Dec 12, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2024-25
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HIST 3792 - History of Secret Intelligence: Great Game to Five Eyes


This course examines the interconnected history of the British and American intelligence communities. Coverage extends from the Great Game of European empires in the nineteenth century, through the two world wars and the Cold War, to conflicts and crises in the twenty-first century. The course devotes particular attention to espionage in Asia and the Middle East as well as Europe; to the impact of transformative technologies (from telegraphy and radio to submarines, satellites, and cyberspace); and to the special relationship between Britain, the British Commonwealth, and the United States in the Five Eyes alliance.

Requisites: Soph or Jr or Sr
Credit Hours: 3
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
  • Students will be able to form an historical perspective on the workings, influence, and limitations of secret intelligence in relation to British and American defense and foreign policy.
  • Students will be able to make comparisons, draw contrasts, and discern patterns among different periods and episodes in intelligence history from the nineteenth century to the present day.
  • Students will be able to identify key events, ideas, and personalities that have shaped and linked the intelligence services of Britain, the British Commonwealth, and United States.
  • Students will be able to evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of technology on intelligence production over the long haul as well as in specific instances.
  • Students will be able to explain the historical importance of human sources, dissenting opinions, and robust argument in the intelligence process.
  • Students will be able to explain both the strategic advantages and political challenges behind the unique intelligence alliance between Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (Five Eyes).
  • Students will be able to describe key trends and findings in historical scholarship dealing with the other side of the coin, i.e. rival states and other adversaries.



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