War and Diplomacy in the Ancient World

Course Description

Introduction to the complex and intersecting practices of warfare and diplomacy in the ancient world from the organization of states in the Near East to the fall of Constantinople: c. 3,200 BCE to 1,453 CE. Exploration of the role of social ideology and religion in shaping how the Egyptians, Assyrians, Hittites, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and others negotiated formal and informal interstate contact and exchange. Consideration of how the potential for inter-group conflict structured contact and exchange and how warfare intersected with the internal political, religious, and economic organization of ancient societies. Examination of the shifting frameworks for conducting war and diplomacy revealing the complex variability of ancient conceptions of morality, duty, gender, status, group identity, and the role of human societies within their world. No prerequisites. Lower level of dual level course.

Basic Enrollment Requirements:

Academic Year (Fall/Spring): Unofficial Transcript – High School Diploma or current high school transcript (for high school students only in applicable classes), Bachelor’s Degree, or progress towards a Bachelor’s Degree + 3.0 GPA.

Summer Session: None.

Refund Policy: The refund policy for Courses at Tufts offerings is dependent on the course length. Please refer to the section details to confirm any exceptions to the standard refund policy. The refund policies are viewable here: https://universitycollege.tufts.edu/policies#Refunds

Remission Eligible: Yes; all university policies apply.