SIMI Courses

Addresses how organization can improve information management through the use of intelligence applications. Reviews intelligence methodologies used for collecting, compiling, analyzing and corroborating information. Emphasis is placed on methods, sources and tool kits required to achieve strategic information management goals and on practical applications in such subject areas as international marketing, economic development, humanitarian assistance and international migration. Students identify critical issues, problems, and potential areas in which intelligence is applicable and utilize techniques to assist policy-makers in corporate and non-governmental settings.
Note: Undergraduates must receive permission to enroll from the Director of International Studies prior to enrollment.
INAF 507 and INAF 520 meet together; students may not register for INAF 507 and INAF 520 concurrently.

Explores how information and intelligence collection requirements for any organization presuppose sensitivity to the political, operational, strategic, and tactical needs of the end-user. Examines how organizations must identify, use, and manage a wide variety of information sources to meet collection goals. Students learn how effective collection requires a concrete and specific definition of the task or problem and the continuos refinement thereafter to ensure the most comprehensive and accurate collection possible. This course covers the full range of intelligence collection disciplines, including the governmental, academic, and corporate models, with an emphasis on the acquisition, evaluation, and protection of data/information resources.
Note: All students must receive permission to enroll from the Director of International Studies prior to enrollment.

Examines theoretical foundations of analytical thinking. Practical exercises enable students to draw valid analytical conclusions, recognize sources of bias and error, understand the role of personality and psychology in the analysis process, and effectively produce clear and actionable finished product or strategic information management. Ancillary topics include the use of analytical support software, the analyst/policymaker division, and the editing and peer review process. Students distinguish among among general types of products and their applications, produce coherent written analysis and briefings for a variety of audiences, and acquire a solid working knowledge of analytical methodologies to complement their professional skills.

Examines major ethical, legal, and moral questions that arise in the analysis of international affairs, giving particular attention to issues related to the pursuit and use of information. Issues in the collection and application of information in the conduct of an organization's operations and in the broader arena of foreign policy are emphasized.

Requires each student to select a project designed to draw upon acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to produce a professional quality strategic information management monograph. Two principles guide students in their research. First, the conduct of intelligence and information gathering operations in any organizational environment raises issues of equity and privacy, particularly since substantial information is available from sources both within and beyond the institution. Second, an organization survives and develops not due to the presence of technology but rather because it make optimal use of its knowledge base while respecting the interdependent rights and responsibilities of institutional actors.

By special arrangement, students are placed with an international, intra-governmental, governmental, non-governmental organizations, or private sector firm with a section or component involved in strategic information collection, analysis and management. During the 96-hour internship, students are expected to apply acquired knowledge, skills, and abilities to make a positive contribution to the work of the host organization. This course is required for advanced, full-time undergraduate students.

Examines the interdependence of the economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural issues facing multinational organizations. Students gain an understanding of international trade, cross-cultural management issues, strategic planning, international marketing, and financial markets. Trade blocs such as NAFTA and the European Union are examined to assess their impact on U.S. organizations and the economy.

Introduces the principles and concepts of project management. Topics include project initiation, project planning, team selection, project monitoring and control, risk management, and project closeout. Emphasis is placed on how to identify and meet schedule, cost, and technical constraints while focusing on customer needs. Contact instructor prior to enrollment.

Applies basic principles of intercultural communication to the analysis of specific situations involving cultural differences. Emphasis is on the influence of culture on the communication process, including differences in values, assumptions, and communication. Models of intercultural communication analysis are developed and applied to issues dealing with relations between a dominant society and subcultures, social change, and international relations.

Examines current readings in ethical theory and applications. Students take a central role in conducting the seminar, and each will undertake and present an independent research project.

Examines some of the major ethical, legal, and moral questions that arise in the analysis of international affairs. Particular attention is given to questions about the justness of war and about the role of morality in the conduct of foreign policy.

Surveys topics at the intersection of ethics and economics, focusing on the impact of economic and social factors on the formation of policy. Students take a central role in conducting the seminar.

PHIL 253 Applied Ethics II: Business and Professional Ethics

Engages students in an analysis of cases in business and other professions that appear to present a conflict between the demands of institutional practices and the demands of morality. The course presents a Kantian theory of ethics and investigates the cases within the framework of this theory.

Examines the nature and implications of the rise of globalization for the world's political economies.

Surveys issues in international migration and uses international migration topics to stimulate critical thinking skills. Issues covered include immigration and the exploitation of women and children, racial/ethnic impact of immigration, the brain drain, socio-economic adaptation of immigrants, economic and cultural impact of immigration, and immigration and the environment.

While the Global Competitive Intelligence Certificate Program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor's degree, advanced undergraduate students may pursue the certificate program once they have completed the prerequisites listed below. Undergraduate students must also complete an internship