DA4110 Applied Influence

This course expands upon the foundational principles taught in DA4107 Psychological Influence. In part one of the course, we will examine a wide variety of influence products across defense and private sectors, discuss the psychological forces at play, and evaluate their effectiveness. Part two of the course focuses on applying these concepts. In doing so, students will develop an influence campaign to include messaging products designed to change the thinking or behavior of a target audience. The third and final part of the course is dedicated to student presentations to the class and wider audience.

Prerequisite

DA4107

Lecture Hours

4

Lab Hours

0

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should (a) understand why and when individuals and groups are most likely to change their thinking and behavior; (b) apply this understanding through practical influence exercises and the development of a comprehensive influence campaign. In doing so, students should also acquire the following educational skill requirements:

• The Role of Information in Statecraft: Students will understand the role of information and how to apply information forces and informational effects.
• Information Strategy: Students will understand the role of information in achieving favorable military outcomes during competition, crisis, and conflict.
• Human Dynamics in Warfare: An advanced understanding of the anthropological, sociological, and psychological aspect of Warfare.
• Special Operations and Information Warfare: An understanding of the principles and pillars of information warfare and the ways in which SOF can contribute to U.S. information dominance on the 21st century battlefield.