As part of the Sage Institute's mission to 'inform the informers,' we offer how-to training modules on open-source political and intelligence analysis for new and mid-level analysts. Political analysis differs greatly from academic analysis, and most analysts are never taught how to do it properly. We fix that!

POLITICAL ANALYSIS FUNDAMENTALS

KNOWLEDGE

BECOME A SPECIALIST

Practical “how-to” on developing specialized knowledge of a topic
​ This module explains how the memory retains information based on the most recent research and includes several demonstrations to drive home the point. The module systematically covers the mechanics of self-initiated learning and provides practical information on developing one’s own resource guide to a topic. 

ASSESSMENT

HUMAN FALLACIES & ANALYTIC TECHNIQUES

Focuses on the capacity for human error, bias, and assumption in conducting research
This ​module focuses on the capacity for human error, bias, and assumption in conducting research. The module demonstrates to trainees their own capacity for bias and assumption and how to detect it in others. Finally, this module discusses analytic techniques used in the intelligence field to overcome human fallacies. 

ANALYSIS

ASSESSING METHODS & CREDIBILITY

Introduces research methods and teaches how to analyze the credibility of disparate information
This module reviews the mathematics of research methods and introduces a system for assessing the credibility of information. The credibility section discusses the difference between analysis, speculation, and opinion, then introduces a practical system for assessing credibility for media articles.

ANALYTIC ORGANIZATION

Teaches a method for structuring analytic intelligence writing
 This module focuses on the creation of analysis and the structuring of analytic intelligence writing. Trainees study the interplay between facts, context, and analysis, and they learn how to develop exclusionary principles and incorporate credibility assessments. This module is focused on analysis creation and structure, not writing skills. 

DELIVERY

INTELLIGENCE WRITING & SELF-EDITING

Writing workshop that explains the rules of writing as well as the process of checking one’s own work
This module focuses on practical writing skills, including grammar errors, comma usage, and word choice, as well as the process of checking one’s own work or “self-editing.” The course explains the rules in a clear, organized way so that they make sense to the analyst and begin to come naturally.

HOW TO BRIEF

Highly interactive lesson that explores overall good briefing practices and applies them to individuals
This module is a highly interactive lesson that combines the exploration of overall good briefing practices with the exploration of each individual’s briefing practices. Participants will be expected to brief a short piece on camera, receive feedback, and then try again.
Although we do not offer individualized version of this course, we may in the future, so please express your interest. 
If you are interested in the course for a group, please contact us at info@thesageinstitute.org for pricing.