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Course syllabus Secret Intelligence

Swedish name: Nationella underrättelser

Course code:
2SS082
Valid from semester:
Spring Term 2022
Education cycle:
Second cycle
Scope:
7.5 credits
Progression:
A1N
Grading scale:
Three-grade scale
Main field of study:
Political Science: Security Studies
Department:
Department of Political Science and Law
Subject:
Political Science
Language of instruction:
The teaching is conducted in English.
Decided by:
Forsknings- och utbildningsnämndens kursplaneutskott (KUS)
Decision date:
2021-09-13

Entry requirements

Bachelor's degree worth 180 credits, of which 90 credits are in Political Science or another relevant subject.

English proficiency equivalent to English B or English 6 is also required.

Course content and structure

This course provides an advanced introduction to intelligence studies, with particular focus on the political dimensions of secret intelligence. The course deals with the meaning of intelligence studies both as a distinct research field and as part of other research traditions such as international relations, security studies and policy analysis. The theoretical basis for studying secret intelligence is supplemented with insights into concrete practices, in both Swedish and international contexts, in “normal” times as well as in crisis situations. Empirically, the course covers traditional espionage as well as new forms of information gathering and electronic surveillance. In relation to these empirical phenomena, a number of issues are discussed, concerning for example the relationship between intelligence officers and politicians; ethics and leadership; the difficulty of making accurate assessments of risks and threats; and the opportunities and challenges of international collaborations on matters of secret intelligence.

Type of Instruction
  • Seminars
  • Lectures

Objectives

After completed course the student should be able to:

  • Critically discuss what constitutes intelligence studies, both as a separate distinct research field and as part of other research traditions such as international relations, security studies and policy analysis.
  • Systematically account for the political dimensions of secret intelligence, in particular with respect to the relationship between intelligence officers and political authorities.
  • Independently analyze contemporary challenges related to covert intelligence work, including the difficulties of intelligence co-operation, threat and risk assessments, and ethics and leadership.

Examination formats

Assessment takes place through active participation in mandatory seminars and the submission of a written assignment at the end of the course.

Examinations submitted late will not be graded unless special circumstances exist and the examiner finds the reason acceptable.

The examiner may decide to allow supplementation in order for a passing grade to be achieved in the course. The supplementation shall be submitted no later than three working days after notification of the examination results and the decision on supplementation, unless special circumstances exist that are acceptable to the examiner.

Grading
Grades are set according to a three-grade scale: Pass with Distinction (VG), Pass (G) and Fail (U). Grading criteria are specified by no later than the start of the course.

To earn the grade Pass (G), the student must actively and constructively participate in mandatory seminars and earn a grade of Pass (P) on the written assignment.

To earn the grade Pass with Distinction (VG) in the course, the student must meet the requirements for Pass (G) and earn a grade of Pass with Distinction (VG) on the written assignment.

The number of examinations is not limited.

Transitional provisions

When the course is no longer given or when the course content has changed substantially, the student has the right to be examined once per semester during a three-term period in accordance with this syllabus.

Other regulations

The course cannot be included in a degree with another course whose content fully or partially corresponds to the content of this course.

The course is given within Master's programme in Politics, Security and War. The course may also be given as a single-subject course. If a student has a decision from the Swedish Defense University on special educational support due to a disability, the examiner may decide on alternative forms of examination for the student. On the completion of the course, an evaluation will be conducted under the auspices of the course director, which will form the basis for any changes to the course.

This is an edited version of the syllabus, created to transfer the original to the education database Ladok education planning. For originals, refer to the archive.