Genocide, war and society

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.

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

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.