SOC6122 - Intelligence and Security

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the history, structure and roles of the British Security Service since 1945
Discuss and critically evaluate threats to the British State from the period of the Cold War, to recent Islamic Jihadis, and demonstrate a critical understanding of the way in which the British Security Service has managed these threats
Illustrate a critical understanding of the problem of managing covert threats within a democratic and open society
Critically discuss key concepts (such as secrecy and surveillance, counter espionage, subversion, accountability and openness) and evaluate the effectiveness of the range of methods used by the Security Service

Content:

The module aims to develop an in-depth understanding of the role of intelligence agencies in combatting security, with particular reference to Britain. The module fulfils this through a critical examination of key aspects in the field of security studies. It aims to provide a critical awareness of the role of the British Security Service [MI5] since the end of the Second World War. The focus will be on the manner in which the Service has dealt with changing security threats from Soviet spies, through to internal subversives, the Irish Republican Army and the more recent emergence of Islamic Jihadis within a more accountable and democratic political framework.

Learning and Teaching Information:

Students will be taught this module through a variety of lectures, workshops and seminars, incorporating activities designed to engage students and encourage them to think independently, whilst also retaining a sense of learning as a shared and collaborative experience. There will be additional support and resources provided via Moodle.

The workshops and seminars will use a range of activities including group work, case study discussions and problem-based learning to facilitate learning and enable students to make connections between the themes, readings and issues around intelligence and security in contemporary society.

Lectures/workshops/seminars
Hours: 30
Intended Group Size: Cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 170

Further details relating to assessment
Diary Entry: With a view to offering students a variety of assessment methods, this particular assessment will encourage students to write an informative piece that is set from the perspective of an individual with first-hand experience of a range of events presented and critically analysed within this module.

Presentation: In groups of about 4, students will be asked to critically discuss a topic that has been focussed upon during the module.

Assessment:

001 Diary entry; 2,000 words; end of semester 1 50%
002 Presentation; 20mins; end of semester 1 50%

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Madeline Abbas
Level - 6
Credit Value - 20
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered - 6S1

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