
Students must get permission from the instructor to enroll. Generally, completion of “Intelligence for National Security Decision-making” will be a prerequisite. No auditors are permitted in the seminar because the course is a simulation based on student participation. Grading is based on the following requirements: regular attendance and positive participation on the intelligence team as editor and peer reviewer (20%); three two-page writing assignments (45%), performance as primary briefer (15%) and the individual “deep dive” briefing (20%). Course readings will be provided on Canvas.