History 450 - JYW Seminar in History

This seminar trains students in historical research techniques and the writing of history, and fulfills the University's Junior Writing requirement. See the History Department course description guide for various sectional sub-titles and descriptions.

Open to Seniors and Juniors in History, Middle East and Judaic majors only. Espionage and Spying in History : Covert information gathering seems glamorous, dangerous and effective. But is it? In particular, is it actually effective and if so, when and how? In this seminar we will read about espionage generally and examine in depth several cases of espionage and spying, both well-known and obscure, mostly from the 20th century. Our main question is whether the information collection through espionage and "spying" was decisive in political or military goals they were meant to aid. This course goes well beyond "cool spy stories" and grapples with historical-political context, case details and analysis. It will include extensive reading and serious analytical writing.