Course

Course Summary
Credit Type:
Course
ACE ID:
SAIC-0002
Location:
Classroom-based
Length:
3-4 months (40 hours in total)
Dates Offered:
Credit Recommendation & Competencies
Level Credits (SH) Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate 2 Introduction to Intelligence Analysis
Description

Objective:

The course objective is to learn various collaborative techniques that can be used throughout the analytic process – analysis, synthesis, and estimation – to understand and solve intelligence problems. These techniques help students to overcome their cognitive limitations by using step-by-step problem-solving processes that facilitate collaboration. These techniques take analysis out of the analyst’s head and put it into a structured format so that other analysts can interact with it more easily. Some techniques help to reduce uncertainty about future possibilities, while others can be used to identify indicators or assumptions and evaluate them.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Apply Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) to problem solving
  • Conduct structured brainstorming and red hat analysis
  • Conduct outside-in analysis and alternative futures analysis
  • Conduct indicators analysis and analysis of competing hypotheses
  • Conduct key assumptions check

General Topics:

  • Introduction to analysis
  • Critical and Creative Thinking
  • Basic Argumentation
  • Issue Development
  • Key Assumptions Check
  • Brainstorming
  • Alternative Futures
  • Quadrant Crunching
  • Quality of Information Check
  • Matrix Analysis
  • Pattern Analysis
  • Link Analysis
  • Social Network Analysis
  • Event Tree Analysis
  • Analysis of Competing Hypothesis
  • Team A/Team B Analysis
Instruction & Assessment

Instructional Strategies:

  • Audio Visual Materials
  • Classroom Exercise
  • Discussion
  • Lectures
  • Practical Exercises

Methods of Assessment:

  • Quizzes

Minimum Passing Score:

80%
Supplemental Materials