Teaching

I am prepared to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in international relations, international security, and international law. I have also given talks to undergraduate and graduate students on how to use archival and historical methods, emphasizing practical approaches to producing high-quality research.

Instructor of Record, University of Chicago

The Politics of International Law in War, Spring 2027
Grodzins Prize Lectureship, a competitive award from the Department of Political Science to design and teach an original undergraduate seminar.

Teaching Assistant, University of Chicago

  • War and the Nation State, Professor John J. Mearsheimer, Winter 2025
  • Introduction to International Relations, Professor Paul Poast, Spring 2024
  • Norms, Ideas, and Identity in International Politics, Professor Rochelle Terman, Winter 2024
  • The Secret Side of International Politics, Professor Austin Carson, Autumn 2023

Select Quotes from Student Evaluations

War and the Nation State, Winter 2025

Adam Saxton’s discussions were incredibly efficient and effective. He managed to concisely convey the key ideas of the course so we had time for discussion, despite how short the sessions were. I was impressed with how knowledgeable and charismatic he was.

Introduction to International Relations, Spring 2024

He held students to a high standard for success but also helped us get there.

I found him incredibly engaging, he gave great feedback and was very helpful in preparing us for essays, and his enthusiasm for the UN simulation made it a great experience.

Norms, Ideas, and Identity in International Politics, Winter 2024

Adam’s feedback was honest, direct, and insightful

The Secret Side of International Politics, Autumn 2023

Adam was probably the best TA I’ve ever had. He was always very generous with his time and really went out of his way to help out with any questions. The feedback he provided was also clear and useful in working towards the final paper.

Adam Saxton was a brilliant TA, his help may have been as valuable as Carson’s.

Adam was great — he always made insightful contributions in class, and was very helpful in his office hours, too. He also provided solid feedback on our written assignments.

Official TA evaluation reports for each course (PDF):