JST541 National Security and Intelligence (8)

The subject equips the student with an understanding of intelligence practice in the national security context in Australia and its Five Eyes key alliance partners (United States, United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand). It builds on key introductory principles including critical thinking and operational intelligence theory and practice delivered in earlier subjects in the Master of Intelligence Analysis. The subject is based on three broad areas, which in turn informs the learning outcomes.  First, it introduces the student to advanced strategic intelligence analysis capabilities and analytical techniques in the national security context. Second, this subject encourages students to develop a sound appreciation of the national security context, including the roles of various agencies in the National (Australian Intelligence Community), and those of the Canadian, New Zealand, US and UK. Contemporary legislation and key professional debates about intelligence are explored (e.g. the politicisation of intelligence, intelligence failures and ethics). Third, this subject places intelligence in its workings in the national security context by discussing links between intelligence doctrinal issues and their application and relevance to the increasingly complex global and transnational security environment.

Availability

Session 1 (30)
Online
Bathurst Campus
Session 2 (60)
Online
Bathurst Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: JST541. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security

Assumed Knowledge

Students will have an understanding of basic tactical/operational intelligence theory and practice.

Subject Relationships

JST493 Replacing JST493 National Security and Intelligence Issues

Incompatible Subjects

JST493

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • be able to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge of key theoretical and practical intelligence analysis principles that guide practitioners working with national security agencies;
  • be able to think critically about the National Intelligence Community (Australian) and their own professional practice in relation to it;
  • be able to critically reflect on the contemporary legal and ethical issues relating to national security intelligence, and provide recommendations for policy and management action;
  • be able to demonstrate advanced analytical and research skills and be able to appropriately apply these to a range of contemporary national security intelligence practice issues;
  • be able to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise a range of data in a selected area of global/transnational security area; and
  • be able to demonstrate mastery of critical thinking and alternative analytical capabilities in the context of national security and intelligence issues.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • Foundation principles of national security & intelligence principles
  • The National (Australian) Intelligence Community
  • Intelligence: ethical and legal dimensions
  • Comparative intelligence systems and contemporary debates in national security practice
  • The emerging security environment

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of JST541 in Session 2 2021. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Contemporary practice issues
20
2
Research paper
40
3
Strategic paper
40

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2022. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

Back