Intelligence (Practice, Problems, and Prospects) OpenCourseWare: A Free MIT Grad-level Course Studying the U.S. Intelligence Community

Published Feb 04, 2009

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Offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 'Intelligence: Practice, Problems, and Prospects' explores the roles and influences of the various departments involved in U.S. intelligence. This free, graduate-level OpenCourseWare is an excellent source of information for those pursuing a master's in political science or for those interested in national security and intelligence.

Intelligence (Practice, Problems, and Prospects): Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Graduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
No Yes No

Intelligence (Practice, Problems, and Prospects): Course Description

U.S. intelligence organizations reorganized significantly in the past decade, which is the first major reorganization since the 1947 National Security Act. As a result of this restructuring, 9/11 and the war in Iraq, there has been a major focus by both politicians and laypeople on the intelligence community. Professors Barry Posen, Harvey Sapolsky and Robert Vickers pooled their expertise to develop an in-depth OpenCourseWare that examines the roles within and the issues surrounding the departments that make up U.S. intelligence. This course looks at historical and current states of intelligence operations and how they have affected and shaped policies and procedures. Case studies, such as the Iraq War and 9/11, are used as examples to explore these intelligence methods. Through in-depth analysis, this free OpenCourseWare addresses not only the current state of intelligence but possible future challenges and issues. Originally, this course was offered in a lecture format through Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Department of Political Science.

'Intelligence: Practice, Problems, and Prospects' OpenCourseWare includes a calendar, a detailed reading list, online resources and suggested assignment topics. If you're interested in taking this free course visit the governmental intelligence course page.

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