History 137 - Genocide

Genocide is often considered synonymous with the Holocaust, but there have been many genocides—both before and after World War II.  This course analyzes a variety of genocides, while focusing in depth on the Holocaust, Pol Pot’s massacre of Cambodians in the 1970s, and the 1994 killings in Rwanda.  In exploring these and other genocides, we will address the following questions: How unique is the Holocaust as a case of genocide?  How do states mobilize citizens to become perpetrators?  Why has the international community repeatedly failed to intervene in cases of genocide?  What happens to societies in the aftermath of genocide?  How has international law evolved to bring those who have committed genocide to justice?  And finally, what are the politics surrounding the term “genocide”? This course is not repeatable for credit if you have taken FYSE: Genocide. Meets twice weekly.

Limited to 25 students. Fall semester. Professor Epstein.

How to handle overenrollment: HIST majors, then to first-years, second-years, and so on.

Students who enroll in this course will likely encounter and be expected to engage in the following intellectual skills, modes of learning, and assessment: Close analysis of historical evidence, which may include written documents, images, music, films, or statistics from the historical period under study. Exploration of scholarly, methodological, and theoretical debates about historical topics. Extensive reading, varying forms of written work, and intensive in-class discussions.