Module: HIS6107-20 Secret Service Intelligence and Espionage

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Dr Alan Marshall

Module Tutor Contact Details: A.Marshall@bathspa.ac.uk

1. Brief description and aims of module:

A review of the current wealth of popular intelligence literature on espionage reveals the common tendency for the subject to drift into retelling the more adventurous elements of secret intelligence and espionage: the racy escapades of spies and spymasters.

This blurs the important degree to which it was administrative competence, managerial routines, and textual analysis, which provide the central components that can really allow us to judge the success, or failure, of these secret intelligence systems.

This module explores this tension in its historical, cultural, and literary terms through the study of the British experience in intelligence. It begins in the Victorian period and explores the role of espionage in dealing with the Irish 'problem' and the Boer War. It then examines the development of modern British intelligence organisations leading up to the establishment of the Secret Service Bureau in 1909. It also deals with the idea of spy mania prior to 1914, and with the work of SIS and MI5 in the Great War. It investigates the work of Maxwell Knight and his agents against both Communist and Right Wing groups in the 1920s and 1930s. The module then examines the successes and failures of British intelligence in the Second World War, the establishment and work of Special Operations Executive – SOE (1940-1946) and the post-war world of the Cold War- in particular the role played by Harold ‘Kim’ Philby and the Cambridge spies. Lastly, it examines the modern intelligence work from the 1960s until 2000 and studies the role of covert warfare and intelligence in Northern Ireland. Additionally, the module examines the literary and cultural influences on the public view of espionage mainly through the novels and work of William Le Queux, Ian Fleming, John Le Carre and Len Deighton.

2.Outline syllabus:

This module begins with an introduction to the ideas of intelligence and espionage and intelligence gathering in the context of current debates, concepts and ideas. It then examines: Ideas of establishing a British ‘Secret Service’ and the mythology that grew from this.

The establishment of the Secret Service Bureau in 1909.

The idea of spy mania prior to 1914, and with the work of SIS and MI5 in the Great War.

The work of Maxwell Knight and his agents against both Communist and Right Wing groups in the 1920s and 1930s.

The successes and failures of British intelligence in the Second World War, the establishment and work of Special Operations Executive – SOE (1940-1946) and the post-war world of the Cold War - in particular the role played by Harold ‘Kim’ Philby and the Cambridge spies.

Modern intelligence work from the 1960s until 2000 and studies the role of covert warfare and intelligence in Northern Ireland.

Additionally, the module examines the literary and cultural influences on the public view of espionage mainly through the novels and work of William Le Queux, Ian Fleming, John Le Carre and Len Deighton; philosophical belief systems, both past and present, and explores the nature of power, systems and humanities in the connection with the liberal arts.

One major theme is the idea of intelligence as a ‘reunion’ of the broken parts of academic disciplines – subjects possess smaller pieces of a more general picture that combined can produce global, transnational, international and interdisciplinary viewpoints.

3.Teaching and learning activities:

This module is taught through a structured series of seminars/workshops, incorporating some guest lectures and group discussions of set texts, and the ideas and issues that they raise. Further tutorials will also be offered to provide assistance with research and writing skills appropriate to Level 6. Pre-submission of work tutorials will also be available and feedback sessions will be both one to one and group sessions. All feedback on summative work and in seminars provides formative support for students.

Face-to-face contact during tutorials and workshops is intended to encourage and facilitate peer-support and shared learning; there will also be opportunities for joint working. An ability to work together, whether remotely or face-to-face, is an essential attribute in the course both for successful study and future employment.

Students will be expected to divide the remaining study hours between work-based learning and practice for assignments, private study, subject-based mentor consultations and assignment preparation during the course of their study.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: EXAM

• Description: 2 hour Seen Examination

• % Weighting: 40

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Research Project (3000 words equivalent/3 Hours)

• % Weighting: 60