Examination arrangement

Course content

Based on a historical analysis of different genocides participants of the course will investigate the structures and preconditions that have led to genocide, the involvement of elites and ordinary people, as well as the role of the international community. By discussing whether the Holocaust occupies a unique position among genocides, we also address the limits and benefits of a comparative approach, as well as the problems associated with the use of the term genocide.

The focus is on the aftermath of genocide: the impact of genocides on societies, survivors and perpetrators; the important function of justice; the meaning of commemoration and acknowledgement; the issue of genocide denial and misuse of genocide for political means; representation and communication of the topic through the media.

Learning outcome

The candidate can expect to acquire the following knowledge and skills from the successful completion of the course:

Knowledge

• compare events, preconditions and motivations that resulted in genocides in different parts of the world at different times, identify similarities and differences and thereby formulate "warning signs" of genocides
• explain legal concepts important in genocide studies, such as "genocide" and "crimes against humanity", and assess the usefulness and the limitations of the terms in legal practice and in scholarship
• obtain detailed knowledge of the implementation of selected genocides and be able to identify and reflect critically upon the categories of "victim" and "perpetrator"
• give different examples of how perpetrator societies have tried to come to terms with the experience of genocide and assess how these attempts have fostered or undermined social peace

Skills

• formulate research questions and identify sources and concepts relevant to answer it
• undertake a critical and independent analysis of written and visual sources
• summarise, evaluate and communicate both orally and in writing a complex topic to a wider audience

Learning methods and activities

Lecture and seminar based on discussion of assigned texts and group work. Students have to read and prepare for discussion of about 1-2 articles/chapters each week.

Compulsory assignments

• Blog entries
• Compulsory attendance

Further on evaluation

The compulsory assignments take the form of attendance and jointly written blog (3-4 students per group). The groups must submit 8 blog entries published online weekly. All entries will have to be approved before the students are allowed to submit their individual written text. This assignment will be given halfway in the term, and the students must submit a text of 4000-5000 words before the end of the term. The grade on the individual text will constitute the final grade in the the course.

It is not possible for students who have passed the exam in HIST3205 to retake the exam in a semester where this course is not taught. Students who did not pass the exam, or who did not complete the exam due to illness may submit the exam in a semester where this course is not taught; however, they will not receive any supervision.

Recommended previous knowledge

None

Required previous knowledge

BA in history or equivalent.

Course materials

Reading list, online compendium and additional materials will be published on Blackboard at the beginning of the semester.