Talking with Ghosts: Classical Theory and Contemporary Politics (L2014N)

15 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

Do the origins of International Relations lie in a desire to create peace after WWI, or a desire to maintain imperial control over former colonies?
Are foreign policies justified through the ‘ancient’ wisdom of long dead writers?
How can reading classical political theorists lead to innovative new ideas?

On this module, you'll:

  • engage with classical thinkers such as Confucius, Hobbes, Kautilya, Aquinas, Ibn Khaldun, and many others
  • relate classical thought to contemporary events like Terrorism and Just War, the Rise of China, Humanitarian Intervention, Black Lives Matter, the Clash of Civilisations
  • demonstrate how the use of classical authors today allows us to learn something about contemporary international affairs, and provides us with the means to critique these policies and to develop alternatives.

You'll develop skills in:

  • textual analysis
  • working in a group
  • writing a research paper.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We鈥檙e planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We鈥檒l make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: