IWPO 735
4 Credits
This course is an experiential learning practicum designed to teach the craft of intelligence analysis through direct practice. Rather than studying intelligence methodology in the abstract, students will apply core tradecraft skills in a realistic digital simulation environment — the Analyst War Game — that replicates the information flow, collaborative pressures, and decision-making challenges analysts face in professional practice.
The course is organized around five skill domains that form the foundation of effective analytical work: information handling and classification, delegation and task management, inter-team collaboration, evidence-based investigation, and dissemination of findings. Students will rotate through role-specific responsibilities to gain a comprehensive understanding of how analytical organizations function from multiple vantage points.
By the end of the course, students will not just know how intelligence analysis works in theory; they will have done it, received transparent and structured scored feedback on their performance, and iterated across multiple exercise sessions to demonstrate measurable improvement.
