Syllabus

Course Description

The objective of this course is to familiarize the student with the historical background against which the art of diplomacy has developed. In doing that we will cover a 400-year time span from the end of the 14^th century to the end of the 19^th century. Particular emphasis will be laid on the role of religion in the interstate relations, the overseas expansion and imperial rivalry, the role of trade in the conduct of foreign affairs, the theoretical approaches as well as the wars, revolutions and the peace treaties.

Course Reading Material

Chambers, Mortimer, Barbara Hanawalt, et. al., The Western Experience , Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2007. The students will also be responsible from reading and discussing the material sent via email before each week’s class.

Course Requirements

Final: 50%, Midterm: 40%, Quiz (2*5): 10%

Course Schedule

Topic I: Introduction

Topic II: A Political Overview of the Middle Ages

Topic III: Theoretical Approach: Machiavelli

Topic IV: Political Outcomes of the Protestant Reformation

Topic V: Theoretical Approach: Hugo Grotius

Topic VI: Overseas Expansion and Imperial Rivalry

Topic VII: Theoretical Approach: John Locke

Topic VIII: The Post-Westphalian World and the Nation-State

Topic IX: Theoretical Approach: Samuel Pufendorf

Topic X: The American War of Independence.

Topic XI: Theoretical Approach: Thomas Paine

Topic XII: Free Trade and Globalization

Topic XIII: Theoretical Approach: David Ricardo

Topic XIV: A Concluding Overview

To ask for an appointment or direct an inquiry, students are encouraged to contact the instructor via email.