Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Intelligence professionals support the public and private sectors through the provision of timely and accurate advice on issues affecting an organisation's operating environment. By using intelligence products, an organisation can make informed decisions on how to advance its interests, pursue policies, allocate resources, and protect its people and assets. Intelligence informs this by:

• identifying threats and opportunities,


• providing warning of potential events and assessesing the impact of actual events, and


• explaining the role of new and existing actors, organisations, and technologies.

Intelligence professionals can be 'generalists' with a broad base of skills applicable to a range of intelligence environments or 'specialists' working in narrow areas of responsibility, such as technical analysts or translators. Intelligence work requires proficiency in thinking strategies and skills, effective interpersonal skills, teamwork, and application of intelligence process methodologies. This unit presents the essentials of the intelligence system, the intelligence process, creative problem solving skills, and an introduction to writing in an intelligence environment.

Aims

This unit has three major aims: to develop a higher level understanding of the theoretical basis of intelligence; to develop an understanding of the role of intelligence in supporting government and private sector operations; and to introduce you to the role of intelligence in government and organisational decision making.

Objectives

By the conclusion of this unit you should be able to:
1. Evaluate the validity of applying the essentials of an intelligence system in providing intelligence support (Assessment Item 1); and, demonstrate the postgraduate attributes of reflective practice, critical thinking and time management;
2. Apply intelligence process methodologies in assessing complex issues relating to a wide range of areas (law enforcement, national security, the environment, the economy, societal groups and political issues) (Assessment Items 1 and 2); and, demonstrate the postgraduate attributes of problem solving and critical awareness;
3. Critically evaluate the process of producing and disseminating intelligence in a range of designated contexts; (Assessment Item 2); and, demonstrate the postgraduate attributes of reflective practice and critical thinking;
4. Evaluate the roles of multidisciplinary knowledge and interdisciplinary co-operation in producing intelligence; (Assessment Items 1 and 2); and, demonstrate the postgraduate attributes of multidisciplinary knowledge and cross-cultural awareness; and
5. Effectively communicate in writing and/or orally the results of your research, critical analysis and their evaluation (Assessment items 1 and 2); and, demonstrate the postgraduate attributes of critical thinking written and oral communication.

Content

The unit is divided into three (3) modules.

Module 1: What is Intelligence?

This module introduces students to intelligence as a product, intelligence agencies, and the professionals who develop intelligence.

Module 2: The Intelligence Cycle

This module introduces students to the processes that are involved in planning products, collecting information, analysing information, and disseminating products to customers.

Module 3: Developing intelligence

This modules supports provides an overview of research, analysis, and writing skills used when developing an intelligence product for a senior customer.
oduct.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The teaching in this unit is based on the best use of on-line technology through Blackboard. The learning experience of students will be enhanced by, amongst other things, improved on-line support and lecturer and peer interaction to establish a positive and supportive learning environment. Unit aims and objectives will be supported by more effective use of formative assessment strategies. The unit will utilise:
- on-line study guides;
- other on-line module content (eg, readings, links to Web sites);
- Blackboard announcements;
Where appropriate the teaching may involve:
- a whole-of-class and /or group chat forums to enhance student collaboration

Assessment

There is one item of summative/formative assessment and one item of summative assessment in this unit. They are: - a take-home exam - focussing on the application of intelligence theory (Summative/Formative) 40%; and - a major practical assignment - developing an intelligence product (Summative) 60%.

Assessment is designed to assist your learning. It is expected that feedback from the two assessment items will support your learning.. In addition you will receive opportunities to ask questions and receive feedback from teachers and fellow students via the online discussion forum as well as informal opportunities to receive feedback on your approach to unit work.Written feedback will be provided on all assessment items.

Assessment name: Take Home Exam
Description: Assessment Item One is a take-home exam comprising a series of questions relating to the application of intelligence theory: The exam represents 40% of the unit mark. You will be expected to prepare answers of approximately 2000 words in total.
Relates to objectives: Take Home Exam covers Objectives 1,2, 4 and 5.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 8

Assessment name: Intelligence Product
Description: Assessment Item Two is a 3000 word (maximum) paper that comprises 60% of the unit mark. All information for this assessment task is provided to you online.
Relates to objectives: This assessment covers Objectives 2, 3, 4 and 5
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 13

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no requirement for a text book. Online materials are sufficient

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 30-Oct-2012