History 297SP - ST-Spies and Spying in History

Covert information gathering seems glamorous, dangerous and effective. This is the spy novel and movie image. But is it real? In particular, is it actually effective and if so, when and why? In this course we will learn about spies and spying generally and examine in depth several specific cases of espionage, analysis and code-breaking, mostly from the 20th century. Our main question is whether the information collection was significant (even decisive) in military or political goals they were meant to aid.
This course goes well beyond "cool spy stories" and grapples with historical-political context, case details and analysis. The course topics are mostly driven by cases in recent history, i.e. the 20th century. Each case involves slightly different issues such as war-time treatment of spies, professionalization of espionage, secrecy, technology, security versus privacy. You will be asked to look beyond "starting point" cases to see the wider picture. Students will be asked to consider themselves as learners as we go through the course and challenge stereotypes about spying, students' own expectations, and the way course reading, lectures, and analytical exercises shape learning.