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EDS371 Introduction to Intelligence Studies and International Relations

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Stig Jarle Hansen

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk

Course frequency:The course is offered every second year. Not offered in 2024/2025.

Nominal workload:Total 250 hours.

Teaching and exam period:Spring Parallel.

About this course

Due to its covert character, the function of intelligence in shaping national and international politics remains hidden from the public eye. Nevertheless, intelligence plays a significant role in international politics, functioning as a tool for decision makers and as a basis for shaping open and covert national and international policies. The aim of this module is to introduce key concepts in intelligence and to understand the intelligence cycle, use of information in international political discourses and touch upon questions of morality and ethics relating to intelligence.

Learning outcome

The students will be able to discuss key intelligence concepts and explain how intelligence is used for decision making as well as for creating, shaping and justifying policy. In addition, the students will be able to critically assess the morality and ethics relating to uses of intelligence tools in international politics.
  • Learning activities
    Lectures, exercises, seminars, documentaries, discussions
  • Prerequisites
    General knowledge of international issues, for instance undergraduate courses in relevant Social Sciences.
  • Recommended prerequisites

    International Relations Theory (EDS374)

    Foreign Policy (EDS377)

  • Assessment method

    Term paper (50%) and final written exam (50%) both IN ENGLISH ONLY.

    The final grade will be based on an average of both. The student must have a passing grade (E) on the term paper and exam to pass the course.

    The student must participate in all mandatory classes and pass all seminars and class exercises to be eligible for a grade.

    Grading for papers and exams: A-F; Seminars and exercises: Pass/Fail



    Term paper Grading: Letter grades Written exam Grading: Letter grades Permitted aids: A1 No calculator, no other aids
  • Examiner scheme
    An external sensor will evaluate the grading methods.
  • Mandatory activity

    To be eligible for a grade in the course the student must:

    1. Participate in all mandatory lectures as specified by the main teacher at the beginning of the semester.

    2. Be present, participate and pass all class assignments, exercises and seminars as specified by the main teacher at the beginning of the semester.

  • Notes
    A detailed course schedule will be posted on Canvas before the beginning of the Semester.
  • Teaching hours
    Approx. 50 class hours, including lectures, seminars and exercises.
  • Preferential right
    M-IR, M-IES, M-GDS
  • Admission requirements
    Master Students