Classics of International Relations (DHP-H204)

Spring 2026 · DHP H204 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

Most graduate courses in international relations focus on “cutting edge” research. Without a working knowledge of Thucydides, Kant, or Schelling, citizens and policymakers are unable to place new theoretical propositions into a historical context. This course surveys the history of international relations theory through a close reading of 10-15 classic works in the field. Among the questions that will be addressed: how far has IR theory developed since Thucydides? How closely do theories of international relations mirror the era in which they were written? In what ways are these widely cited works simplified or misstated in the current era?

Course codes: DHP-H204

Course Discovery