Uses of the Past - Secret History of CIA Blacks Ops

CLLC L220/ Class 30900 — SPRING 2025

Location
Edmondson Hall C112
Days and Times
Tu/Th 12:45 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Course Description

Ever wondered how much truth there is to the James Bond movies or Call of Duty video games? If the spies, assassins, and gadgets are fact or fiction? This course will answer those questions by studying an aspect of history often shrouded in mystery– the covert operations of the Central Intelligence Agency. Each week, we will examine a historical case study and analyze declassified documents of CIA interventions in countries from around the world to understand how the CIA impacted global affairs over the past 80 years. Students will also hear guest lectures from some of the world’s leading historians of the CIA and participate in a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) activity which has the potential to release new declassified documents. Students will finish this course with a historical understanding of how the CIA impacted global affairs and a lasting ability to analyze future international developments.

Instructor: Hayden Kolowrat