Fall/Winter Timetable

JHP2231H1F L5101

The History and Philosophy of International Relations Thought

Themes

The course is focused on the historical and philosophical evolution of international relations theory. The main objective is to engage students in the exegetical and critical examination of selected core texts. Readings will be drawn from the works of classical thinkers that have most influenced international relations theory and practice: Thucydides, Augustine, Aquinas, Bodin, Machiavelli, Grotius, Hobbes, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, Marx, and Clausewitz. Students will also be given secondary readings that relate to these texts. From these materials will emerge the concepts, assumptions, issues, and main lines of debate that continue to dominate thinking about global politics today.

LIMITED ENROLMENT: Priority is given to students in the MAIR and MAIR/JD program.

Texts

The majority of the class readings will be on reserve in the Graham Library in the Munk Centre for International Studies. All materials are available through the U of T catalogue. It is recommended that students purchase a theoretical overview, either Political Theories of International Relations, by David Boucher or A History of International Relations Theory: An Introduction, by Torbjoern L. Knutsen.

Format and Requirements

One short paper (5-7 pages) due part way through the semester; one longer paper (12-15 pages) due the last day of class; seminar leadership; class participation.