HLS 245 - Intelligence Analytics Seminar

4 credit hours - Four hours weekly; one term.
Conduct practical exercises involving the development of various intelligence products and present briefings to current and former U.S. policy makers, military leaders and politicians. Practice intelligence writing to produce analytical materials used in daily intelligence support to the policy maker. Lab fee $20.

Prerequisite(s): HLS 225 or permission of director.

Note: Typically offered at MC; spring term.

Course Outcomes:

Select and utilize the appropriate analytical methodologies and tools.
- Practice using analytical tools and technqiues.
- Employ and gain experience using analytic software.
Mitigate impediments to accurate intelligence analysis.
- Recognize cognitive bias which impact on analysis.
- Develop strategies for overcoming biases.
- Develop strategies for overcoming other impediments such as information overload, and group dynamics.
Develop a warning problem.
- Practice developing a warning problem.
- Develop indicators of warning.
- Analyze factors of instability in a country/system.
- Conduct warning and trends analysis.
Develop an intelligence collection plan.
- Evaluate and select resources.
- Synchronize collection requirements.
- Develop and prioritize intelligence requirements.
Develop a national intelligence estimate.
- Practice the analytical process of National Intelligence Estimate development.
- Demonstrate writing clear and concise bottom line analysis.
- Develop alternative scenarios/hypothesis.
- Work effectively in a group.
Prepare written intelligence estimates, develop and present intelligence briefings.
- Create clear and concise briefing slides which convey bottom line analysis.
- Express intelligence analysis orally in a concise and persuasive manner.
- Demonstrate appropriate body posture/movements during briefing.
- Emphasize key points for the audience to remember and apply.
- Develop strategies for dealing with disagreements over the presentation.