Event—Adult Education

The History of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

Harry Truman founded the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) after World War II to gather information that he couldn’t get from newspapers. Though the U.S. was late to the intelligence business, the CIA has grown dramatically since its inception and now gathers, processes, and analyzes national security information from around the world...

Cost and Registration Information

Early Registration Price (January 8 at 9 am** – January 25 at 4 pm): $240
Regular Registration Price (January 25 at 4 pm – first day of class): $264

** Registration opens online at 9 am. Phone registration will be accepted starting at 10 am.

Members, seniors, and students get a 10% discount.

Register Online

Seminar Description

Harry Truman founded the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) after World War II to gather information that he couldn’t get from newspapers. Though the U.S. was late to the intelligence business, the CIA has grown dramatically since its inception and now gathers, processes, and analyzes national security information from around the world. This course will trace the agency’s history, from its formation to its role in the Cold War, the war on terror, and managing our country’s newest challenges. Throughout the course, we will examine the agency’s successes and failures in order to better understand its position today.
Seven sessions. E - $240, L - $264

Tom Irvine works with computers during the day and has a passion for history.

Materials List

Required:

  • Tim Weiner, Legacy of Ashes, The History of the CIA, Anchor Books, 2007. ISBN: 978-0307389008

First Reading:

  • For the first class, please read read chapters 1 – 7 (pages 3 – 79) of Tim Weiner, Legacy of Ashes.

This class is part of the Newberry’s Adult Education Seminars Program. Learn more about our registration procedures.